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BMW Unveils Fifth‑Generation X5 With Five Powertrains

The new X5 shows BMW's multi‑energy strategy by pairing a staged US production rollout with battery, hybrid and future hydrogen options to match uneven charging and refuelling infrastructure.

Overview

  • The X5, which BMW unveiled Wednesday, is the first model from the company offered with petrol, diesel, plug‑in hybrid, battery‑electric and a planned hydrogen fuel‑cell variant.
  • BMW published technical highlights for the all‑electric iX5, including a 141 kWh battery, 800‑volt architecture, up to about 460 kW DC fast charging, bidirectional charging and a claimed WLTP range up to 845 km.
  • Production will begin at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in August 2026 and BMW plans petrol and diesel deliveries from around November 2026 with plug‑in hybrid and electric variants following in early 2027.
  • The hydrogen iX5 remains in development with BMW reporting a Toyota collaboration, a claimed range near 750 km and likely limited commercial availability tied to refuelling infrastructure and a later launch timetable.
  • The X5 adopts Neue Klasse cabin and software features such as Panoramic iDrive, a pillar‑to‑pillar projection display and a large central touchscreen while BMW’s multi‑powertrain approach aims to give buyers choice but requires packaging and weight trade‑offs on a single platform.