Anticpated at The Aurora, the brand new BMW X5 is the brand’s most versatile SUV to date. The new X5 also marks an important milestone for BMW, as it becomes the first model based on the further developed CLAR platform that can be offered with virtually every type of powertrain.
Customers will be able to choose between diesel, plug in hybrid, a fully electric version called the iX5 and, later, a hydrogen powered variant. Production will begin at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina this August, with the first combustion engine models rolling off the production line. The electric and plug in hybrid versions will follow in early 2027. In Scandinavia, we expect the fully electric iX5 to be the most popular choice.
845 km of range
The biggest news is undoubtedly the electric iX5, which becomes BMW’s most ambitious EV to date. The model features a massive 141 kWh battery pack, the largest battery capacity BMW has ever installed in a production vehicle. Thanks to its new battery technology and 800 volt architecture, the iX5 achieves an official WLTP range of up to 845 kilometres.
The vehicle can also charge at speeds of up to 450 kW, placing it among the fastest charging electric vehicles on the market. The battery additionally supports Vehicle to Load (V2L), allowing the car to supply power to a home or other electrical equipment.
The flagship model will initially be the iX5 60 xDrive, equipped with dual electric motors and all wheel drive. Total output is rated at 570 hp and 804 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the current X5 M. Despite weighing nearly 2.9 tonnes, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 209 km/h.
BMW is expected to introduce more affordable versions with smaller battery packs at a later stage.
NordiskBil attended BMW’s private presentation of the vehicle in Sweden last week. The model we saw was the iX5 40, which is likely to be the rear wheel drive version equipped with a smaller battery.
Although electrification plays a bigger role than ever, BMW has not forgotten traditional powertrains. The new X5 will continue to offer the familiar inline six engine, and in Europe the diesel version will be the X5 40d xDrive. Its 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine is paired with mild hybrid technology, producing 286 hp and 650 Nm of torque. This enables a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h.
The diesel model can also tow up to 3,000 kg, making it an attractive option for owners of caravans, boat trailers or horse trailers.
The plug in hybrid remains part of the lineup as well. The X5 50e xDrive combines a six cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.7 kWh battery. Combined system output reaches 489 hp and 700 Nm, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. Electric driving range increases to up to 100 kilometres according to the WLTP standard.
For the first time, BMW is also introducing an M Performance version of the plug in hybrid. The new X5 M60e xDrive delivers an impressive 612 hp and 800 Nm of torque, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, charging remains limited to 11 kW AC, while several competitors already offer faster DC charging for their plug in hybrid models.
New design inspired by Neue Klasse
In terms of design, BMW takes a significant step in a new direction. The new X5 follows the brand’s Neue Klasse design language with a cleaner, more minimalist appearance, a sharper front end and the signature vertical kidney grilles. It bears a strong resemblance to the smaller iX3.
The front end also features new X shaped LED light signatures, making the model instantly recognisable both day and night. The sporty M60e will also become the first production BMW to feature the M division’s new yellow headlights.
All models come standard with 21 inch wheels, while higher spec versions can be equipped with wheels up to 23 inches.
Inside, the cabin is completely redesigned and builds on the digital layout introduced in the new iX3. The dashboard is dominated by a large angled infotainment display measuring more than 17 inches, combined with a wide panoramic display running along the base of the windscreen. Physical buttons have been significantly reduced, with BMW instead focusing on a cleaner, more digital and minimalist interior.
When will the new BMW X5 arrive in Scandinavia
BMW has not yet announced Scandinavian pricing, but production begins in August 2026. The first diesel powered models are expected to reach European markets towards the end of the year, while the fully electric iX5 and plug in hybrid versions are scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
We also believe that the iX5 will eventually replace the previous iX model, which served as BMW’s flagship electric SUV before the arrival of the iX3 and the new iX5.
