BMW has announced that the fifth-generation X5 Sports Activity Vehicle has entered the final phase of its development programme, with the new model completing calibration drives around its production home at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States.
In what the Bavarian automaker describes as an industry first, the new BMW X5 will be offered with a choice of five distinct drive system technologies when it reaches showrooms, the broadest powertrain portfolio ever assembled under a single model line.
The headline act is the debut of the fully electric BMW iX5, which will be the first production model to feature BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology. The system incorporates a new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800-volt architecture, delivering a usable energy content of 144 kWh in the US market and 141 kWh in Europe, the largest battery ever fitted to an all-electric BMW. Power comes from dual electric motors, one at each axle, working with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive to produce 425 kW or 578 hp in the iX5 60 xDrive variant.
Looking further ahead, BMW confirmed that the first-ever hydrogen-powered production model from the brand, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will follow in 2028. Its powertrain combines a third-generation fuel cell system with an innovative Flat Storage architecture comprising seven high-pressure carbon-fibre tanks integrated into a robust metal frame. The system is designed to consume no cabin space and can be built on the same production line as conventionally powered X5 models.
Rounding out the five-tech strategy, the new X5 range will also include petrol and diesel variants with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, alongside plug-in hybrid models. Media representatives recently sampled the BMW X5 40 xDrive delivering 294 kW or 400 hp, the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid at 360 kW or 490 hp, and the iX5 60 xDrive during the final test drives before production start.
At the heart of the new X5 driving experience sits the Heart of Joy, a high-performance control unit derived from BMW's Neue Klasse architecture. The BMW Dynamic Performance Control stack operates ten times faster than previous systems, managing powertrain, brakes, steering, charging, and recuperation adjustments in milliseconds. The technology promises enhanced agility, poise, and precision across all model variants, with particularly smooth regenerative braking in the electric and hydrogen versions.
Underpinning these dynamics is a standard adaptive suspension system with electronically controlled dampers and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. For the first time, wheels of up to 23 inches can be specified, and an optional Adaptive Chassis Control Professional package for the iX5 and plug-in hybrids adds two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering, and active roll stabilisation.
On the technology front, the new X5 debuts next-generation SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems drawn from the Neue Klasse. The optional Motorway and City Assistant provides Entry-2-Exit highway assistance and Address-2-Address urban support, while BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures the driver remains actively engaged, able to accelerate, steer, and brake without instantly deactivating the system. Safety features include automated evasive manoeuvring, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention, and Crossing Traffic Warning with automatic braking.
Production of the new BMW X5 is expected to commence at Spartanburg in the coming months, with the full line-up rolling out to global markets progressively.
Image Source: BMW Group
