BMW has unveiled the fifth-generation X5, confirming its best-selling luxury SUV will be offered with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel power for the first time, led by the all-new iX5 electric flagship.
Due in Australia in early 2027, the iX5 introduces BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, combining an 800-volt electrical architecture, up to 845km of WLTP driving range and ultra-fast DC charging at up to 460kW.
The iX5 also boasts one of the largest batteries fitted to a production passenger vehicle and one of the fastest DC charging rates yet announced, while retaining impressive range and efficiency. It also introduces bidirectional charging capability for the first time on a BMW SUV, although the company is yet to detail which functions will be offered in individual markets.
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The production model follows BMW’s earlier confirmation that the next-generation X5 would underpin its technology-open strategy by offering internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell variants from the same platform, with the hydrogen-powered iX5 due to follow in 2028.
The iX5 60 xDrive becomes the first fully electric X5, producing 425kW and 805Nm from dual electric motors to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.6 seconds.
Power comes from a new 141kWh net battery using BMW’s sixth-generation cylindrical cells and a new cell-to-pack construction designed to increase energy density while reducing weight and complexity. BMW says a new Energy Master control unit also improves battery management, while charging at up to 460kW can replenish the battery significantly faster than the brand’s current EVs.
BMW claims the new battery and 800V architecture deliver a WLTP driving range of between 645km and 845km depending on specification, while energy consumption is rated between 20.1 and 23.9kWh/100km. The electric SUV weighs 2900kg in European specification, yet can still tow up to 2700kg.
The new X5 also introduces BMW’s latest Neue Klasse-inspired design language, featuring a more upright front end, a larger vertical kidney grille, new double-X LED daytime running lights and flush “Winglet” door handles.
However, it does not sit on the Neue Klasse core architecture, instead using a heavily updated version of BMW’s existing CLAR platform.
Inside, the cabin adopts BMW Panoramic iDrive with the latest BMW Operating System X, a full-width windscreen display, 3D head-up display, 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a new 14.6-inch passenger display.
While the iX5 headlines the range for EV buyers, BMW will continue to offer conventional powertrains. Australian buyers will initially receive the X5 40 xDrive petrol and X5 40d xDrive diesel in the fourth quarter of 2026, before the X5 50e plug-in hybrid and iX5 electric join the line-up in early 2027. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The updated X5 range also introduces BMW’s latest digital architecture, with over-the-air software updates, enhanced voice control and Amazon Alexa+ integration, alongside new driver assistance systems including BMW Symbiotic Drive and the Heart of Joy control system for the iX5, designed to improve braking, acceleration and overall driving refinement.
Production of the fifth-generation X5 will begin in August 2026 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the United States, with the iX5 becoming the first fully electric vehicle to roll off the company’s largest global manufacturing facility.
The arrival of the iX5 will see BMW expand its growing electric SUV line-up above the all-new Neue Klasse BMW iX3 EV, taking on premium rivals including the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, Porsche Cayenne Electric and Audi Q8 e-tron.
