The new BMW X5.

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 all-electric BMW X5.

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 will come to market with a selection of 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 also encompasses the first all-electric BMW iX5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also set to celebrate its market launch – at a later stage in selected markets, not including South Africa – as the first hydrogen-powered BMW production vehicle.

On offer in South Africa, the new BMW iX5 is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres 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.”

The following models will be available in South Africa from market introduction: BMW X5 xDrive40d xDrive, BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV, and the fully-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive.

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 attributed 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, mainly due to the innovative door handles, the BMW Winglets. These combine progressive design with functional convenience: recessed handles require the lightest of touches to open the electrically powered doors (integrating Soft-Close as standard equipment). Automatic Doors will be also available on the new BMW X5, integrated in the local Pioneer Package.

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, 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 in carbon fibre, M Performance roof spoiler black high-gloss, and M Performance rear diffuser and M Performance exterior mirror caps featuring aramid. Also available are M Performance wheels in 21- and 23-inch formats. The cabin can likewise be given an even sportier look with items such as 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. In South Africa, BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery will be offered in the Deluxe Package, together with Alcantara headliner and door and dashboard trim, to ensure an additionally luxurious feeling in the cabin.

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 a decorative surface, available as standard equipment in South Africa.

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 Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen, and the new multifunction steering wheel that are all listed as standard equipment for South African vehicles. The BMW Passenger Screen is available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time. 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. Extras included in the Pioneer Package 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, also delivered as standard equipment in South Africa. 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 yet provided by BMW.

Production and premiere in Spartanburg.

In South Africa, the market launch of the new BMW X5 is scheduled from 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.