BMW has revealed that the upcoming iX5, the first-ever all-electric X5, will get the largest battery pack of any model in its line-up. Depending on the market, the iX5 will be offered with a 141kWh or a 144kWh battery, paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
- The fifth-gen X5 (G65) will debut with the iX5, likely in 2027
- Hydrogen, petrol, diesel and PHEV versions to follow in 2028
The fifth-generation (G65) X5 has entered its final testing stage at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US, and BMW will debut the all-electric iX5 first, likely by early 2027. This will be followed by hydrogen, petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid versions of the new-gen X5 in 2028.
Fifth-generation BMW X5: Powertrain options
Upcoming iX5 to be built on CLAR platform, get a dual-motor setup
BMW says the upcoming iX5 will sport a 144kWh battery (usable capacity) for the American market, while the European market will have a 141kWh battery – both larger than any all-electric BMW to date. For context, the iX3 gets a 112kWh battery, followed by the iX with a 105.2kWh unit.
While the manufacturer has yet to disclose specifications, it has revealed that the iX5 will be offered with a dual-motor setup. However, Autocar UK has learnt that the eSUV’s rear motor will produce 330hp and 500Nm, while the front motor will develop 248hp and 305Nm, with a system output of 572hp and 805Nm. The publication also reported that the EV has a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds.
All versions of the upcoming X5 are being built on BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform. For the EV, though, BMW has upgraded the platform’s electricals to an 800V architecture, which supports the sixth-generation eDrive technology that debuted with the iX3 and features a new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells.
iX5 hydrogen and other ICE powertrains to debut in 2028
The fifth-generation X5 will be the first BMW model to get a production-spec hydrogen-powered model, slated for a 2028 debut. The German carmaker has been developing its fuel cell technology with Toyota, and while the first concept car under this collaboration debuted in 2019, the test and pilot fleet hit the roads in 2023. These concept cars produce 401hp and have a claimed WLTP range of 504km. Currently in the third generation, the fuel cell system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fibre composite and is integrated in parallel into a robust metal frame. BMW says this setup does not hamper cabin space.
Other than the two aforementioned powertrains, the next-generation X5 will be available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid guises, just like the current model. While the exact specifications of these powertrains are yet to be revealed, BMW used the X5 40 xDrive (400hp), X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid (490hp) and iX5 60 xDrive EV (578hp) for the pre-production media drives.
BMW has also disclosed that the G65 X5 will sport the Heart of Joy control unit, which “acts ten times faster than previous systems” and offers “remarkable agility, poise and precision”. On the EV and FCEV versions, it will even allow smoother stops and greater energy recuperation during deceleration.
Adaptive dampers will be standard on the SUV. The iX5 and X5 PHEV will be offered with an optional Adaptive M Suspension Professional package, including rear-axle steering, active roll stabilisation and a two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers for a more dynamic driving experience.
Fifth-generation BMW X5: Exterior and interior design
Will borrow a lot of design elements from the smaller iX3
Like the platform, both the ICE and electric iterations of the fifth-generation X5 nameplate will share the Neue Klasse design language that debuted with the iX3. Although camouflaged, the ‘Snake Eye’ LED headlights, connected by a slim black grille and slim LED taillights, can be seen on the test mules. BMW has also confirmed 23-inch alloys for the new-gen X5.
The prototype images revealed that the interior would borrow some design elements from the iX3, including the Panoramic iDrive display that spans the length of the windshield, a ‘Free-cut Design’ 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a polygonal steering wheel. More design details are expected to be revealed as the X5 nears its global debut.
The G65 X5’s India launch is expected after its overseas arrival, and it will be interesting to see which powertrains make their way to our market. Currently, the fourth-gen X5 (G05) is offered here with 381hp 3-litre 6-cylinder turbo-petrol and 286hp, 3-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine options, priced from Rs 95.40 lakh to Rs 1.11 crore (ex-showroom).
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
