PressClub Global · Article.
The new BMW X5.
Tue Jun 30 17:00:00 CEST 2026 Press Kit
The new BMW X5 enters its fifth generation, combining five different drive system technologies for the first time with the design language and innovations of the Neue Klasse.
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BMW Group
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Johannes Lacher
BMW Group
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The new BMW X5 adds another chapter to its story of success. The fifth generation of the BMW X5 impresses with technical innovations, a stunning new design and the integration of future-oriented technologies from the Neue Klasse. This underlines its exceptional status and reinforces its leading position in a segment that it originally established.
First model from the brand with
five different drive system types.
As the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the brand and
founding father of the eminently successful BMW X family, the
trendsetting BMW X5 has been shaping the future in innovative style
since its introduction in 1999. Embodying that very same aspiration,
the new BMW X5 is the first model from the brand to come to market
with a choice of five different drive system types.
In addition to variants with petrol or diesel combustion engines, including 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid models, the fifth generation of the successful model does not just encompass the first all-electric BMW iX5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also set to celebrate its market launch – at a later stage – as the first hydrogen-powered BMW production vehicle. The powertrain encompasses the fuel cell system, in-car hydrogen storage with the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system enables a particularly compact design within a high-performance, efficient drive system with a range of up to 750 kilometres (466 miles)[1].
The new BMW iX5 – the first battery-electric BMW X5 – is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres (525 miles) in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, fast charging, 800V technology and practical bidirectional charging. This is thanks to new cylindrical cells with a height of 120 millimetres, installed in the high-voltage battery and in use for the first time in the new BMW iX5.
“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “And now the latest generation also benefits from the technologies in the Neue Klasse and the widest possible range of drive systems. As a result, I’m sure the new BMW X5 will set the benchmark in its class once again and write the next chapter in its success story.”
New design: unmistakeable presence from every perspective.
The new BMW X5 also takes a major leap forward in terms of
design. Viewed from any perspective, the clear, monolithic and
powerful appearance of the car embodies the confident presence that
underlines its leading position in the segment, becoming one of the
key faces of the brand. This is in large part down to the effortless
melding of classic SAV proportions with the forward-looking BMW design
language of the Neue Klasse to produce a harmonious, distinct end result.
The next generation of the distinctive X exterior is characterised by the upright design of the front end, the vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the new “double-X” light icons, making their first appearance in a BMW. The clearly structured side view of the BMW X5 is particularly impressive, thanks in large part to the innovative door handles, the BMW Winglets. These combine progressive design with functional convenience: recessed handles requires the lightest of touches to open the electrically powered doors.
Naturally, all models offer broad scope for tailoring the design, including eleven exterior paint colours and a precisely curated wheel range that now boasts 23-inch rims. The new BMW X5 M60e xDrive creates visual highlights emphasising its role as the sporting flagship, while the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro provide a range of distinctive features.
High-quality M Performance Parts available.
In addition, high-quality M Performance Parts are available
for the BMW X5. Highlights of the range include striking exterior
items such as the M Performance front splitter carbon fibre,
M Performance roof spoiler black high-gloss, M Performance rear
diffuser aramid and M Performance exterior mirror caps aramid. Also
available are M Performance summer and winter complete wheels in 21-
and 23-inch formats. The cabin can likewise be given an even sportier
look with items such as the M Performance floor mats.
Spacious, natural and innovative: redesigned interior combines
feel good atmosphere with digital user experience.
One glance at the redesigned interior immediately reveals the
extremely high quality of the new BMW X5. The interior impresses with
clear structures and uncluttered surfaces, producing a harmonious
sense of space and calmly providing subtle support for classic BMW
driver orientation.
The outstanding visual and haptic quality of the interior is also underlined by the new decorative surfaces constructed from materials such as slate and glass that generate an atmosphere of elemental sophistication. BMW is the first carmaker worldwide to offer slate as an optional decorative surface.
The BMW X5 incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X. These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Passenger Screen available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen and the new multifunction steering wheel. This results in an all-encompassing digital user experience centred around both the driver and their passengers.
The BMW X5 combines fascinating new technologies with a genuinely feel-good interior atmosphere. This is expressed in the lighting animations provided by the ambient light strip, a central element that creates an inviting wrap-around effect from door to door to generate a harmonious atmosphere.
BMW X5 combines a high level of comfort with BMW typical
driving dynamics and intelligent driver assistance systems.
As the sportiest SUV in its segment, the BMW X5 has long set
standards in terms of driving dynamics – and the latest generation
of the BMW X5 is equally impressive in its this respect. This is due
in no small part to the adaptive suspension fitted as standard and
axle load distribution close to 50:50. Optional extras include
Adaptive Chassis Control, as well as the Adaptive Chassis Control
Professional with roll stabilisation initially available for every
all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid model. This system leads the way
when it comes to blending BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics with
maximum ride comfort.
BMW Symbiotic Drive provides intelligent support tailored to individual driving behaviour. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions are designed down to the smallest detail for seamless interaction between assistance and human driving. In the BMW iX5 models, and in the upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy also enables a very special experience: BMW Soft-Stop, which executes the smoothest stopping action every provided by BMW.
Production and premiere in Spartanburg.
The market launch of the first variants of the new BMW X5 is
scheduled for late November 2026, with the all-electric and
plug‑in hybrid versions to follow in early 2027. Production of the
new models will ramp up some months ahead of this, with
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) initiating series production of the
fifth-generation BMW X5 in August 2026.
Plant Spartanburg has been producing the X5 ever since it was launched – founding a new market segment – in 1999. And now the facility is celebrating a new premiere: the new BMW iX5 will be the first all-electric vehicle to be manufactured there. The new factory for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries built for this model variant adjacent to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg requires no fossil fuels for normal operations. This is just one of many examples of the BMW Group’s rigorous approach to minimising CO2e emissions during production.
[1] As this is a prototype in the development phase, the statutory WLTP consumption data is not yet available.
The German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is funding development of the powertrain and the tank system for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen in the "HyPowerDrive" project, as part of the IPCEI Hy2Move framework. The federal government of Germany is providing funding of 191 million EUR. In addition, the state of Bavaria is (co-)financing the project to a total of 82 million EUR. The funding is implemented by project sponsor Jülich (PtJ) and coordinated by NOW GmbH.
CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
Provisional figures that have not yet been officially confirmed. EnVKV data not available yet.
Article Offline Attachments.
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The new BMW X5. PDF, EN, 416.63 KB
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The new BMW X5 Highlights. PDF, EN, 225.07 KB
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The new BMW X5 Specifications. PDF, EN, 467.47 KB