Five powertrains, a record battery and a 2028 hydrogen model headline the redesign.
BMW pulled back another layer of secrecy on its next-generation X5 today, releasing an official teaser image hours before the SUV’s full global reveal and confirming a heavier, more electrified flagship is on the way.
Design borrows from BMW’s Neue Klasse era
The teaser confirms the redesigned X5, internally coded G65, will adopt the styling language already seen on the iX3 and 3 Series. A slimmer kidney grille sits flanked by a new pair of X shaped headlights, replacing the vertical lighting signature used on other Neue Klasse models. A sculpted crease still runs down the center of the bonnet toward the badge, while the rear is expected to carry slim taillights stretching into the tailgate on either side of the BMW roundel.
Camouflaged prototypes spotted ahead of the reveal also hinted at wheels as large as 23 inches and new winglet style door handles borrowed from the Skytop and Speedtop concept cars. BMW called the redesign one of the biggest changes the model has seen.
X5 lineup adds an unmatched five powertrains
For the first time, the X5 range will offer five distinct powertrains built on an updated version of BMW’s CLAR platform that underpins the current model. Buyers will be able to choose between mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid, a fully electric iX5, and the hydrogen powered iX5 Hydrogen, marking the first time a hydrogen fuel cell model has reached production for the brand. The mild hybrid X5 xDrive40 is expected to produce up to 400 hp, a gain of 20 hp over the current version, while the plug-in hybrid is tipped to hold steady at 490 hp.
Electric iX5 debuts with a record setting battery
BMW plans to launch the lineup with the electric iX5 60 xDrive, which introduces the brand’s sixth generation eDrive technology. The model runs on an 800 volt architecture paired with a dual motor setup good for 578 hp, sent to all four wheels. Power comes from a new battery pack built with cylindrical cells and rated between 141 and 144 kWh depending on market, the largest pack BMW has ever fitted to a production vehicle.
Hydrogen version waits until 2028 for production
The hydrogen iX5 Hydrogen will arrive later, expected in overseas markets in 2028 as BMW’s first series production hydrogen powered model. It pairs a third generation fuel cell system with a new Hydrogen Flat Storage setup, made up of seven carbon fiber reinforced tanks mounted beneath the floor so cabin space is not affected. That packaging also lets BMW build the hydrogen version on the same line as its combustion, hybrid and electric siblings.
Reports suggest the rebuilt X5 could also grow heavier, with some estimates putting its weight near 6,200 pounds, which would make it the heaviest production BMW yet, surpassing both the XM and the electric i7. The full reveal, along with confirmed specifications and pricing, is set for later today.