2027 BMW X5 Has Bold Style, First EV, and Futuristic Handles
When it first launched in 1999, the BMW X5 was the brand's first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and the model BMW dubs as the "founding father" of its X family.
The X5 is one of BMW's best-selling models worldwide, with more than 3 million units sold globally, roughly a third of which go to US buyers.
After one of its most significant overhauls, BMW has revealed the fifth generation of the X5. It brings bold new styling and its first electric version. It also introduces a new wing-shaped door handle design and drops its signature split tailgate.
A Bolder New Design
BMW gave the X5 a more upright, blocky front end, with a vertically stacked kidney grille, a new Iconic Glow surround, and "double-X" light signatures. Buyers can choose from 11 exterior colors and wheels up to 23 inches.
BMW X5 Debuts Winglet Door Handle
BMW has debuted a unique door handle called the Winglet. The X5 is the first regular-production BMW to get it. Before this, it only appeared on the limited-run Skytop and Speedtop.
The Winglets are small, wing-shaped blades built into the beltline trim, painted to blend in with the surrounding trim. They come standard with soft-close doors and light up at night. A light touch pops the door open, and a gentle press closes it again. Fully automatic doors that open and close on their own are available as an option.
The X5 Loses Its Signature Tailgate
For the first time since 1999, the X5 doesn't have a split tailgate. Every generation before this used a two-piece design inspired by the Range Rover, with a lower section that folded down separately.
BMW's project head, Michael Ahlers, told BMWBLOG the change came down to design and usability. The split left a seam BMW wanted gone, and made the cargo area harder to reach for average-height people. It also drops the third-row seating option it's offered for 20 years.
Powertrains and Performance
The iX5, the first fully electric X5, makes 578 horsepower combined and hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The EPA estimates up to 435 miles of range. It runs on 800V architecture, charging 10 to 80 percent in as little as 23 minutes. It also supports bidirectional charging, sending power back out. New 120-millimeter cylindrical battery cells debut here.
The gas engine returns with 48V mild hybrid tech, making 394 horsepower in the X5 40 xDrive. The plug-in hybrid, the X5 50e xDrive, makes 483 horsepower combined with an estimated 44 miles of electric-only range. BMW's 612 horsepower M60e xDrive flagship stays in Europe.
Diesel and hydrogen fuel cell versions round out the lineup worldwide, but are not available in the US. A V8 M Performance model, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter, arrives for American buyers in 2027.
The Cabin Gets Slate, Glass, and a Lot of Screen
The cabin uses clean surfaces and premium materials. BMW says it's the first automaker in the world to offer slate as an optional trim, alongside glass accents.
The tech comes from the Neue Klasse platform, including the new Panoramic iDrive display, a 3D head-up display, an optional passenger screen, and BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects information across the full width of the windshield.
Driving Dynamics
BMW still pitches the X5 as the sportiest SUV in its class. Adaptive suspension is standard, and the weight balance sits close to 50:50 front to rear.
Adaptive Chassis Control Professional adds roll stabilization and is currently available only on the electric and plug-in hybrid models. Driver assistance runs at Level 2, and the iX5 and iX5 Hydrogen add a feature called BMW Soft-Stop for a smoother stop.
BMW's $1.7 Billion South Carolina Investment
BMW completed a $1.7 billion investment in South Carolina, expanding Plant Spartanburg and building an entirely new plant in Woodruff for electrified X models.
First announced in 2022, the investment expands Plant Spartanburg, BMW's largest plant. The facility has built X models since 1994 and can now produce all five global powertrains on one line. The iX5 will be the first all-electric BMW assembled in the US.
Availability and Pricing
The X5 40 xDrive arrives first, in October 2026. The electric and plug-in hybrid models follow in early 2027, though BMW opens ordering for both the iX5 and the X5 50e xDrive in October 2026.
Pricing starts at $71,250 for the base X5 40, including destination and handling fees. The X5 40 xDrive runs $73,550, the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid is $78,950, and the iX5 60 xDrive starts at $81,250. Diesel and the M60e xDrive stay in Europe. The hydrogen version stays overseas too, though BMW hasn't said exactly where.