2027 BMW X5 Debuts With Five Powertrain Options Worldwide

BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5 with five powertrain options, including EV and hydrogen variants

BMW has pulled the covers off the fifth-generation X5, and this new version brings something no previous X5 has offered before. For the first time in the model's nearly three-decade history, the X5 will be available with five different powertrain options covering petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Production is set to begin at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in August 2026, with the first variants reaching markets in late November 2026.

Five Powertrains, One SUV

The fifth-generation X5 is the first BMW model to carry such a wide range of drivetrain options under a single nameplate. Petrol and diesel versions will continue with 48V mild-hybrid technology. Plug-in hybrid variants will also be part of the lineup. The range also expands into two zero-emission options: a fully electric iX5 and a hydrogen fuel-cell variant, marking a significant step forward for the X5 lineup.

BMW has confirmed four variant names so far: the X5 40 xDrive, X5 40d xDrive, X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive. A full engine-wise output list has not been released yet.

The All-Electric iX5

The battery-electric model will be sold as the BMW iX5. It uses sixth-generation eDrive technology built on an 800V architecture with cylindrical battery cells. The iX5 also supports bidirectional charging, which means it can send power back to the grid or to other devices.

BMW claims a driving range of up to 845 km for the iX5 60 xDrive, which, if achieved in production, would make it one of the longest-range electric SUVs in its segment.

The Hydrogen iX5 Comes Later

A hydrogen fuel-cell version, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will follow at a later stage. It uses a third-generation fuel-cell system along with dedicated hydrogen storage hardware and a high-voltage battery. BMW is targeting a range of up to 750 km for the prototype, although the final WLTP figure will be confirmed closer to production.

Exterior Design Follows Neue Klasse Direction

On the outside, the fifth-generation X5 takes on BMW's latest Neue Klasse design language. The front end sits more upright than before and gets a glowing vertical kidney grille along with new double-X light signatures. The side profile features recessed winglet door handles, and wheel sizes can go up to 23 inches depending on the variant. Buyers will have eleven exterior colour options to choose from in global markets.

A New Interior Setup

Inside the cabin, the 2027 X5 runs BMW Panoramic iDrive on Operating System X. The setup includes Panoramic Vision that stretches across the windscreen, a free-cut central display and a 3D head-up display. An optional passenger screen and a redesigned multifunction steering wheel are also part of the package. BMW will also offer slate trim as an optional interior finish.

Chassis And Suspension

The new X5 gets adaptive suspension fitted as standard. BMW has also worked on the weight distribution, targeting a near 50:50 axle load balance. Adaptive Chassis Control and the more advanced Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, which adds roll stabilisation, will be available on selected variants. These advanced chassis systems will initially be offered on the electric and plug-in hybrid variants.

Launch Timeline And India Arrival

Series production of the fifth-generation X5 gets underway at BMW's Spartanburg plant in August 2026. The petrol and diesel variants are scheduled to reach global markets in late November 2026, while the all-electric iX5 and plug-in hybrid versions will follow in early 2027. The X5 is expected to make its way to India in the early part of next year.

Which Versions Are Likely To Come To India?

It is unlikely that all five powertrain options will make their way to India, with the hydrogen version being the clearest example. BMW has been developing hydrogen fuel-cell technology for more than two decades and even introduced the previous iX5 Hydrogen in limited numbers in a few international markets. However, with almost no public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in India, the new iX5 Hydrogen is best seen as a showcase of BMW's future technology rather than a model expected to reach local showrooms anytime soon.

The iX5's claimed range of up to 845 km also needs a little context. That figure is based on the WLTP test cycle, which is generally more optimistic than everyday driving conditions. Real-world range will vary depending on traffic, driving style, speed and weather, so buyers should expect a lower figure in regular use. Even then, the iX5 is still expected to rank among the longest-range electric SUVs in its class.

Pricing is another point, the current X5 is assembled in India from CKD kits at BMW's Chennai plant, allowing it to avoid the much higher import duties that apply to completely built units. If BMW follows the same approach with the new-generation X5, it should help keep prices more competitive than a full import. That said, with a more advanced interior, additional technology and a wider range of powertrain options, the next-generation model is still expected to carry a higher starting price than the current X5 when it arrives in India.