Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the Irish market.

• Final calibration drives before production starts
• First fully electric BMW iX5 with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology
• Largest high-voltage battery fitted in a BMW model
• Range of models now even broader: BMW X5 available with five drive system technologies for the first time
• Heart of Joy delivers pure driving pleasure: next-generation driver assistance systems

Munich/Spartanburg (USA). The new BMW X5 has entered the finishing straight in its development programme. The fifth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now completing final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. The new BMW X5 will be the first BMW production model to be introduced onto the market with a choice of five different drive system technologies. The first fully electric BMW iX5 will be making its debut, and this will be followed in 2028 by the arrival of the first ever hydrogen-powered BMW to go into series production – the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Also available will be petrol and diesel variants with 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug‑in hybrid models. Media representatives from various countries took the chance to sample the BMW X5 40 xDrive (294 kW/400 hp), BMW X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid (360 kW/490 hp) and BMW iX5 60 xDrive (425 kW/578 hp) in the concluding test drives before the start of production.

The fully electric BMW iX5: world premiere with new Gen6 eDrive technology.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which features a new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800V technology. With its usable energy content of 144 kWh in the USA and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted in an all-electric BMW model to date. Propulsive power is provided by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, working in tandem with BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: hydrogen-powered production model from BMW due in 2028 with innovative Flat Storage system.
The first ever hydrogen-powered BMW production model, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will hit the roads in 2028. Its powertrain comprises a fuel cell system, the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system forms the basis for a particularly compact design as well as high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fibre reinforced composite, which are connected with one another in parallel. These are integrated into a robust metal frame. This layout makes exceptionally efficient use of the space the system takes up in the vehicle; no room is lost inside the cabin. Another benefit is that models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.

Pure driving pleasure thanks to the Heart of Joy.
The new BMW X5 will offer a new-dimension driving experience courtesy of technology from the Neue Klasse – the Heart of Joy featuring the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed fully in-house. This high-performance control unit acts ten times faster than previous systems, meaning it is able to make adjustments to the powertrain, brakes, steering sub-functions, charging and recuperation in a matter of milliseconds. The result is remarkable agility, poise and precision. In the BMW iX5 and BMW iX5 Hydrogen, this technology also impresses with extremely smooth stopping manoeuvres while also increasing efficiency by recovering more energy under deceleration with regenerative braking. In combustion-engined or plug-in hybrid models, the latest digital and highly interconnected driving dynamics systems ensure the car always makes optimum use of the available traction and delivers composed handling at all times. These systems include the standard-fitted tenth-generation transverse dynamics management system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation, both supported by precisely tuned chassis components.

The wheels – larger rims with diameters of up to 23 inches can now be specified – and the standard mixed-size tyres further enhance comfort, stability and dynamism. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with adaptive suspension whose dampers are controlled electronically for each individual wheel, plus almost 50:50 weight distribution. The dampers can be continuously adjusted, enabling everything from a very comfortable ride through to sporty, dynamic handling. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, which is available as an option for the all‑electric BMW iX5 and the plug-in hybrid models, maximises dynamic prowess. It includes two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.

Next-generation driver assistance systems.
The new BMW X5 features innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions from the Neue Klasse technology clusters. Customers can therefore look forward to significant upgrades and extended functionality, as well as BMW Symbiotic Drive. One example of these innovations is the optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit assistance on motorways and Address‑2‑Address assistance in urban areas. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems from BMW are meticulously designed for seamless interaction between assistance tech and human driving habits. The aim here is not to attain the highest possible level of automation in every situation, but to provide a safe driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and remains controllable at all times. As a result, the driver always stays involved as human and artificial intelligence interact. With driver assistance systems active, this means the driver can accelerate, steer and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance system in the process. The straightforward operating logic and clear displays of BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving is intuitive and controllable at all times, enabling safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.

The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in the background as silent companions. A good example is the Lane Keeping Assistant, which detects t. The driver’s intention based on steering behaviour and where they are looking. The system only assists with warnings and steering inputs when the driver really is drifting out of their lane unintentionally or an impending collision is detected. Other safety functions include automated evasive manoeuvring within the car’s own lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention when there is a risk of a lateral collision, plus Crossing Traffic Warning and automatic braking when turning into a road or exiting a parking space.

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Energy consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.