The X5 is BMW’s midsize luxury SUV, now in its fifth generation. It has two seating rows and will initially be offered with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with a V8 to follow. Electric and hydrogen fuel cell iX5 models will be offered as well.
2027 BMW X5 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 BMW X5
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 BMW X5
The BMW X5 gets a major redesign for its fifth-generation 2027 model. It sports the brand’s aggressive and controversial Neue Klasse styling that debuted with the iX3. Inside, it’s roomier thanks to a longer wheelbase and more length, and it has a new interior layout replete with new and more advanced technology. It also adds power and new driver-assist technology. More powertrains will follow, including a V8-powered M model.
Design
The X5’s Neue Klasse styling marks a major change for this midsize SUV, one that will turn off some buyers. Up front, the most notable element is the X-shaped LED headlights (that can be turned into slashes for those who don’t want such an overt light signature) set within a high-set black strip that it wears like a raccoon’s mask. At the center is an elongated take on the twin-kidney grille. The blacked-out, low-set air intake is quite large.
Some of the new X5's more aggressive styling elements include a hood with a dip in its center that widens toward the windshield. This theme continues on the roof, suggesting a double-bubble theme. Flattened versions of the traditional front and rear wheel haunches adorn the sides. Winglet-shaped door handles remove some visual clutter along the flanks and they open based on pressure. The rear end features a roof spoiler and wide taillights that echo the front mask. Some might not like the fact that the split-folding tailgate is gone, giving way instead to a one-piece power liftgate. At each corner, 21-inch alloy wheels come standard, and 22s and 23s are available.
Powertrain
BMW has announced two gas-powered X5 models so far, one a mild hybrid and the other a plug-in hybrid. The X5 40 (rear-wheel drive) and 40 xDrive (all-wheel drive) will sport a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that teams with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 394 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. It will send its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy hasn’t been announced yet.
The plug-in hybrid is the 50e xDrive. It uses the inline-six with a more powerful electric motor to make 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. A 26.5-kWh battery unlocks a quoted 44 miles of EV-only range.
The X5 will also offer at least one V8 engine, but BMW has not detailed those engines yet.
BMW also hasn’t announced towing capacity. The X5’s AWD system is meant for all-weather security rather than off-roading, but an off-road-oriented model may arrive in the future as it has in the past.
Interior
The BMW X5 continues with two rows of seats rather than three like it had in the first half of that fourth-generation model, and an additional 2.4 inches of wheelbase add rear legroom.
Up front, the X5 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery and heated, power-adjustable sport seats. An M Sport package brings synthetic leather and Alcantara synthetic suede. BMW will also offer Merino leather upholstery, plus additional power adjustments, ventilation, and a massage function for the front seats. In the rear, BMW pillows will be available for the seats and center console, and heated outboard seats will be on the menu.
Cargo measurements aren’t yet available, but expect an increase from the 72.3 cubic feet of max cargo space in the current model thanks to a longer wheelbase and more overall length. Soft-close doors will come standard.
This generation will also feature nicer interior materials, including Alcantara trim and a newly offered slate stone on the center console.
Technology
BMW rethinks the X5’s interior design with a larger center screen, an available front passenger screen, and a vehicle-wide screen at the base of the windshield called the BMW Panoramic Vision display. This display replaces a digital instrument cluster and offers various kinds of information, some of which is customizable through six widgets. The 17.9-inch touchscreen runs the iDrive X (10) infotainment system, which reacts to “Hey BMW” voice commands and has a BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant supported by Amazon Alexa+ AI technology. The optional passenger touchscreen measures 14.6 inches and can stream video, TV shows, and music, and also let passengers play games. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, and a head-up display will be optional.
The standard audio system has 12 speakers and 280 watts of power, and buyers will be able to upgrade to an 18-speaker, 775-watt Bowers & Wilkins system.
