This is the fifth generation X5 adopting BMWs Neue Klasse design language that we have seen with the new iX3 and i3, but this is the first battery electric iX5 and hydrogen fuel cell iX5.

BMW has taken the approach of more choice is good with the all-new BMW X5 because it will be available as a petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell car and also the battery electric iX5, bringing six distinct powertrain options to one car. However, the U.K. misses out on the petrol variant.

BMW iX5 (electric and Hydrogen)

For the BMW iX5 60 xDrive electric, it sets a new benchmark in this segment with a range of up to 525 miles on the WLTP test cycle, or 435 miles on the more accurate North American EPA test cycle, but crucially offering 25 more miles of range over its smaller iX3 sibling.

With 800-volt architecture, the new iX5 can charge at 460 kW on an applicable DC ultra rapid charger, but with a 141 kWh battery pack it has a lot of capacity to charge. At this point BMW has not quoted a 10% - 80% charge time, but given how fast the new iX3 and i3 can add a charge, it shouldn’t be too shy of those 21 minutes.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is the brand’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle from BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system with a special “Flat Storage” technology said to remove some of the packaging constraints of hydrogen powertrains. It also features a high-voltage battery to deliver a combined range of up to 466 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

In the U.K. hydrogen filling stations are so rare that it restricts ownership significantly without any real advantages over the battery electric version. Some may say it will fuel quicker, but with less than double-digit hydrogen filling stations across the U.K., and over 120,000 public charging points, the battery electric version would make a more sensible EV choice.

Stats

Other markets will get a petrol version, but the U.K. will get a diesel and a 48v mild hybrid, followed by a plug-in hybrid. All the drivetrains are shown below - with their corresponding stats - that will be available in the U.K.:

iX5 60 xDrive: 578 hp, 805 Nm of torque, 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, 130 mph top speed
X5 40d xDrive: 313 hp, 670 Nm of torque, 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, 143 mph top speed
X5 50e xDrive: 489 hp, 700 Nm of torque, 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, 155 mph top speed
X5 M60e xDrive: 612 hp, 800 Nm of torque, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 155 mph top speed

Exterior

The new BMW X5 and iX5 get a new, distinctive double ‘X’ signature DRL either side of the illuminated narrow kidney grille. The design is described by BMW as “powerful” and “monolithic” in appearance, but I see it with a twinge of brutalism, too. It certainly has a presence about it and will invariably appeal to future customers for its distinguished character.

The aim was for a simple elegance, with muscular wheel arches, an upright stance and a sloping roofline to provide that classic X5 silhouette.

The door handles activate the self-powered, electrically opening and closing doors when optioned.

Interior

Inside, the cabin is said to be spacious and features BMW’s new rhomboid central screen, but in the X5 and iX5 this is also accompanied by a smaller passenger side rhomboid-shaped screen. I’ve not seen those screens in person, so I can only comment from the pictures, but other premium German manufacturers are offering a more harmonious and cohesive design for the multi-screen layout, with Mercedes offering their MBUX hyperscreen, and Audi offering symmetry with two identical sized screens, plus the smaller drivers display.

In the X5 it feels like the passenger screen is an afterthought with its placement off-centre and attached to the side of the main screen. It reminds me of my laptop and large monitor when paired together, albeit wonky in BMW’s case.

Driving Dynamics

The all-electric BMW iX5 uses what BMW calls the “Heart of Joy superbrain” and “BMW Dynamic Performance Control” software stack. BMW will explain that this combination provides “unrivalled driving dynamics” and “an exceptionally smooth stopping process”.

However, the combustion and plug-in hybrid models do not lose out, because they get BMW’s tenth-generation “transverse dynamics management system” which they say will “cluster and centralise all agility-enhancing driving functions – including all-wheel drive”, just as the “Heart of Joy” system does in the iX5.
In short, BMW have deployed some great software to ensure the driving experience feels natural, responsive and progressive, whilst maintaining comfort.

And off the back of comfort, is standard adaptive suspension coupled with a near-50:50 weight distribution. This ensures a comfortable ride and dependable, solid handling.

The M Performance models get Adaptive M Chassis Control as standard, with “Adaptive Chassis Control Professional” remaining an option, which adds adaptive two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering. This allows the rear wheels to turn up to 3.2 degrees and reduces the X5’s turning circle by 0.8 metres.
On this optional set-up, ride height can be adjusted manually or automatically, which is designed to provide greater comfort or increase range.

*BMW X5 - 2-Axle-Air Suspension with Integral Active Steering*

There are some optional semi-autonomous features such as BMW’s Motorway Assistant that allows hands-free, eyes on, self-driving, as well as lane changes on motorways.
However, as standard the X5 comes with Driving Assistant Plus that includes adaptive cruise, distance and lane control and Parking Assistant that has AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning. Remote parking is optional.

Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BW AG responsible for Development said “With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller. 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 UK market launch for all-electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid BMW X5 models starts in spring 2027 and we will bring more information as soon as it is made available.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb

The All-New BMW X5 Available as a Diesel, Plug-In Hybrid, Mild Hybrid, Electric or Hydrogen