- BMW's fifth-generation X5 has entered final calibration testing.
- Fully electric iX5 60 xDrive uses sixth-gen eDrive tech and a 144kWh usable battery.
- BMW says the new X5 range will offer five drive-system tech for the first time.
BMW's next X5 is almost through development, and the headline is not just another generation of a familiar luxury SUV.
The fifth-generation model has entered its final calibration phase around BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US, where the X5 is produced.
X5 reaches the last test stretch
The company says the new X5 will be the first BMW production model offered with five drive-system technologies.
Petrol and diesel variants with 48V mild-hybrid assistance will sit alongside plug-in hybrid models, the first fully electric iX5, and, from 2028, the hydrogen-powered iX5 Hydrogen.
BMW let international media sample development prototypes of the X5 40 xDrive, X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid and iX5 60 xDrive before production begins.
The prototype figures remain provisional, and BMW has not yet released WLTP consumption information.
Electric version brings Gen6 tech
The first battery-electric iX5 is the key technical shift. BMW says the iX5 60 xDrive uses sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, including cylindrical battery cells and an 800V electrical architecture.
Its usable battery capacity is listed at 144kWh for the US and 141kWh net for the EU, making it the largest high-voltage battery fitted to an all-electric BMW so far. Drive comes from one electric motor on each axle, working through BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.
BMW's provisional prototype output for the iX5 60 xDrive is 425kW. The petrol X5 40 xDrive is listed at 294kW, while the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid is listed at 360kW.
Neue Klasse thinking arrives
BMW is also using the X5 to push technology from its Neue Klasse programme into a large SUV. The new Heart of Joy control unit manages powertrain, braking, steering sub-functions, charging and energy recuperation, with BMW claiming it can respond ten times faster than previous systems.
The X5 will also add next-generation SAE Level 2 assistance systems, including optional motorway and city assistance functions in some markets. BMW has not announced New Zealand timing, pricing or local specification for the new X5 range.
