This summer, BMW will present a completely new generation of luxury SUV model BMW X5. It is about the fifth generation of the model with the internal designation G65, which for the first time in the history of this car will offer as many as five different drive technologies.
According to information confirmed by the company’s CEO Oliver Zipse, the new X5 will be part of a wider strategy in which BMW plans to introduce more than 40 new or refreshed models by the end of 2027.
The BMW X5 G65 offers five different drive systems
The new generation X5 model will be available with gasoline and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid system, a fully electric version and a variant with hydrogen fuel cells.
In addition to the classic internal combustion engines, BMW will also offer a fully electric version called the BMW iX5 for the first time. At the same time, a version with a hydrogen drive is also planned, which could bear the designation iX5 60H xDrive.
However, the hydrogen model will not be launched together with the other versions. Its arrival is not expected until 2028, primarily due to the limited infrastructure for filling with hydrogen on a global level. In this field, BMW is cooperating with Toyota on the development of the third generation fuel cell system.
The range of engines will include regular six-cylinder gasoline and diesel units, while the more powerful M Performance versions will use a V8 engine. A high-performance electric variant is also expected, which should combine sporty characteristics and electric drive.
For the Chinese market, BMW could also offer a special version with an extended wheelbase, in order to improve the comfort of passengers in the back seats.
In the case of plug-in hybrid versions, there is the possibility of switching to a new generation of cylindrical battery cells. If that happens, a significant increase in range is expected compared to the current model BMW X5 xDrive50e, which according to the WLTP standard can currently travel about 110 kilometers on electricity alone.
The first versions of the G65 are due to enter production in August, including the 40 xDrive and 40d xDrive variants. Production of the 50e xDrive, M60e xDrive and the electric version of the iX5 60 xDrive is expected to begin by the end of the year.
During 2027, the offer will be expanded with the M60 xDrive, iX5 50 xDrive and iX5 M70 xDrive versions, while the top of the offer will be the BMW X5 M model, which should arrive in 2028 as the most powerful variant of the new generation, reports BMW Blog.