2027 BMW X5 Expert Review
Assessed by Alex Leanse
A fresh version of the long-standing BMW X5 is set to debut for the 2027 model year. Following a lifecycle that started in 2019, the existing fourth-generation X5 is growing outdated. In the meantime, BMW has refined its design and technology philosophies, as demonstrated by more recent SUVs like the X3 and iX3.
The upcoming 2027 X5 will incorporate features seen on those smaller models, embracing updated styling, powertrains, and equipment. Manufactured in the USA, the 2027 BMW X5 goes up against other premium midsize SUVs such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and Porsche Cayenne.
What’s New
Fundamentals
Constructed on new MitteKLasse CLAR platform
Longer wheelbase and overall length; reduced width and height
More potent hybrid gasoline engines
All-electric variant offered
Steel coil springs standard; air suspension optional
Rear-wheel steering available
Enhanced autonomous driving technologies offered
Exterior
Illuminated grille frame
Double X adaptive LED headlights
Winglet door handles; optional power-operated doors
21-inch wheels standard; 22- and 23-inch wheels optional
11 exterior paint selections
Standard panoramic sunroof
Optional animated puddle lights
Interior
Vegan leather standard; Merino leather optional
Four-zone automatic climate control
Full-width dashboard display and 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
Available front passenger touchscreen
3D ambient lighting panels
Optional stone trim accents
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What Does the New X5 Look Like?
Elements from the Neue Klasse design language showcased on the iX3 appear on the 2027 X5. Similar to the iX3, the X5 features wide, slender, LED-accented headlights surrounding a narrow grille opening at the front, along with slim LED taillights at the rear.
The body features tight, tailored creases and subtle sculpting akin to what’s observed on the X3’s side profile. In contrast to the iX3, the new X5 includes subtle “winglet” door handles that provide a sleeker look on the body side. There are 11 available exterior paint colors, which can be matched with wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
New X5 Engines and Performance
Globally, the new X5 will be equipped with five distinct powertrains. In the United States, hybridized gasoline engines will be available, along with a fully electric system in the iX5.
A diesel engine and hydrogen-electric system will be offered in overseas markets. Eventually, a more basic gasoline engine and a high-performance V-8-powered M model could appear.
In the base X5 40 xDrive, BMW’s well-known turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine is combined with a mild-hybrid electric motor to deliver 394 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. This output is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard xDrive AWD. BMW estimates this model’s 0-60 mph time at 5.4 seconds.
In the plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, the same turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 is paired with a more powerful electric motor for output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Again, an eight-speed automatic and AWD are utilized. Acceleration to 60 mph is estimated at 5.0 seconds.
Is the New X5 All-Electric?
BMW will provide a fully electric version of the 2027 X5 called the iX5— read about its impressive power, range, and charging here.
For drivers who prefer fueling flexibility, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is once more available. The X5 50e can deliver about 60 miles of all-electric driving range at speeds up to 87 mph, then operate in gas-electric hybrid mode for longer trips. It can recharge at up to 11 kW on Level 2 charging; Level 3 DC fast charging is not available.
Will There Be a New BMW X5 M?
Although BMW has not yet confirmed it, anticipate a high-performance X5 M model to return to the lineup. It could share a plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V-8 powertrain with the BMW M5, generating at least 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque and enabling a 0–60 mph launch of about 3.2 seconds.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
All of BMW’s newest active safety and self-driving technology will be accessible on the 2027 X5.
Standard Features
Every version of the new X5 will include as standard:
Automatic emergency braking
Side and rear cross-traffic alert
Lane-departure warning
Lane-keep assist
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Emergency evasive steering assist
Automatic high beams
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Available Features
Hands-free driving assist systems will be provided on the 2027 X5. Highway Assistant offers onramp-to-offramp control up to 81 mph, while the City Assistant unlocks address-to-address self-driving that can function in a broad range of urban traffic situations.
How Big Is the New X5?
Dimensions for the 2027 X5 are quite close to the outgoing model. Wheelbase and length increase slightly as width and height see small reductions.
Wheelbase
Length
Width
Height
2026 BMW X5
117.1 inches
194.2 inches
78.9 inches
69.1 inches
2027 BMW X5
119.5 inches
196.8 inches
78.7 inches
68.6 inches
2027 BMW X3
112.8 inches
187.2 inches
75.6 inches
65.4 inches
Technology
Infotainment
Tech features that launched in the iX3 are included in the new X5. BMW’s Panoramic iDrive display is a narrow band that spans the full width of the dashboard and shows multiple key data points. It functions alongside a 17.9-inch touchscreen that manages core vehicle functions, including navigation, entertainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a variety of other apps.
Drivers can control multiple functions via illuminated touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, or the built-in AI voice assistant. There's a wireless charging pad up front, and USB charge ports in both rows of seats.
Sound System
Above the base sound system, expect a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio setup to be offered.
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Available Upgrades
A head-up display, front passenger touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and AI-assisted self-parking system will be among optional tech features in the 2027 X5.
When and How Much?
Noteworthy available features on the new X5 include adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, power-operated doors, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, 3D ambient lighting panels, and stone interior trim.
Rather than conventional horizontal spokes, the standard steering wheel has vertical spokes, which may require some adjustment.
Like every X5 before it, the new 2027 model will be built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Production will start in August of 2026, with pricing expected to begin at about $72,000.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Audi Q7
Genesis GV80
Porsche Cayenne