Carandbiketalk: India-Bound New X5 Debuts As BMW’s First SUV With 5 Powertrain Choices

India-Bound New X5 Debuts As BMW’s First SUV With 5 Powertrain Choices

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Fifth-gen BMW X5 gets petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen powertrain choices along with Neue Klasse tech

BMW has revealed the fifth generation X5 and the SUV becomes the brand’s first model to offer five powertrain choices from the brand. The range encompasses petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell versions heralding the biggest technical expansion yet for the X5 nameplate in its lifespan spanning nearly three decades.

The all-electric version will be sold as the BMW iX5. It gets sixth generation eDrive technology, 800V architecture, cylindrical battery cells and bidirectional charging. BMW claims a driving range of up to 845 km for the iX5 60 xDrive. The hydrogen version will arrive later as the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and it boasts a third-gen fuel-cell system, hydrogen storage hardware and a high voltage battery.

BMW says the prototype stage range target stands at up to 750 km but the final WLTP figures are not available yet. Petrol and diesel versions will continue with 48V mild-hybrid tech while plug-in hybrid variants will also be part of the portfolio. BMW has not released the full engine-wise output list yet but the X5 40 xDrive, X5 40d xDrive, X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive names have been confirmed.

The exterior follows BMW’s latest Neue Klasse theme with an upright front end, glowing vertical kidney grille and new double-X light signatures. The side profile gets recessed winglet door handles and wheel sizes will go up to 23 inches. Eleven exterior colours will be available globally. The overall design sticks by the brand’s modern standards without a shadow of a doubt.

On the inside, the 2027 BMW X5 gets BMW Panoramic iDrive running on Operating System X. The setup includes Panoramic Vision across the windscreen, a free-cut central display, 3D head-up display, optional passenger screen and a redesigned multifunction steering wheel. BMW will also offer slate as an optional cabin trim surface.

The luxury SUV also gains adaptive suspension as standard and near 50:50 axle load distribution. Adaptive Chassis Control and Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilisation will be offered on selected variants including electric and plug-in hybrid models. Its series production will begin at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in August 2026.

It has been confirmed that the market launch for the first variants is scheduled for late November 2026 while the all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions will follow in early 2027. We do expect it to arrive in India in the early parts of next year.