BMW X5 2027: What we know about the Neue Klasse-inspired SUV

The BMW X5 has long been the benchmark for mid-size luxury SUVs, setting the standard for power, style and technology in an increasingly crowded market. Since its debut in 1999 as BMW’s first SUV, the X5 has outpaced trends, evolving with each generation. Now, with a new-generation model on the horizon, BMW seems poised to raise the bar again with a sharper, more refined version of the X5.

Recently spotted alongside the refreshed 7 Series during testing in Germany and Spain, BMW’s next-generation X5 SUV is getting ready to reclaim its title as one of the best luxury crossovers you can buy – assuming you can get enough of it.

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Codenamed G65, we’ve managed to digitally decode the upcoming X5’s camouflage to reveal everything we can before the curtain officially falls. So let’s peel back the layers and dig in.

Powerful proportions

Taking inspiration from BMW’s Vision Neue X-Class concept, the X5 embodies a bold new design direction for the Bavarian carmaker, featuring sharper surfaces and subtle nods to the understated modernity of its iconic models of the 1970s and 1980s.

At the front, a redesigned twin-kidney grille is flanked by elongated headlights and horizontal daytime running lights that scream for attention. A sculpted bonnet with a central recess gives it a purposeful stance, while muscular fenders at the sides – borrowed from the new X3 – house a charging port for plug-in hybrids and electric versions, hinting at what’s under the hood.

Flush door handles, reminiscent of those used on Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, are seamlessly integrated into the window molding for a sleek, minimalist look. And don’t worry, the iconic Hofmeister kink is still intact. The updated design also features a more rearward axle-to-dash ratio, giving the X5 a rear-facing cabin stance. From the rear, the vehicle presents a more monolithic and squared-off look, a far cry from its predecessors.

A smarter interior

The cabin is designed to reflect the upmarket environment of the latest 5 Series, with a curved panel housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 interface. It’s all very futuristic – just don’t forget to use it for actual driving.

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Of course, no modern luxury SUV would be complete without Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Harman/Kardon stereo system will make your road trips sound like a concert, and over-the-air updates will keep your tech as fresh as the day you bought it. Want even more? Exclusive extras like glass interior controls, seven-seat configurations and BMW’s Highway Assistant will be available to elevate your game.

Electrified ambitions

The upcoming X5 is expected to stick with BMW’s existing CLAR platform rather than adopt the Neue Klasse architecture. However, the CLAR’s flexibility allows it to support both combustion engines and electric powertrains.

So under the hood (or rather, under various hoods), the X5 will offer a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and possibly an all-electric option, with the latter set to take on the iX5 name. Details are still shrouded in mystery, but if it follows in the footsteps of the latest 5 Series, you can expect a range of turbocharged four-cylinder and inline-six engines. Sadly, there won’t be a roaring V8 in the standard X5 lineup this time around, though those who crave it can still expect an M model – but more on that in a moment.

Among the many options on the table, you’ll likely find a 375-horsepower turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system, a 483-horsepower plug-in hybrid, and an all-electric version with up to 593 hp. Yes, that’s a lot of horsepower, but it’s a BMW, so that’s no surprise. The plug-in hybrid will likely use a 19.4-kWh battery pack, which will give it more than 40 miles of electric-only range.

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And if you do go all-electric, the i5’s 84.3kWh battery should get you about 295 miles (475km) on a single charge, assuming you don’t drive like a maniac. DC fast charging? Yep, it’ll charge it from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, so there’s no excuse for long layovers.

Expect rear-wheel drive to be standard on less powerful versions of the X5, while xDrive all-wheel drive will be reserved for more powerful models, although its availability may vary by market.

Will X5M become heavyweight champion?

Further down the line, we’ll see the introduction of the range-topping X5 M, which will likely be the only V8 model on offer. It should have the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the new M5, aided by an electric motor integrated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.

And so, considering that the current X5 M already tips the scales at 5,455 pounds (2,474 kg) and the new M5 tips the scales at 5,390 pounds (2,445 kg), with 882 pounds (400 kg) of that attributed to the hybrid system, we’re a little hesitant to ask how much the new X5 M will weigh.

Rivals and Revealing

The X5 won’t have it easy, though. It’ll face some serious competition: the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, and a long list of others, including the Lincoln Aviator, Genesis GV80, and Lexus RX. There’s no shortage of players in this game, all of whom want a slice of the luxury (and almost-luxury) SUV pie.

BMW has not provided an exact release date, but the new X5 and iX5 models are expected to debut in the fall of 2026, likely as 2027 model year models.

What do you think of the all-new look of the X5? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below – and don’t hold back!