Update: ‘Design,’ ‘Specifications,’ and ‘Price & Release Date’ sections revised.
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, expected to be an MY2027 vehicle in the U.S.:
Design
An analysis of recent prototypes indicates that BMW designers are taking a different approach to the next-gen X5. As seen in the spy shots embedded in this story, the front-end styling draws inspiration from the futuristic Neue Klasse X concept, which I got to see in 2024. The top-spec model is expected to ride on 22-inch wheels, offering a robust presence.
As reflected in our exclusive illustrations, the sides have large windows contributing to an airy greenhouse. The silhouette, though camouflaged well in recent prototypes, can’t hide the fact that the shape has been streamlined. The rear looks a bit rounded compared to the current model, with a more sloping tailgate.
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. On October 20, 2025, BMWBlog said in another report that the X5 will 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.
In terms of dimensions, the 2026 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.
Specifications
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 version 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.
Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid
BMW is expected to offer the next-gen X5 in a ’40’ RWD variant, a ’40x’ AWD variant, a ’50e’ AWD variant, and an ‘M60e’ AWD variant. The 40 and 40x will have a mild-hybrid system, while the 50e and M60e variants will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
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 is reportedly planning to revisit the powertrain tech that it employed in the i3 hatchback, offering a range-extender option in the next-gen X5.
BMW is expected to integrate components of the German supplier ZF’s hybrid system with its sixth-generation electric powertrain, which features 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
Looking further ahead, BMW reportedly has plans for a high-performance, fully-electric iX5 M Performance variant in 2027, delivering over 600 horsepower from its twin-motor setup. This will sit above the standard 50 xDrive and 60 xDrive EV variants, and all three will use electrical components developed for the Neue Klasse.
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 BMW X5 will debut in 2026, BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed during the company’s Q3 2025 earnings conference call on November 5, 2025.
Throughout 2026, we will show how the Neue Klasse technologies will be integrated into further models, such as the 7 Series and the X5. And by 2027, we will put 40 new models and model updates with Neue Klasse technology and design language on the road worldwide.
Oliver Zipse, CEO, BMW Group (BMW Group Q3 2025 earnings conference call on November 5, 2025)
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.
Prices are anticipated to start around $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: All-electric BMW iX4 set to rival the Tesla Model Y from 2026
The next-gen BMW X5 will compete with the refreshed Mercedes GLE PHEV, the recently updated Volvo XC90 PHEV, the next-gen Audi Q7, and the Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid. In a related development, a new X5 prototype was spotted in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, signaling that U.S. testing is well underway.
Featured image: Wilco Blok/Instagram
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.
