Update: ‘Design,’ ‘Interior,’ and ‘Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid’ and ‘Electric’ of ‘Specifications’ updated and ‘Chassis technologies’ added to ‘Specifications.’
The BMW X5 has almost forever been the brand’s best- or second-best-selling vehicle in the United States. Last year, the company shifted a little over 76,000 units, with year-over-year sales improving 5.4%.
The local operations will no doubt be waiting for the next-gen BMW X5 (codenamed G65) to unlock the next level of sales for BMW’s midsize luxury SUV and defend well against the next-gen Audi Q7 and the future XC90.
Here’s everything we know about the next-gen BMW X5 Hybrid, which will debut this summer as a MY2027 vehicle in the U.S.:
Design
As seen in the spy shots and recent images, the front-end styling draws inspiration from the futuristic Neue Klasse X concept, which I got to see in 2024. The top-spec model will ride on 23-inch wheels, offering a robust presence.
Expect a taller, more upright nose with slim, angular headlamps and vertical DRL elements. Those units should flow into the kidney grille through a dark illuminated panel, creating one wide visual band across the fascia.
Lower down, the bumper is expected to use a large gloss black section for contrast, with narrow vertical intakes at the outer edges. As reflected in our exclusive illustrations, the sides have large windows contributing to an airy greenhouse, and muscular wheel arch surfacing.
The rear will mark a major shift from the current X5. Slim taillights appear set to feature wavy light graphics at the outer edges, instead of the iX3’s sharper angular signature.
The bumper takes on a funnel-like shape and adds geometric gloss black elements at the corners, which incorporate vertical red light strips. Performance-spec variants should continue to feature exposed quad exhaust tips.
BMW will offer the next-gen X5 in several new colors, potentially including Vancouver Green and Grey Pine, suggests a report that BMWBlog published on October 17, 2025. The incoming X5 is also expected to do away with its Range Rover-inspired split tailgate when it enters its fifth generation, ending a tradition that dates back to the first generation.
Interior
Inside, the G65 BMW X5 departs from the BMW Curved Display seen in recent models. The large floating central infotainment display, measuring around 18 inches wide, should run BMW’s Operating System X, the automaker’s next-generation interface promising improved functionality and intuitive operation.
We also understand from information shared on Bimmerpost forum that the ‘Ceremonial Light Carpet,’ which may refer to a lighting system that welcomes the driver in a distinct way, and a passenger-side screen, similar to those in smaller luxury models like the new Audi Q5, are part of the new X5’s cabin, though the latter has not been seen in early spy photos.
Recent spy shots from BMWBlog show the dashboard dominated by the Panoramic Display that stretches across most of the car’s width. BMW has removed the iDrive controller, shifting interaction to touch and voice commands, with haptic controls on the steering wheel taking over several physical functions.
The center console seen in early test prototypes also confirms a minimalist layout with a toggle-style gear selector replacing the shifter.
Level 2 ADAS
The all-new X5 will feature next-gen SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, such as a Motorway and City Assistant, including Entry-2-Exit assistance on the highway and Address‑2‑Address assistance in the city.
BMW Symbiotic Drive will allow the driver to lightly intervene in steering and braking without disengaging the driver assistance system, the company has confirmed.
Specifications
In terms of dimensions, the 2027 X5 will surpass five meters in length for the first time globally. Until now, only the China-exclusive long-wheelbase variant exceeded this length. The added space primarily accommodates a large battery pack planned for BMW’s first-ever fully-electric X5 variant, the iX5 BEV.
CLAR Platform
All variants of the next-gen X5 are expected to continue on the current CLAR (Cluster Architecture) with improvements. This multi-energy platform is more suited for electric versions of the X5, X6, and X7, as they are relatively low-volume models, and can be flexibly manufactured with reasonable investments, without requiring a new facility.
The (next generation) X5 will be the first BMW model to be offered with five different drivetrain variants, with highly efficient conventional drives, as a plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and, from 2028, also powered by hydrogen.
Oliver Zipse, CEO, BMW Group at the company’s Annual Conference 2026 on March 12, 2026
Chassis technologies
An adaptive suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers will be standard in the next-gen X5 range, while a two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers will be available as an option in the plug-in hybrid variant. BMW will offer active roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering as options.
Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid
BMW has confirmed a ’40 xDrive’ mild-hybrid AWD variant with 394 hp and a ’50e xDrive’ plug-in hybrid AWD variant with 570 horsepower for the next-gen X5. The company may also offer a ’40 sDrive’ mild-hybrid RWD variant and an ‘M60e’ plug-in hybrid AWD variant.
Earlier this year, BMW inadvertently revealed a number of 2027 model year vehicles on its U.S. website along with their variants. One of these was the 2027 X5 40 sDrive, expected to be similar to the current sDrive40i.
It should have a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gas engine paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing around 375 hp and around 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
An Autocar report dated January 27, 2025, indicated that instead of the plug-in hybrid M60e, the U.S. may get a gas engine. While the electrified M60e xDrive is expected to have a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gas engine, the regular M60 could sport a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 gas engine.
Range Extender
BMW could also introduce a range-extender option in the next-gen X5 down the road.
We’re of course keeping an eye on all of the options out there and seeing whether range extenders are something that we need to integrate into our portfolio, but at the moment, particularly with what we have with the Neue Klasse, we think we’re in a very good position without that.
Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, answering a question on range extender tech at the BMW Group Annual Conference 2026 on March 12
BMW is expected to integrate components of the German supplier ZF’s hybrid system with its sixth-generation electric powertrain, which features an 800-volt architecture, according to Autocar. The system should help it achieve a combined range of over 600 miles, with the engine functioning as a generator.
Electric
While BMW has confirmed the X5 electric, the brand reportedly has plans for a high-performance, all-electric iX5 M Performance variant in 2027, delivering over 600 horsepower from its twin-motor setup.
This will sit above the standard 60 xDrive EV variant, but similarly use electrical components developed for the Neue Klasse. For reference, the iX5 60 xDrive will pack 570 hp and use a 144 kWh battery pack in the U.S.
Fuel Cell
BMW will use its third-generation fuel cell system, co-developed with Toyota, for the X5, and will manufacture it at Plant Steyr from 2028. The system is about 25% more compact, with higher power density.
Upgraded components and refined operating methods improve range, output, and efficiency compared to the current iX5 Hydrogen.
The iX5 Hydrogen will come in a single ’60H xDrive’ variant, as per a BMWBlog report dated October 26, 2025. The number ’60’ in the name indicates it will be among the most powerful variants in the lineup and ‘xDrive’ points to AWD capability.
Price & Release Date
The next-gen 2027 BMW X5 will debut in summer 2026, with variants rolling out in a phased manner. The vehicles will be manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The best example of this is the next generation of our BMW X5. This summer, we will officially unveil the successor to our current model.
Oliver Zipse, CEO, BMW Group at the company’s Annual Conference 2026 on March 12, 2026
Kirk Cordill, the Chairman of the BMW National Dealer Forum in the U.S., has confirmed the new X5’s launch for the October-December 2026 period, while speaking to Automotive News in January 2026.
At the same time, the Spartanburg plant is preparing for the new models, and all of the preparations are on time. We will be able to ramp up production there on time as well and deliver on time.
Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, at the BMW Group Annual Conference 2026 on March 12, when asked about the new 7 Series and X5 rollout in America
Prices are anticipated to start around USD 68,000. BMWBlog reported last year that production of the new X5 is set to begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in October 2026. Bimmerpost forum suggests it is expected to stay in production until 2035.
Also See: BMW iX4 40 & 50 xDrive set to rival the Tesla Model Y from late-2026
The next-gen BMW X5 will compete with the 2027 Mercedes GLE PHEV, the recently updated Volvo XC90 PHEV, the next-gen Audi Q7, and the updated Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid. In a related development, a new X5 prototype was spotted in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive illustration of the 2027 BMW X5 Hybrid
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
