The 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 Bring Big Choices, Big Screens, and One Very Bold Face
BMW is taking its family-hauling luxury SUV into a new era. The 2027 BMW X5 enters its fifth generation with gas, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, while the new iX5 brings up to an estimated 435 miles of range.
The more complicated news? The design.
Like a lot of recent BMWs, the new X5 is going to be polarizing. There are some genuinely fun touches, especially with the lighting, interior materials, and technology. But with a design history as rich as BMW’s, this current direction still feels mediocre to me. Not bad. Not boring. Just not as timeless as BMW has proven it can be.
For families shopping premium SUVs, though, the bigger question is not whether the grille works. It is whether the new X5 makes family life easier.
The 2027 BMW X5 Gives Families More Powertrain Choices Than Ever
BMW says the new X5 will offer the broadest range of drive systems ever offered in a BMW model.
The lineup starts with the X5 40 and X5 40 xDrive, both powered by an updated 3.0-liter inline-six with 48V mild hybrid technology. BMW says output is now 394 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque.
The X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid combines a six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. BMW estimates up to 44 miles of all-electric range, which could cover most school runs, errands, and short commutes without using a drop of gas.
Then there is the first fully electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive. BMW estimates up to 435 miles of range, 570 horsepower, 593 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
A V8-powered M Performance model will follow later, and BMW says a hydrogen-powered iX5 is also planned.
The Electric iX5 Could Be the Family Road Trip Star
The iX5 60 xDrive is the version that may get the most attention from families ready to go electric.
BMW says the iX5 uses an 800V electrical architecture and can charge at up to 460 kW. Under ideal conditions, BMW estimates a 10% to 80% charge in 22 minutes, with about 170 miles of range added in 10 minutes.
It also gets a standard NACS charging port, which should help simplify public charging access
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The iX5 also supports bidirectional charging. That means it can power devices, potentially help power a home during an outage, or share energy with another EV. For young families, that could turn the SUV into more than just transportation. It could become backup power for camping, tailgating, or emergency use.
The Design Is Bold, But Not Everyone Will Love It
The new X5 keeps the classic upright SUV stance, but BMW has given it a taller front end, a new vertically aligned Iconic Glow kidney grille, and double-X lighting elements.
It is a lot.
Some buyers will love the presence. Others may see it as another example of BMW chasing shock value instead of timeless design.
Personally, this design feels just as polarizing as anything else we have seen from BMW lately. There are fun touches, especially the lighting signatures and welcome animations, but I still think BMW is capable of cleaner, more elegant design than this.
The side profile is more restrained, with flush surfaces, hidden window seals, and new BMW Winglet door handles integrated into the pillars, similar to those on a Mustang Mach E. Around back, slim taillights echo the double-X theme.
It is modern, tech-heavy, and unmistakably BMW. Whether it is beautiful is another question.
The Interior Looks Built for Comfort and Screen Time
Inside, BMW leans heavily into its Neue Klasse technology.
The new X5 gets BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X, a 17.9-inch central display, BMW Panoramic Vision across the lower windshield, and a standard 3D head-up display.
There is also an available 14.6-inch passenger screen. The front passenger can stream video, play games, or use apps while the vehicle is moving, while a camera-based system darkens the display if it detects driver distraction.
That could be great for a spouse on a road trip. It could also become one more screen-management conversation for parents.
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and BMW says up to seven users can sign in with their own BMW ID profiles.
Family Comfort Gets a Real Upgrade
BMW says the new X5 rides on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, and rear-seat passengers get increased knee room and a slightly more relaxed seating angle.
Rear seat comfort can make or break a family SUV, especially once kids are old enough to care about legroom but not old enough to stop kicking the seat in front of them.
The X5 also keeps a practical 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat with a through-loading system. Lower child seat LATCH mounts are finished to match the upholstery, which is a small but thoughtful premium touch.
Standard equipment includes heated sport seats, Veganza upholstery, a large panoramic glass sunroof, 2.5-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker audio system. Available upgrades include four-zone climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, heated armrests, and a Bowers & Wilkins system with Dolby Atmos.
Driver Assistance Tech Gets More Capable
The 2027 BMW X5 comes standard with Driving Assistant Plus, which can help with steering, braking, speed control, and lane centering.
BMW also includes active safety features such as Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side Collision Protection, Crossing Traffic Warning with brake intervention, and Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant.
An optional Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph, as long as the driver remains attentive.
For families, the most useful additions may be the everyday ones: improved parking assistance, 360-degree views, remote parking capability, exit warning, and trailer stability support.
Pricing and Timing
The 2027 BMW X5 rollout begins in October 2026 with the X5 40 xDrive.
The rear-wheel-drive X5 40, plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, and electric iX5 60 xDrive are scheduled to follow in the first quarter of 2027.
Pricing starts at $69,800 for the X5 40, $72,100 for the X5 40 xDrive, $77,500 for the X5 50e xDrive, and $79,800 for the iX5 60 xDrive. Each price excludes BMW’s $1,450 destination and handling charge.
BMW will build the new X5 and iX5 at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, where the X5 has been assembled since its debut in 1999.
Final Thoughts: A Family SUV With Plenty to Prove
The 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 give families a lot to consider.
The powertrain choices are excellent. The plug-in hybrid could be a sweet spot for families that want EV driving around town without giving up gas-powered road-trip flexibility. The iX5, meanwhile, looks seriously compelling with its estimated 435 miles of range and fast-charging capability.
The interior tech is impressive, rear-seat comfort appears improved, and the safety and driver assistance features look well suited for family use.
But the design will be the divider.
Some families will love the bold face and high-tech personality. Others may wish BMW had leaned more into its cleaner, more elegant past.
Either way, the new X5 looks like one of BMW’s most important family vehicles yet.
2027 BMW X5 and iX5 Spec List
Vehicle: 2027 BMW X5 / BMW iX5
Generation: Fifth generation
Assembly: BMW Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina
Powertrains:
Gas inline-six with 48V mild hybrid
Plug-in hybrid
Battery-electric iX5
Hydrogen iX5 planned later
2027 BMW X5 40 / X5 40 xDrive:
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six with 48V mild hybrid
Horsepower: 394 hp
Torque: 428 lb-ft
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Starting MSRP: $69,800 for X5 40 / $72,100 for X5 40 xDrive
2027 BMW X5 50e xDrive:
Powertrain: Inline-six plug-in hybrid
System horsepower: 483 hp
System torque: 516 lb-ft
Battery: 26.5 kWh usable
Estimated electric range: Up to 44 miles
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Starting MSRP: $77,500
2027 BMW iX5 60 xDrive:
Powertrain: Dual-motor electric AWD
Horsepower: 570 hp
Torque: 593 lb-ft
Battery: 144 kWh net usable
Estimated range: Up to 435 miles
Charging architecture: 800V
Max DC charging: Up to 460 kW
Estimated 10% to 80% charge: 22 minutes
Estimated range added in 10 minutes: 170 miles
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Starting MSRP: $79,800
Destination charge: $1,450
Standard wheel size: 21 inches
Available wheel sizes: 22 inches and 23 inches
Key family features:
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat
- Increased rear knee room
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Available four-zone climate control
- Available heated rear seats
- Available ventilated and massaging front seats
- Available passenger screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Standard Driving Assistant Plus
- Available Highway Assistant
- Available Parking Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional
