BMW releases ‘official’ spy shots of the next-generation X5, hinting that its world premiere is just around the corner.
Only a Matter of Time
The next-generation BMW X5 is edging ever closer to its debut. After repeated sightings during testing — including a recent Nürburgring shakedown — it feels inevitable that the fully revealed SUV will soon shed its camouflage entirely.
Now, BMW has begun releasing “official” spy imagery of the vehicle, confirming that development has entered its final stretch. Alongside the visuals, the company has also shared several key details about the 2027 model, arriving at a timely moment as Audi has just unveiled the third-generation Q7, the X5’s direct rival.
The Combustion-Powered Lineup
The upcoming X5 is expected to offer five distinct powertrain options: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen. Among them, the previously leaked 40 xDrive variant now comes into sharper focus with newly confirmed figures.
That model is set to produce around 400 hp — an increase of 25 hp over the current xDrive40i, which delivers 375 hp. It will continue to use a mild-hybrid system, reportedly refined further for improved efficiency and responsiveness.
BMW has also confirmed diesel variants, though detailed specifications remain under wraps. The familiar 3.0-liter engine is expected to carry over in updated form, likely with incremental power gains and continued mild-hybrid assistance. However, availability in the U.S. remains uncertain.
Plug-in Hybrid Boost
The plug-in hybrid version will return, now rebranded as the 50e xDrive. While exact battery specifications have not been disclosed, expectations point toward a meaningful increase in electric-only range compared to the outgoing model.
For context, the current xDrive50e offers up to 38 miles of EV driving range under EPA ratings. Faster charging is also anticipated, aiming to reduce downtime and make plug-in usage more practical and appealing for everyday drivers.
Performance figures are expected to remain largely unchanged at around 483 hp, though the system may lean more heavily on electric assistance to achieve its combined output.
The iX5 and Other Highlights
At the upper end of the lineup, the electric iX5 60 xDrive is expected to deliver approximately 570 hp, positioning it above the current M60i’s 523 hp output. With instant electric torque, it is likely to offer especially sharp initial acceleration.
The flagship BMW X5 M continues to sit at the top with 617 hp, maintaining its performance benchmark status.
One of the most notable updates is battery capacity: U.S.-market EV variants are expected to feature a massive 144 kWh pack — the largest ever used by BMW. Depending on driving conditions and efficiency, this could theoretically enable ranges exceeding 500 miles, and potentially approaching 600 miles under optimal conditions.
Hydrogen power remains part of the strategy as well, though it is expected to remain niche rather than mainstream, signaling BMW’s continued but cautious commitment to the technology.
Design and Final Details
Beyond powertrains, several design cues stand out. The prototypes appear to forgo traditional exterior door handles, instead using pull-style mechanisms reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E — a detail that may face regulatory restrictions in certain markets.
Another structural shift is the apparent removal of the split tailgate, marking a notable departure from previous generations and aligning with earlier dealer reports of the upcoming design direction.
As development enters its final phase, more details are expected to emerge soon — and judging by the pace of testing, the full reveal may not be far away.
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