The Bavarian roundel coined the term Sports Activity Vehicle 27 years ago with its original E53-generation X5, which quickly became the brand’s best-selling vehicle and firmly secured its place in the mid-size SUV market. Nearly three decades later, the 2027 X5 offers a revised powertrain lineup, refreshed chassis, and Neue Klasse styling throughout. There’s also the iX5, first fully-electric X5 sporting solid range and charging specs.
Tweaked Powertrains
The turbocharged 3.0-liter B58 inline-six remains, but with some notable tweaks. It now utilizes the Miller cycle to bolster efficiency and is fed by a brand-new turbocharger. The intake ports and combustion chambers have been revised, and the exhaust manifold is now integrated into the cylinder head. Power is rated at 394 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, up 19 and 10, respectively, over the previous iteration, which helps it reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
Dubbed the 40 engine trim, it also features a 48V mild hybrid system situated in the transmission and connected to the crankshaft. This allows for seamless stop/start action, as well as a temporary 17 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque boost in power. Energy is stored in a 48V battery that also supplies power to the X5 40’s 12V system.
For added range and economy, the 50e features BMW’s latest plug-in hybrid technology. Combined output is rated at 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, its high-voltage battery is a 26.5 kWh net unit, and electric-only range tops out at 44 miles with an 87 mph limit. It also blazes to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
In terms of drivetrains, the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission remains, with the 40 available in RWD or xDrive AWD and 50e solely available in AWD.
Then there’s the fully electric iX5 60 xDrive. That takes the new X5 formula and adds in respectable from-the-plug stats for a mid-size EV luxury SUV. 800V architecture, 435 miles of range (based on the BMW’s testing, EPA is yet to be announced), as well as a charging rate of up to 460 kW that can juice up from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes via its NACS charging port. Additionally, the brand says it can add up to 170 miles in just 10 minutes. Finally, Level 2 AC charging is rated at 15.4 kW.
Combined output from its dual-motor powertrain is 570 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque.
Chassis Features
Beneath the X5’s arches are double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension joined by adaptive dampers as standard, and near 50:50 weight distribution to help the X5 maintain the brand’s Ultimate Driving Machine mantra. Wheel diameters range from 21 to 23 inches and are available in a selection of styles and finishes.
BMW’s Adaptive Chassis Control is available on the 50e, which uses a 48V motor to actuate active roll bars that reign-in body roll under cornering, as well as decouple them in straight-line driving for increased comfort.
Additionally, rear-steer is available which can change up to 3.2 degrees in either direction to increase agility at speed, or reduce the turning circle by 2.5 feet. Then, adaptive air suspension with multiple comfort- and performance-optimizing modes is available as well.
New Comfort and Styling
Interior amenities kick off with standard sport seats with heating, wrapped in the brand’s leather-like Veganza upholstery and available in several shades. M Sport-branded amenities are available like on previous generations, as is BMW Individual Merino leather in six different colors. Rear leg room has been increased thanks to a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, and the back seats fold in a 40:20:20 split.
There’s also the addition of panoramic iDrive, like in the iX3 and the LCI 7 Series. That means there’s no traditional gauge cluster, with all projected on a full-width strip under the windshield. The iDrive controller is also dead, and everything is now accessed through the touchscreens, as the X5 also features the 7 Series passenger screen.
Automatic closing doors are available as part of BMW’s Luxury Package, whereas soft-close are standard. On the topic of nifty door tech, winglet handles are integrated into the B and C pillars in the name of cleaning up the X5’s exterior, which reportedly will actuate with ease. Then, due to its angular wheel arches, overall muscular appearance and stance, and clean-sheet appearance, BMW says it appears as though it’s carved from a single piece. But we’ll let you be the judge.
Finally, adorning the front-end are BMW’s iconic kidney grilles, re-designed for this new generation, which are joined by new double-X light icons in the LED headlights as well as cornering lights as standard.
The Next Chapter
With bold styling, more efficiency, appreciated luxury, and an all-new EV model, the X5 legacy continues into a brand-new generation. 27 years is a long run for any crossover or SUV, particularly when you consider the fact that so many models have debuted over the past 10. Whether development in its power- and drivetrains, as well as its overall luxury packaging, will pay off and secure its place as a top choice in the segment remains to be seen, but we look forward to delivering in-depth impressions when we get behind the wheel in the not-too-distant future.