BMW's X5 has been a cornerstone of the luxury SUV market for over two decades, and the all-new fifth-generation model — the G65 — reinvents the formula from the ground up. Most exciting of all is the iX5: the first fully electric X5, built on BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse architecture and packing enough performance, range, and technology to make even devoted petrol-heads take notice. Here's a deep dive into everything you need to know.
A New Look Built on Neue Klasse DNA
The 2027 X5 and iX5 are immediately recognizable as BMW SUVs, but this is not an evolutionary refresh — it's a clean-sheet redesign. The signature kidney grille gets a striking new vertical treatment, flanked by headlights featuring BMW's signature double "X" motif (yes, you can turn it off). Along the beltline, BMW has integrated what it calls "Winglets" — a subtle sculptural detail that replaces the chrome accents of previous generations with something more architectural and modern. Around the rear, the split tailgate that X5 owners have loved — or complained about — for years is gone, replaced by a single-piece liftgate and wide taillights that span the full width of the car. The overall result is a vehicle that reads as cleaner, more purposeful, and unmistakably premium without trying too hard.
The Electric Powertrain: 578 HP and 435 Miles of Range
The iX5 60 xDrive is the headline act. It pairs dual electric motors producing 578 horsepower and 594 lb-ft of torque with a massive 141 kWh usable battery — one of the largest packs ever fitted to a production BMW. The result is a 0–62 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-estimated range of 435 miles, which is genuinely competitive with anything on the market right now and addresses the single biggest objection most buyers have to premium electric SUVs. Charging is equally impressive: the iX5 uses an 800-volt architecture (the same platform that transformed the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 6), enabling peak charging rates of 460 kW. That translates to roughly 170 miles of range recovered in just 10 minutes — faster than stopping for coffee on a road trip. For a full breakdown of all G65 powertrain specs, BMWBlog's technical breakdown is worth bookmarking.
Interior: Where iDrive X Changes Everything
Step inside and you're immediately struck by what's missing as much as what's new. The iDrive rotary controller — BMW's most iconic piece of interior hardware, introduced back in 2001 — is gone, replaced entirely by touchscreen inputs. The centerpiece is a 17.9-inch central touchscreen running the new iDrive X system, which can be paired with an optional 14.6-inch passenger display. The biggest innovation, though, is Panoramic Vision: a heads-up projection system that extends across the full width of the windshield, replacing the traditional digital instrument cluster entirely. Driver information, navigation prompts, and media details are all layered into your field of vision without requiring any eye movement downward. Physical air vent controls are also gone — climate is managed through the touchscreen. It's a bold interior philosophy that prioritizes minimalism and tech immersion, and it's unlike anything else in the luxury SUV segment right now.
More Than One Way to Power It
While the iX5 electric steals the spotlight, the G65 platform supports five different powertrains — one of the broadest lineups BMW has ever offered under a single body. The X5 50e plug-in hybrid delivers 490 hp and 44 miles of pure electric range, handling most daily commutes without touching the fuel tank. For the performance-focused buyer, the X5 M60e pushes 603 horsepower with 61 miles of EV range and a 0–62 time of around 4.5 seconds. And for buyers who want the ultimate in flexibility, BMW is still developing the iX5 Hydrogen — a fuel-cell variant promising 466 miles of range and sub-five-minute refueling, expected around 2028. There's genuinely a version of this platform for every kind of driver.
Pricing and When You Can Get One
US pricing for the iX5 60 xDrive starts at $81,250 — a premium over the base X5 40 at $71,250, but worth considering alongside any applicable federal EV tax credit. Gas and diesel variants arrive at US dealerships in late November 2026, while the iX5 and plug-in hybrids follow in early March 2027. All US models are built at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. For independent comparisons of how the iX5 stacks up against the Mercedes GLE and Audi e-tron, Edmunds will have full head-to-head reviews once press cars are in circulation.
Should You Wait — or Buy Pre-Owned Now?
Here's the honest question for anyone excited by the iX5: do you hold out until March 2027, or do you buy a pre-owned BMW SUV now? If you want the iX5 specifically, yes — wait. The technology, range, and powertrain flexibility make it a genuinely meaningful generational leap. But if you need a luxury SUV sooner, the current-generation X5 (G05) is offering exceptional value on the used market right now. As buyers hold out for the new model, prices on well-optioned 2022 and 2023 X5s have softened noticeably — meaning you can get into a vehicle with outstanding tech, M Performance options, and proven long-term reliability for considerably less than original sticker. Sometimes the smart move isn't waiting for the new thing; it's getting the best possible deal on the thing that's already excellent.
Ready to Get Behind the Wheel of a BMW?
At Iconic Garage in Burbank, CA, we're passionate about BMWs — from pre-owned X5s to performance parts that elevate your driving experience. Whether you're planning ahead for the iX5 or looking for a great deal on a current-generation pre-owned BMW right now, we'd love to help you find the right fit. Browse our current inventory to see what's available, or schedule an appointment and we'll get back to you within the hour.