The BMW X5 has entered a new era. More than a quarter of a century after the original model helped to define the modern premium SUV, BMW has unveiled the fifth-generation X5, known internally as the G65.
Arriving in the UK from spring 2027, the new BMW X5 will eventually be offered with an extraordinary range of powertrains. Depending on the market and the point in the model’s life cycle, buyers will be able to choose between petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell power. BMW says this is the first of its models to have been engineered to accommodate five different drive systems.
For UK buyers, the initial line-up is expected to include the diesel X5 40d xDrive, the plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive, and the fully electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive. A high-performance electric M Performance version is also due to follow.
I should make it clear from the outset that I have not yet seen the new X5 in person or driven it. The images suggest a substantial change in character, but photographs can only tell us so much about a vehicle of this size and presence.
A small number of journalists have already driven pre-production prototypes, however, and their early conclusions are encouraging. I have drawn on those reports alongside BMW’s official technical information to build the most comprehensive picture possible of what the new X5 could be like.
I Have Always Had a Soft Spot for the BMW X5
I have always been a big fan of the BMW X5.
The appeal of the X5 has traditionally been its ability to combine the comfort, space and commanding driving position of an SUV with at least some of the responsiveness and driver involvement associated with a BMW saloon.
It was never designed to be the cheapest, lightest or most understated option in its class. Instead, the X5 carved out a reputation as the SUV for somebody who still cared about how their car felt from behind the wheel.
Over successive generations, it has also become an increasingly complete luxury vehicle. The latest models can serve as executive transport, family cars, long-distance motorway cruisers and serious towing vehicles, while the X5 M has demonstrated just how far the performance SUV concept can be pushed.
That heritage means the new G65 has a considerable amount to live up to.
When Will the New BMW X5 Arrive in the UK?
BMW officially presented the fifth-generation X5 on 30 June 2026.
The first UK deliveries are expected to begin in spring 2027, with fully electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions forming the initial British line-up. BMW has not yet released final UK pricing or a complete trim structure.
Auto Express has suggested that entry-level versions could start somewhere between £70,000 and £75,000, while the plug-in hybrid models and iX5 could sit closer to £80,000. These are early estimates rather than confirmed BMW prices, so they should be treated with caution until the official UK configurator opens.
Given the level of technology, the size of the iX5 battery and the positioning of the outgoing model, I would not be surprised to see well-equipped versions move comfortably beyond £90,000 once larger wheels, premium interior finishes, driver assistance packages and entertainment upgrades have been added.
Does the New BMW X5 Look Like the BMW iX?
To my eye, there are definite visual similarities between the new X5 and the BMW iX.
It is not a direct copy, and BMW describes the new design as being influenced by its Neue Klasse generation of vehicles. However, the clean surfacing, narrow lighting elements, large upright front end and slightly monolithic proportions give it some of the visual character of the iX.
That is especially noticeable around the front three-quarter view. The body appears smoother and less heavily sculpted than the outgoing X5, while the lights and grille have been integrated into a more graphic, futuristic-looking front section.
There are also similarities in the way the glasshouse appears to sit above the body, the reduced use of traditional trim and the emphasis on creating one clean overall shape rather than relying on lots of separate creases and decorative elements.
Some people will see this as a natural modernisation of the X5. Others may feel that it has lost some of the upright, muscular simplicity that made earlier generations so recognisable.
Personally, I think it will be one of those designs that needs to be seen in person. The X5 has always had considerable road presence, and the proportions, surfaces and details may look very different when viewed at full scale rather than through a screen.
A New Interpretation of the BMW Kidney Grille
The front of the new X5 is dominated by BMW’s latest interpretation of the kidney grille.
Rather than simply making the grille physically larger, BMW has used lighting and contrasting surfaces to create a more prominent visual feature. The optional Iconic Glow treatment illuminates the grille, while the slim daytime running lights incorporate a distinctive double-X graphic.
The headlights are set within dark sections at either side of the grille, creating a cleaner and more integrated look. BMW has also moved away from conventional protruding door handles, introducing what it calls Winglet handles that sit more discreetly within the bodywork. Electrically operated soft-close doors will be available as an option.
At the rear, the new model has slim horizontal lights and a broad stance intended to emphasise its width. The design is more restrained than some recent BMW models, although the overall impression will depend heavily on the colour, wheel design and specification chosen.
BMW will offer 11 paint colours and alloy wheels measuring up to 23 inches. Those wheels may look impressive, but I would be interested to compare their effect on ride comfort, efficiency and road noise with the smaller options.
How Big Is the New BMW X5?
The new X5 remains a substantial vehicle.
Depending on the version, it measures approximately 4,994mm long, 2,000mm wide and around 1,750mm tall. The wheelbase is 3,035mm. The performance-focused X5 M60e is fractionally longer at 4,998mm.
That makes it almost five metres long and two metres wide before the mirrors are taken into account.
The extra scale should benefit passenger space and high-speed stability, but drivers living in towns and cities will need to consider the practical realities. Parking spaces, older multi-storey car parks, width restrictions and narrow residential streets are not becoming any larger.
BMW’s Integral Active Steering system should help. It can turn the rear wheels by up to 3.2 degrees, reducing the turning circle by approximately 0.8 metres and making the car feel more agile at lower speeds.
How Practical Is the New BMW X5?
The diesel, petrol and fully electric versions offer between 655 and 1,850 litres of luggage space, depending on whether the rear seats are upright or folded.
The iX5 also gains a 53-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet, giving owners somewhere to keep charging cables without having to place them in the main boot.
The plug-in hybrid models sacrifice some luggage capacity because of the packaging required for the battery and hybrid equipment. The X5 50e and M60e provide between 525 and 1,680 litres.
Official specifications currently list the new X5 as a five-seat vehicle. BMW has not yet confirmed a seven-seat version for the G65, which could be significant for families who previously chose the X5 for its occasional third-row seating.
Five adults should have plenty of room, though, and the long wheelbase should create generous rear legroom.
A Completely New BMW Interior
The interior represents one of the biggest departures from the current X5.
BMW has introduced its Panoramic iDrive system, replacing the traditional instrument display with information projected across the lower section of the windscreen. This area, known as BMW Panoramic Vision, can display driving information and selected content across a wide section of the dashboard.
The driver also has access to an optional 3D head-up display, while a large central touchscreen appears to float above the dashboard. An additional 14.6-inch display can be specified for the front passenger.
The concept is designed to place important information closer to the driver’s natural line of sight while allowing passengers to control entertainment and other functions without interfering with the central display.
It looks impressive in the photographs, although usability will be critical. BMW has traditionally produced some of the clearest and most intuitive infotainment systems in the industry, particularly when physical iDrive controllers and shortcut buttons were retained.
The new X5 moves further towards a screen-led environment. Whether that feels genuinely easier or merely more technologically impressive will only become clear after spending proper time with the car.
BMW Panoramic iDrive
Auto Express was positive about the system after driving a prototype, describing the technology as intuitive and praising the placement of information across the base of the windscreen.
The panoramic display can be configured to show information such as speed, navigation, media and vehicle data. The central screen handles the majority of the car’s settings, while voice control and steering-wheel buttons provide alternative ways to operate key functions.
BMW has also introduced new steering-wheel controls with illuminated surfaces. These are designed to remain visually discreet until required.
The risk is that frequently used controls become buried within menus or replaced by touch-sensitive panels that are harder to operate while driving. This is an area I would want to examine carefully during a full review.
Materials and Luxury Features
The dashboard can be finished with a new textile-like material that BMW calls Slate.
It gives the cabin a more architectural appearance and reduces the visual dominance of conventional leather, plastic or gloss trim. A large panoramic glass roof is fitted as standard, contributing to a lighter and more spacious atmosphere.
Depending on the specification, buyers will be able to add ventilated and massaging seats, electric soft-close doors and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
The overall design appears calmer and more minimal than the outgoing X5. There are fewer obvious buttons, a lower dashboard and a greater emphasis on ambient lighting and integrated technology.
It certainly looks modern, but the quality of the materials will be important. At this price level, the X5 will be competing with vehicles that place enormous emphasis on leather quality, switchgear, sound insulation and small tactile details.
Five Different Types of Power
One of the most important features of the new BMW X5 is the sheer breadth of its powertrain strategy.
The G65 has been engineered to support:
- Petrol engines
- Diesel engines
- Plug-in hybrid power
- Fully electric power
- Hydrogen fuel-cell power
BMW says the X5 is its first model capable of accommodating all five.
Not every powertrain will be sold in every country, and they will not all arrive at the same time. For the UK, the important initial models are the X5 40d diesel, the X5 50e and M60e plug-in hybrids, and the electric iX5 60.
BMW iX5 60 xDrive: Up to 525 Miles of Electric Range
The headline model is likely to be the fully electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive.
It uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 578hp and 805Nm of torque. BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
Those figures are impressive for a large electric SUV, although BMW appears to have prioritised strong, usable performance rather than chasing an unnecessarily aggressive acceleration figure.
The iX5 uses a substantial 141kWh usable battery, giving it a provisional WLTP range of between approximately 401 and 525 miles, depending on specification and testing conditions.
The maximum figure would make the iX5 one of the longest-range electric SUVs available when it reaches the market.
As always, the phrase “up to” matters. Larger wheels, cold weather, high motorway speeds, heavy loads and frequent use of heating or air conditioning will reduce the real-world figure.
Even if the car were to achieve somewhere around 400 miles in mixed real-world use, however, it would address one of the biggest concerns surrounding large electric SUVs.
How Quickly Can the BMW iX5 Charge?
The iX5 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and can accept DC rapid charging at up to 460kW.
BMW’s provisional technical data suggests a 10 to 80 per cent charge could take approximately 23 minutes when connected to a suitably powerful rapid charger and when the battery is at the correct temperature.
That maximum charging speed is exceptionally high, although drivers should remember that a car will not remain at its peak charging rate throughout the entire session. The charger, battery temperature, existing state of charge and charging curve will all influence the result.
The iX5 also supports AC charging at up to 22kW, with a complete charge taking around seven and a half hours under ideal conditions. Most UK domestic wallboxes supply 7kW, so home charging will take considerably longer unless the property has access to an appropriate three-phase electrical supply.
Bidirectional charging capability will allow the battery to support external electrical demands where compatible infrastructure and energy services are available. In principle, this could include supplying energy back to a home or helping to balance demand on the electricity network.
The Weight of the Electric iX5
The scale of the battery does come with a penalty.
BMW’s provisional technical data lists the iX5 60 xDrive at approximately 2,825kg DIN, before the vehicle is loaded with passengers or luggage.
That is an enormous amount of mass and will influence tyre wear, energy consumption, braking loads and the way the vehicle feels on narrower roads.
BMW appears confident that its suspension, steering and electronic control systems can disguise much of that weight from the driver. Early prototype reports suggest the engineers have achieved an impressive balance, but physics cannot be removed entirely.
The iX5 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2,700kg, which should make it useful for caravans and trailers, although towing will significantly reduce electric range.
BMW X5 40d xDrive: Diesel Is Not Dead Yet
While several manufacturers are steadily abandoning diesel, BMW continues to recognise that it remains useful for customers who regularly cover long distances, tow heavy loads or cannot conveniently charge a vehicle.
The new BMW X5 40d xDrive uses a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
It produces 313hp and 670Nm of torque, reaches 62mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. Provisional combined fuel economy is quoted at up to 40.4mpg.
The diesel is expected to meet the latest emissions requirements applicable when it reaches UK showrooms.
At approximately 2,355kg DIN, it is still a heavy car, but it is around 470kg lighter than the electric iX5. It also offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.
For drivers regularly travelling hundreds of motorway miles, particularly those towing or operating in rural areas, the 40d could remain one of the most straightforward and effective versions of the X5.
BMW X5 50e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid
The X5 50e xDrive combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 197hp electric motor.
The complete system produces 489hp and 700Nm of torque, allowing the X5 to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. Its top speed is 155mph.
A 26.5kWh usable battery provides a provisional electric range of up to 63 miles. Charging is available at up to 11kW AC, with a complete charge taking around three hours under ideal conditions.
That electric range should be sufficient for many daily commutes, school runs and local journeys, provided the owner charges the car regularly.
This is the key point with any plug-in hybrid. Its environmental and financial benefits depend heavily on how it is used. A 50e that begins most days with a full battery could complete a large proportion of local journeys without starting the petrol engine. The same vehicle driven mainly on petrol while carrying a discharged battery would be far less efficient.
The 50e can tow up to 3,300kg, making it the strongest towing option among the versions detailed in BMW’s initial technical information. It weighs approximately 2,565kg DIN.
BMW X5 M60e xDrive
For drivers looking for greater performance without moving to a full X5 M, BMW will offer the X5 M60e xDrive.
This combines a six-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to produce 612hp and 800Nm of torque. It reaches 62mph in 4.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155mph.
The M60e uses the same 26.5kWh usable battery capacity as the 50e and offers up to approximately 61 miles of electric range.
It can charge at up to 11kW AC and provides between 525 and 1,680 litres of luggage space. Its braked towing capacity is listed at 3,300kg.
The M60e should provide a compelling mixture of everyday electric driving and serious performance. However, it will also be complex, heavy and potentially expensive to buy once optional equipment is added.
Petrol Power for Other Markets
A conventional petrol X5 40 xDrive has also been developed for selected global markets.
BMW’s preliminary specifications list a combined output of 400hp and 580Nm, with a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
BMW has not currently included this model within the confirmed initial UK line-up. That could change, but British buyers should not assume that every version announced globally will be offered here.
A Hydrogen BMW X5 Will Follow
BMW also intends to introduce a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the X5 later in the model’s life.
A hydrogen vehicle generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, powering an electric motor while emitting water from the vehicle itself.
Hydrogen offers the possibility of fast refuelling and long-distance capability, but the limited refuelling network remains a major obstacle, particularly in the UK.
BMW has not confirmed that the production hydrogen X5 will be sold here. Its inclusion within the G65 programme is nevertheless significant because it shows that BMW is continuing to explore alternatives to both internal combustion and battery-electric power.
A Fully Electric M Performance Model Is Coming
BMW has confirmed that a fully electric M Performance version of the iX5 will follow the standard iX5 60.
Technical specifications have not yet been announced, but the model is expected to offer greater power, sharper chassis tuning and more overtly sporting styling.
It is important to distinguish between an M Performance model and a full BMW M vehicle. The former is likely to sit between the regular iX5 and any future dedicated electric X5 M, should BMW decide to produce one.
What Platform Does the New X5 Use?
Despite its Neue Klasse-inspired styling and technology, Auto Express reports that the new X5 uses an extensively updated version of BMW’s adaptable CLAR architecture rather than being based solely on a dedicated electric platform.
That helps explain how one core vehicle can accommodate diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains.
A flexible platform brings manufacturing and development advantages, but it also requires engineering compromises. A dedicated electric architecture can be designed entirely around the battery and motors, while the G65 must provide space for several very different mechanical layouts.
The crucial question is whether owners will notice those compromises in terms of cabin space, weight, efficiency or driving behaviour.
Suspension and Chassis Technology
Adaptive suspension will be standard, with optional air suspension and Integral Active Steering available on selected versions.
The rear-wheel steering system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at lower speeds, improving manoeuvrability. At higher speeds, they can turn in the same direction to improve stability during lane changes and faster cornering.
BMW says the chassis has been developed around near 50:50 weight distribution.
Different versions will inevitably have distinct characteristics because of the substantial variation in weight and powertrain layout. The diesel is hundreds of kilograms lighter than the iX5, while the plug-in hybrids must balance an engine, electric motor and battery.
The early indications suggest BMW has worked hard to make the variants feel more consistent than their specifications might suggest.
What Have Journalists Said After Driving the New X5?
Auto Express drove prototype versions of the electric iX5, a plug-in hybrid and a petrol model in South Carolina.
Its early verdict praised the X5 for delivering “a supremely well judged balance between comfort, refinement and sure-footed handling”.
The publication reported that the electric iX5 delivered its acceleration in a controlled and natural way rather than feeling unnecessarily aggressive. It also found the transition between petrol and electric power in the plug-in hybrid to be almost imperceptible.
The steering was described as direct and precise, while all the different powertrains reportedly felt remarkably similar from behind the wheel. The prototypes remained stable at higher speeds and absorbed poor surfaces effectively, although larger impacts could still send a noticeable thump into the cabin.
Car and Driver was similarly positive after driving a prototype, highlighting the combination of air suspension, adaptive dampers and active anti-roll technology. Its tester said the X5 “felt much smaller to pilot than its size would suggest”.
Those comments are encouraging, particularly given the weight of the electric model.
They are not a substitute for a full production-car review on UK roads, however. Surface quality, tyre choice, right-hand-drive calibration and final software can all influence the finished vehicle.
Until I have driven one myself, I would treat these reports as a promising indication rather than a definitive verdict.
Driver Assistance and Motorway Technology
The new X5 will feature an extensive range of assistance systems.
Driving Assistant Plus and parking assistance will be available, while the optional Motorway Assistant can support hands-free driving under certain conditions at speeds of up to 81mph.
The driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene. Cameras monitor the driver to make sure they are watching the road. A glance towards the relevant mirror can also be used to confirm a suggested lane change.
This remains a Level 2 assistance system rather than fully autonomous driving. The driver continues to carry responsibility for controlling the vehicle.
Auto Express found the assistance technology in its prototype to be relatively unobtrusive, which is important. Safety systems should support the driver without constantly distracting, alarming or fighting against them.
Towing Capacities
The new X5 should continue to be a serious towing vehicle.
The provisional maximum braked towing capacities are:
- BMW iX5 60 xDrive: 2,700kg
- BMW X5 40d xDrive: 3,000kg
- BMW X5 50e xDrive: 3,300kg
- BMW X5 M60e xDrive: 3,300kg
The plug-in hybrid models have the highest quoted limit, although drivers will need to check the exact specification, licence requirements, gross train weight and approved nose weight for their individual vehicle and trailer.
For electric iX5 owners, towing will have a substantial effect on range. Aerodynamic drag from a caravan can be just as important as weight, particularly at motorway speeds.
The BMW X5 Generation Timeline and Model Codes
The arrival of the G65 marks the fifth major generation of the BMW X5.
First generation: BMW X5 E53, 1999 to 2006
The original E53 X5 was launched in 1999.
BMW referred to it as a Sports Activity Vehicle rather than a conventional sport utility vehicle, emphasising its on-road performance and driving characteristics.
The E53 established the core X5 formula: a premium interior, permanent four-wheel drive, a commanding seating position and a more road-focused character than many traditional 4x4s of the period.
Second generation: BMW X5 E70, 2006 to 2013
The E70 increased the X5’s size, comfort and technological sophistication.
It also introduced optional third-row seating, making the X5 more practical for larger families. The second generation further established the model as a genuine luxury vehicle rather than simply a taller alternative to a BMW saloon.
Third generation: BMW X5 F15, 2013 to 2018
The F15 arrived in 2013 with more efficient engines, a more refined interior and an increased emphasis on connectivity and driver assistance.
This generation also helped bring electrification into the X5 range through the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid.
Fourth generation: BMW X5 G05, 2018 to 2026
The G05 generation was introduced in 2018.
It brought a major step forward in cabin quality, infotainment, suspension technology and driver assistance. It also introduced the highly capable xDrive45e and later xDrive50e plug-in hybrid models, which combined six-cylinder petrol engines with meaningful electric driving ranges.
Fifth generation: BMW X5 G65, revealed in 2026
The G65 was unveiled in June 2026 and will arrive in the UK from spring 2027.
It is the first X5 generation to include a fully electric production model and the first BMW designed to accommodate five different types of powertrain.
How Successful Has the BMW X5 Been?
The X5 has become one of BMW’s most important global models.
BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina has produced the X5 since 1999, and the new iX5 will become the first fully electric BMW manufactured at that plant.
By the time the fifth-generation model was revealed, more than three million X5s had reportedly been sold over approximately 27 years.
Its importance extends beyond sales figures.
When the first X5 appeared, luxury SUVs were not as established as they are today. The model demonstrated that customers would pay premium-car money for a large, practical vehicle that still offered strong performance, a well-finished interior and a recognised luxury badge.
The X5’s success encouraged BMW to expand the X family into numerous sizes and body styles, from compact crossovers to larger luxury vehicles and performance-focused M models.
It also helped turn the premium SUV into one of the industry’s most commercially important vehicle categories.
Notable BMW X5 Awards
The X5 has collected numerous awards across its different generations. These are not exhaustive, but they demonstrate the breadth and consistency of its appeal.
In 2010, the X5 won the Luxury SUV category in the Off Road magazine readers’ poll.
In 2013, it received an Auto Trophy award in its category.
The G05 generation was named Large SUV of the Year by Company Car Today in 2019.
It was also named Auto Express Large Premium SUV of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.
The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive45e was recognised as What Car?’s Luxury SUV of the Year in 2021 and again received category recognition in 2022.
The outgoing X5 also remained an Editors’ Choice selection for Car and Driver in 2026, including recognition within both the mid-size luxury SUV and hybrid luxury SUV categories.
The variety of those awards reflects what has traditionally made the X5 successful. It has appealed to private buyers, company-car drivers, performance enthusiasts, families and people requiring a capable towing vehicle.
Who Is the New BMW X5 Likely to Suit?
The G65 X5 is likely to suit buyers looking for a large, premium SUV that can cover several different roles.
The diesel 40d should make sense for high-mileage drivers, rural users and people who regularly tow.
The X5 50e could be a strong option for drivers who can charge at home but still want the convenience of a petrol engine for longer journeys.
The M60e will appeal to customers seeking significantly greater performance without moving to a fully electric vehicle.
The iX5 could suit those wanting a large luxury EV with very long potential range, rapid charging and substantial luggage capacity.
It will be less suitable for drivers who rarely need the space, regularly use narrow city streets or want a lightweight, efficient vehicle. Even the lightest versions are substantial, and the electric iX5 is exceptionally heavy.
What Are the Main Questions Still to Be Answered?
BMW has revealed a considerable amount about the new X5, but several important questions remain.
We do not yet have confirmed UK pricing, full trim levels, standard equipment lists or final option-package details.
It is not clear whether seven-seat versions will be added later.
We also need to see how close the iX5 gets to its claimed 525-mile range in realistic British conditions, particularly during colder motorway journeys.
The 460kW charging capability is extremely impressive on paper, but its everyday value will depend on the charging curve and the availability of infrastructure capable of delivering very high speeds.
It will also be important to assess the ride quality on UK roads, especially with 22-inch or 23-inch wheels.
Finally, the new interior needs to prove that its screen-based controls are genuinely easy to use while driving. A more futuristic cabin is not automatically a better one.
My Early Verdict on the New BMW X5
I have always liked the BMW X5, so I am genuinely interested to see what the G65 is like when it arrives in the UK.
The design is a considerable departure from the outgoing model. For me, there are clear echoes of the BMW iX in its proportions, surfaces and futuristic details, although the new X5 appears to combine those influences with BMW’s latest Neue Klasse design language.
It may divide opinion in photographs, but the X5 has always been a vehicle whose size and road presence are difficult to judge without seeing it in person.
The breadth of the powertrain line-up is arguably even more significant than the styling. BMW is not forcing every X5 customer towards one solution. It is offering diesel for long-distance drivers, plug-in hybrids for those able to charge regularly, a very long-range electric option and, eventually, hydrogen fuel-cell power.
The iX5 60 is particularly interesting. A claimed range of up to 525 miles, a 141kWh usable battery and charging speeds of up to 460kW could make it one of the most usable electric luxury SUVs on sale.
There are reasons to remain cautious. The iX5 weighs close to 2.8 tonnes, UK prices are likely to be substantial, the interior relies heavily on screens and some of the most eye-catching specifications will probably require expensive options.
Nevertheless, the first driving reports are positive. Journalists who have driven prototypes have praised the steering, composure, refinement and consistency between the different powertrains.
I have not driven the new X5 yet, so this is not my review. Once I have had the opportunity to see the production vehicle, explore the interior and drive it on UK roads, I will be able to give a proper verdict.
For now, it looks as though BMW has tried to preserve the qualities that have made the X5 so successful while preparing it for a period in which petrol, diesel, hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles may all need to coexist.
That is a hugely ambitious brief. If BMW has managed to deliver it without diluting the X5’s character, the G65 could become one of the most important new luxury SUVs of 2027.
