BMW’s most popular large SUV has just grown considerably more ambitious. The fifth-generation X5 has been revealed with a sweeping interior overhaul, a new design language, and (for the first time) a fully electric variant sitting at the top of the range. It is, BMW claims, the only car in its class to offer five distinct powertrain options on a single platform.
A Platform That Does Everything
The 2027 X5 and its electric sibling, the iX5, share the same underpinnings, body shell, and footprint. That is a meaningful engineering achievement. Unlike the X3 and iX3, which are unrelated underneath, the X5 family is genuinely unified, petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric, and eventually hydrogen all riding on the same bones.
According to sources, down-under buyers will see the petrol X5 40 xDrive and diesel X5 40d xDrive arrive first, in the fourth quarter of 2026. Both use a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. The petrol produces 294kW and 580Nm, the diesel 230kW and 670Nm, with claimed 0–100km/h times of 5.3 and 6.1 seconds respectively.
The plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive follows in 2027, combining a 3.0-litre petrol six with an electric motor for 360kW and 700Nm combined. BMW rates it for 86–102km of electric-only driving and fuel consumption of 5.2–6.0L/100km, figures that will matter to those who want flexibility without range anxiety.
The iX5 – BMW’s Electric Flagship
The headline act is the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive, which uses BMW’s sixth-generation electric drivetrain with an 800-volt system, dual motors, and a 141kWh battery. WLTP range is quoted at up to 845km in its most efficient configuration, well clear of the Porsche Cayenne Electric’s 642km and the Polestar 3’s 635km.
Power output stands at 425kW and 805Nm, with a 0–100km/h claim of 4.6 seconds. DC fast charging is supported at up to 460kW, (if you can find one that delivers that rate). The iX5 is expected to replace the iX in BMW’s local line-up when it arrives in 2027.
New Look, New Interior — and No More Split Tailgate
Visually, the X5 adopts BMW’s Neue Klasse design direction. The kidney grilles are smaller and surrounded by illumination, while X-shaped headlight signatures replace the traditional angel-eye rings. New winglet-style door handles integrate flush into the body, incorporating release buttons on their inner face.
Inside, the familiar instrument cluster is gone. In its place sits a slim projection display across the base of the windscreen, paired with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, a 3D head-up display, and a front passenger screen. Natural materials including glass and slate make their BMW debut here.
Boot space is 655 litres with seats up and 1,850 litres folded for petrol, diesel, and electric variants. The plug-in hybrid gives up a little room (525 and 1,680 litres) to accommodate its battery. One notable change: the split tailgate is gone, replaced by a conventional single-piece, power-operated item. Expect some debate about that.
What It Means for you
BMW is betting that offering every major powertrain type in a single model will keep the X5 relevant as buyer preferences continue to shift. Pricing has not been confirmed, but BMW is clearly positioning 2027 as a pivotal year for its global electric ambitions.
