The new BMW X5.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the Irish market. 

The original BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) enters a new era with the all-new fifth-generation BMW X5, fusing a bold new design with the future-focused technologies of the Neue Klasse. The BMW X5 has consistently set industry benchmarks since its launch in 1999 and this latest iteration continues that legacy as the first BMW model engineered to support five different drive systems, including hydrogen, as part of its global line-up.

In addition to a diesel model – with 48V mild hybrid technology – and plug-in hybrid derivatives, the new BMW X5 is available with an all-electric powertrain for the first time as the BMW iX5. It features sixth generation BMW eDrive technology with new, taller cylindrical cells, enabling a single-charge range of up to 525 miles (WLTP) in the 60 xDrive and up to 460 kW DC charging. Some global markets will also introduce a petrol variant of the new BMW X5. 

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen will complete the lineup as the brand’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle. It combines BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system, BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and an innovative high-voltage battery to deliver a range of up to 466 miles¹.

“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 BW 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.”

The new BMW X5 introduces an all-new design with a powerful, monolithic appearance that blends classic BMW SAV proportions with contemporary Neue Klasse design language. Elegant, reduced and robust, the exterior is characterised by an upright front end with the BMW Iconic Glow vertical kidney grille and debuts new switchable ‘double-X’ icons for the daytime running lights. The side profile features a contoured silhouette with a sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches and expansive soft-close doors where new BMW Winglet door handles can be used to operate new electrically powered doors, if specified. Wide shoulders and a recessed glasshouse – delivering improved aerodynamics and efficiency – feature at the rear, alongside intricately-designed taillights which extend across almost the entire width of the vehicle.

Moving inside, the BMW X5’s spacious cabin receives a completely new design with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces – optimised entirely around the driver. Innovative and natural materials help create a contemporary interior feel. Available options include slate, used as a decorative surface by an automotive manufacturer for the first time, alongside glass and model-specific details such as X stitching in the doors and dashboard. A new wrap-around cockpit introduces a 3D backlit ambient light strip and sets the stage for BMW Panoramic iDrive, bringing together the free-cut Central Display, BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the multifunction steering wheel. The system is complemented by the BMW Passenger Screen, which makes its debut on the BMW X5 – available optionally.

Standard interior features include a large panoramic sunroof and Sports seats with enhanced quilting, while optional multifunction seats offer ventilation and massage functionality – available in BMW Individual Merino Leather. A new range of steering wheels, crafted from premium materials, offer haptic feedback through shy tech controls, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. A Smoke White BMW Individual steering wheel can also be specified in conjunction with the Smoke White Merino Leather interior design. Four-zone climate control, rear seat heating and front-seat ventilation, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos support are also optionally available. Rear passengers benefit from an updated Travel & Comfort system, including optional magnetic holders for attaching smartphones and other devices to the back of the front seats.

BMW X5 customers have broad scope for personalisation, with eleven exterior paint choices and an attractive alloy wheel portfolio in sizes up to 23 inches. Customers choosing M Sport, M Sport Pro and M Performance models benefit from a variety of model-specific design features.

BMW X5   customers  in  Ireland   will have the choice of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and  highly efficient   diesel  engine  drivetrains  at launch .  The all-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive  offers  a   class-leading  range of up to  845 - km  (WLTP)  and a system output of 578 hp, enabled by two electric motors .  Gen6  technology introduces new ,   taller  cylindrical cells with a height of 120 mm  –  offering a higher energy content  – a large 141 kWh  (net) high-voltage battery  in a cell-to-pack design ,  an increased charging rate of up to 460 kW and bidirectional charging  capabilit ies .  A  fully electric  M Performance model will  later  join the lineup.    
 
Customers can select from t wo plug-in hybrid  derivatives : the BMW X5  50e xDrive and the BMW X5 M60e xDrive.  Both models  team  the latest  3.0-litre  six-cylinder petrol engines  – featuring  a new turbo charger  –  with  a synchronous electric motor  with a nominal output of 197 hp.   The motor draws its energy from a high-voltage  lithium-ion  battery ,  stor ing  26.5 kWh of usable energy   to enable up to  101   km  (WLTP) of all-electric range.  The  flagship  BMW X5 M60e xDrive  has a combined system output   of  612 hp and 800 Nm of torque,  resulting in 0- 100   k ph in just 4.5 seconds.    
 
The BMW X5 40d xDrive  is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with BMW  EfficientDynamics  technology  and two-stage turbocharging.  It delivers a peak torque of 670 Nm   with the assistance of  a  48V mild hybrid system  and a combined fuel consumption of up to  7 l/100km 2  (WLTP  figure measured  under  EU6e emissions regulations . This model will be retested to  EU7 standard before  Ireland  market launch ).  The latest BMW diesel engines are  compatibl e with renewable fuels  bringing  reduced  CO₂ emissions .  For example, the   HVO100 fuel used for the initial fill  following  production offers a reduction of up to about 90 per cent compared to conventional diesel fuel. 

^{*All figures relating to output, charging capacity, performance, energy consumption and range are provisional. **Electronically limited.}

The fifth-generation BMW X5 fuses an engaging drive and outstanding levels of comfort. The all-electric BMW iX5 harnesses the Heart of Joy superbrain and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack to provide unrivalled driving dynamics and, thanks to BMW Symbiotic Drive, an exceptionally smooth stopping process. Combustion and plug-in hybrid models utilise BMW’s tenth-generation transverse dynamics management system to cluster and centralise all agility-enhancing driving functions – including all-wheel drive – as the Heart of Joy does in the BMW iX5.

All models are equipped with adaptive suspension as standard and benefit from a near-50:50 weight distribution for assured and comfortable handling. Adaptive M Chassis Control is standard-fit for the M Performance model, where Adaptive Chassis Control Professional can be specified, adding adaptive two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering – enabling the rear wheels to turn up to 3.2 degrees and reducing vehicle’s turning circle by approximately 0.8 metres. Ride height can be adjusted manually or automatically to enhance comfort or increase range, depending on the chosen settings.

The fifth-generation X5 is equipped with a selection of advanced driver assistance systems. BMW Symbiotic Drive enables seamless interaction between driver assistance systems and driver input. The driver can accelerate, steer or brake in their own style without deactivating the active assistance system. Available optionally, Motorway Assistant supports hands-free Level 2 driving assistance up to the permitted speed limit, with a maximum speed of 81 mph. Automated lane changes are also possible, once confirmed by a deliberate look in the relevant side mirror. Standard for all models is Driving Assistant Plus – bringing adaptive cruise, distance and lane control – and Parking Assistant with AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning. Optional Parking Assistant Professional adds remote-control parking functionality via a compatible smartphone using the My BMW app.

All model variants will be produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States, which has been producing the BMW X5 since its launch in 1999. The BMW iX5 will be the first all-electric BMW to be produced at the site. Its high-voltage batteries will be manufactured locally at a new production plant, where no fossil fuels are required during normal operations.
The new BMW X5 celebrated its world premiere at the Home of X, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg on 30 June, 2026. The UK market launch for all-electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid BMW X5 models commences in spring 2027.


For further information, please see the BMW AG global press release which is attached below.

Ends


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.

2. Based on EU6e standard EU emissions regulations. The BMW X5 40d xDrive will be launched in the UK in accordance with EU7e regulations.

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

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For further information please contact:

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk