The new BMW X5 adds another chapter to its story of success. The fifth generation of the BMW X5 impresses with technical innovations, a stunning new design and the integration of future-oriented technologies from the Neue Klasse. This underlines its exceptional status and reinforces its leading position in a segment that it originally established.

First model from the brand with five different drive system types.
As the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the brand and founding father of the eminently successful BMW X family, the trendsetting BMW X5 has been shaping the future in innovative style since its introduction in 1999. Embodying that very same aspiration, the new BMW X5 is the first model from the brand to come to market with a choice of five different drive system types.

In addition to variants with petrol or diesel combustion engines, including 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid models, the fifth generation of the successful model does not just encompass the first all-electric BMW iX5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also set to celebrate its market launch – at a later stage – as the first hydrogen-powered BMW production vehicle. The powertrain encompasses the fuel cell system, in-car hydrogen storage with the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system enables a particularly compact design within a high-performance, efficient drive system with a range of up to 750 kilometres (466 miles)[1].

The new BMW iX5 – the first battery-electric BMW X5 – is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres (525 miles) in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, fast charging, 800V technology and practical bidirectional charging. This is thanks to new cylindrical cells with a height of 120 millimetres, installed in the high-voltage battery and in use for the first time in the new BMW iX5.

“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “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.”

New design: unmistakeable presence from every perspective.
The new BMW X5 also takes a major leap forward in terms of design. Viewed from any perspective, the clear, monolithic and powerful appearance of the car embodies the confident presence that underlines its leading position in the segment, becoming one of the key faces of the brand. This is in large part down to the effortless melding of classic SAV proportions with the forward-looking BMW design language of the Neue Klasse to produce a harmonious, distinct end result.

The next generation of the distinctive X exterior is characterised by the upright design of the front end, the vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the new “double-X” light icons, making their first appearance in a BMW. The clearly structured side view of the BMW X5 is particularly impressive, thanks in large part to the innovative door handles, the BMW Winglets. These combine progressive design with functional convenience: recessed handles requires the lightest of touches to open the electrically powered doors.

Naturally, all models offer broad scope for tailoring the design, including eleven exterior paint colours and a precisely curated wheel range that now boasts 23-inch rims. The new BMW X5 M60e xDrive creates visual highlights emphasising its role as the sporting flagship, while the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro provide a range of distinctive features.

High-quality M Performance Parts available.
In addition, high-quality M Performance Parts are available for the BMW X5. Highlights of the range include striking exterior items such as the M Performance front splitter carbon fibre, M Performance roof spoiler black high-gloss, M Performance rear diffuser aramid and M Performance exterior mirror caps aramid. Also available are M Performance summer and winter complete wheels in 21- and 23-inch formats. The cabin can likewise be given an even sportier look with items such as the M Performance floor mats.

Spacious, natural and innovative: redesigned interior combines feel good atmosphere with digital user experience.
One glance at the redesigned interior immediately reveals the extremely high quality of the new BMW X5. The interior impresses with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces, producing a harmonious sense of space and calmly providing subtle support for classic BMW driver orientation.

The outstanding visual and haptic quality of the interior is also underlined by the new decorative surfaces constructed from materials such as slate and glass that generate an atmosphere of elemental sophistication. BMW is the first carmaker worldwide to offer slate as an optional decorative surface.

The BMW X5 incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X. These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Passenger Screen available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen and the new multifunction steering wheel. This results in an all-encompassing digital user experience centred around both the driver and their passengers.

The BMW X5 combines fascinating new technologies with a genuinely feel-good interior atmosphere. This is expressed in the lighting animations provided by the ambient light strip, a central element that creates an inviting wrap-around effect from door to door to generate a harmonious atmosphere.

BMW X5 combines a high level of comfort with BMW typical driving dynamics and intelligent driver assistance systems.
As the sportiest SUV in its segment, the BMW X5 has long set standards in terms of driving dynamics – and the latest generation of the BMW X5 is equally impressive in its this respect. This is due in no small part to the adaptive suspension fitted as standard and axle load distribution close to 50:50. Optional extras include Adaptive Chassis Control, as well as the Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilisation initially available for every all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid model. This system leads the way when it comes to blending BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics with maximum ride comfort.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides intelligent support tailored to individual driving behaviour. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions are designed down to the smallest detail for seamless interaction between assistance and human driving. In the BMW iX5 models, and in the upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy also enables a very special experience: BMW Soft-Stop, which executes the smoothest stopping action every provided by BMW.

Production and premiere in Spartanburg.
The market launch of the first variants of the new BMW X5 is scheduled for late November 2026, with the all-electric and plug‑in hybrid versions to follow in early 2027. Production of the new models will ramp up some months ahead of this, with BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) initiating series production of the fifth-generation BMW X5 in August 2026.

Plant Spartanburg has been producing the X5 ever since it was launched – founding a new market segment – in 1999. And now the facility is celebrating a new premiere: the new BMW iX5 will be the first all-electric vehicle to be manufactured there. The new factory for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries built for this model variant adjacent to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg requires no fossil fuels for normal operations. This is just one of many examples of the BMW Group’s rigorous approach to minimising CO₂e emissions during production.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced the opening of its new BMW Group showroom in Riyadh. Based on BMW Group’s Retail.Next framework, the principles underpinning the design philosophy include more flexible and stylish interiors, with multi-functional areas and open spaces, and a seamless integration of all customer touchpoints.

The showroom unveiling also saw the debut of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet in the Middle East, which is set to demonstrate the reliability and suitability of alternative emissions-free drive systems for everyday use across the region. Media and industry stakeholders were one of the very first to gain a direct impression of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen through an interactive workshop and driving experiences.

Sheikh Mohammed Naghi, Chairman of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, said: “I am delighted to open the doors to our new facility, which truly reimagines the traditional showroom experience. Our customers can expect a completely different retail journey – one based on creating a memorable and authentic brand experience. The opening of this showroom is a big milestone in our partnership with BMW Group as we continue working hand-in-hand to deliver excellence for our customers.” 

Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior Vice President, Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa at BMW Group, said: “I would like to congratulate MYNM on inaugurating the first Retail.Next showroom in the Kingdom. The new facility will offer our Riyadh-based customers the infrastructure required for all their current and future premium motoring needs, allowing for a seamless journey based on both physical and digital points of interaction”.

Transforming traditional automotive showrooms into carefully designed conversational spaces, the Retail.Next concept puts the spotlight on the most advanced BMW Group models with unique lighting and lounge-like seating.

The strategy overhauls the buying process with salespeople interacting with customers at the vehicle displays – abandoning traditional sales cubicles to embrace the spirit of discovery and adventure that lies at the heart of every vehicle.

The service centre comprises of 18 work bays, including one exclusively for fast-tracked queues, providing the capacity to service up to 60 vehicles per day.

Commenting on the Middle East debut of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, Parain added: “Today also marks a major milestone in our pursuit to transition towards sustainable mobility in the region. Through a series of initiatives across Middle East markets, the pilot fleet will prove the importance of considering hydrogen as an alternative emissions-free drivetrain. Knowing that not all markets will have the ability to fully adopt battery electric vehicles, hydrogen will play a critical role in complimenting electromobility. This will offer such markets a smoother transition to zero-emissions mobility.”

With hydrogen being one of the most efficient options for storing and transporting renewable energy, it is expected to contribute in achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to play a major role as a fuel in this region of the world.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen

Based on the current BMW X5, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Its centrepiece is the highly efficient next-generation fuel-cell system, generating a high continuous output of 170 hp. In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the powertrain channels maximum output of 401 hp onto the road.

Hydrogen Allows Rapid Refuelling

The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel-cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so the BMW iX5 Hydrogen can also provide the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned over long distances, with just a few brief stops along the way. This proves to be a necessary advantage in areas which will face limitations with EV charging infrastructure.