New 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 60 First Drive

The new BMW X5 is taking a major step forward, and this time BMW is not putting all of its attention on a single type of powertrain. Instead, the new generation has been developed to support an unusually broad family of models, ranging from traditional gasoline and diesel engines to plug-in hybrid, hydrogen electric, and fully electric versions. The biggest news, however, may be the new BMW iX5 60, an electric sport utility vehicle with a massive battery, extremely fast charging and potentially impressive real-world driving range.

One of the interesting parts of the new X5 is how similar the different versions look. BMW has avoided giving the electric iX5 an entirely separate design. Gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions have an opening in the upper section of the front end, while the electric model closes this area because it does not require the same airflow. Beyond that, the overall design language remains closely related.

Buyers will be able to change the personality of the X5 considerably through the available exterior packages. The standard model has a more traditional sport utility vehicle appearance with exposed black trim, while the M Sport package introduces more body-colored surfaces and high-gloss black details. M Sport Pro goes further with darker trim around the BMW kidney grille. BMW’s illuminated Iconic Glow treatment also gives the front end a distinctive appearance at night.

Wheel sizes range from 21 to 23 inches. That choice becomes particularly important on the electric iX5 because the 21-inch setup should provide the best possible driving range. Moving to the 22-inch wheels also brings wider tires, increasing rolling resistance while giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance.

The iX5 60 is where the numbers become especially interesting. It uses a 141 kilowatt-hour usable battery pack, giving BMW’s large electric sport utility vehicle a substantial amount of energy storage. BMW lists an Environmental Protection Agency driving range figure of 435 miles, while the European Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure figure reaches 845 kilometers.

Charging performance is equally important. The iX5 can accept up to 460 kilowatts of direct-current fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 23 minutes under suitable conditions. Alternating-current charging is rated at up to 22 kilowatts.

The real-world efficiency test shown in the drive was even more interesting. At approximately 60 miles per hour in favorable conditions of around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the iX5 recorded consumption of about 18 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers, or approximately 3.45 miles per kilowatt-hour. Based on the usable battery capacity, that works out to a calculated driving range of roughly 490 miles.

That number needs some context. The test was conducted in conditions that were particularly favorable for an electric vehicle. Driving at higher interstate speeds or in colder temperatures would increase energy consumption and reduce range. Even so, the result suggests that the iX5 could be an extremely capable long-distance electric vehicle and makes BMW’s official 435-mile Environmental Protection Agency figure look achievable under the right circumstances.

Performance has not been forgotten either. The iX5 60 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in approximately 4.6 seconds. That is more than enough performance for a large luxury sport utility vehicle, and the immediate response of the electric motors gives it effortless acceleration.

BMW has also worked hard to keep the electric model from feeling overly heavy. Despite carrying substantially more weight than the gasoline X5, the iX5 remains composed and predictable through corners. Its optional air suspension can combine comfort with surprisingly controlled body movement, while the steering can be configured independently through the personalized driving settings.

The gasoline X5 also remains an important part of the lineup. The 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline version produces approximately 400 horsepower and reaches 100 kilometers per hour in around 5.3 seconds. More importantly, it still delivers the rear-biased character traditionally associated with BMW’s all-wheel-drive vehicles.

On the road, the gasoline version feels more refined than the previous generation. Acceleration, transmission behavior and braking have all been tuned to deliver smoother responses. The steering is also more precise, helping this relatively large sport utility vehicle feel smaller from behind the wheel.

The standard suspension is adaptive, while M Sport versions receive a firmer calibration. An adaptive air suspension is available for buyers who want a greater range between comfort and sportiness. Certain versions can also be equipped with active roll stabilization. Rear-axle steering of up to 3.5 degrees is available in some markets and configurations, helping improve maneuverability at lower speeds and stability at higher speeds.

BMW has paid just as much attention to cabin refinement. The iX5, plug-in hybrid and M Performance versions receive laminated acoustic glass in the front and rear. The vehicle also offers active noise cancellation, which can be switched on or off through the infotainment system. With the system operating, the electric iX5 becomes exceptionally quiet at highway speeds.

Inside, BMW’s latest digital layout combines a central infotainment display with Panoramic Vision positioned across the lower section of the windshield. This places important driving information farther into the driver’s natural field of vision. A head-up display is also available, along with an optional passenger display.

The cabin offers a wide selection of materials and seating configurations. BMW’s Veganza material is available as an alternative to animal leather and is used extensively throughout several interior combinations. M Sport models can combine Veganza with Alcantara inserts, creating a more performance-oriented appearance.

Even the standard Sport seats provide substantial side support and good long-distance comfort. Buyers who select the multifunction seats gain additional electric adjustment and seat ventilation. The ventilated seats could be stronger at their highest setting, but their availability is still an important luxury feature, especially in warmer climates.

Rear passengers benefit from one of the biggest improvements over the previous X5. The rear bench has been shaped to provide better support and greater comfort, and the softer seating surfaces make longer journeys more relaxing. Rear passengers can also get heated seats, separate climate controls, sunshades and an inductive charging pad.

Cargo space remains competitive despite the variety of powertrains. The electric iX5 provides approximately 655 liters of luggage capacity, while the combustion model offers around 650 liters. The plug-in hybrid sacrifices some space because of its powertrain packaging, reducing capacity to approximately 525 liters.

Technology is another major part of the experience. BMW’s latest driver assistance system allows hands-free driving under appropriate conditions at speeds of up to approximately 130 kilometers per hour. The system is designed so the driver can smoothly take control for a maneuver and then return control to the assistance system without an abrupt transition. Automated lane changes are also supported.

The new X5 family will be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, continuing the site’s important role in BMW’s global sport utility vehicle production. The plant builds X models for markets around the world and is one of BMW’s largest manufacturing operations.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the new X5 is that BMW is not forcing customers toward one solution. Someone who still wants the sound, lighter weight and familiar character of an inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine can have it. Plug-in hybrid models provide another option, while an M Performance V8 model is also planned. BMW is even preparing a hydrogen electric version.

But the iX5 60 could end up becoming the model that changes perceptions of the electric luxury sport utility vehicle. A 141 kilowatt-hour usable battery, 460-kilowatt charging capability, strong acceleration and an official 435-mile Environmental Protection Agency range already make the specifications impressive. The favorable-condition test suggesting around 490 miles shows how much potential the package may have.

More importantly, the electric X5 does not appear to achieve those numbers by abandoning the qualities people expect from an X5. It remains comfortable, quiet, spacious and surprisingly engaging to drive. If its efficiency and charging performance hold up in broader real-world testing, the iX5 could make the question of whether an electric sport utility vehicle can handle long-distance travel considerably easier to answer.