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2027 BMW X5 (G65) Spied: Everything About the Neue Klasse Redesign, Revolutionary Tech, and 5-Way Powertrain Future
The next generation of BMW’s flagship mid-size luxury SUV, the BMW X5 (G65), has been spotted testing globally, revealing the most significant updates in the model’s history. Slated for a 2027 Model Year launch, the all-new X5 will incorporate radical design and technology elements from the brand’s forthcoming Neue Klasse era, despite retaining its current CLAR underpinnings.
From a completely redesigned exterior featuring sleek new lighting to a revolutionary pillar-to-pillar interior display, the G65 aims to redefine the segment. Crucially, the new X5 will also offer an industry-leading selection of five diverse powertrain options, ensuring it remains a highly competitive and future-proof choice for global luxury buyers.
Redesigned Exterior: The Neue Klasse Influence
While the G65 generation (codename for the conventionally powered X5) will continue to utilize a heavily revised version of the current CLAR platform, its design language is being entirely overhauled to align with the new, minimalist aesthetic seen on the Vision Neue Klasse X concept.
| Design Element | Expected Change (G65 X5) | Significance |
| Headlights & Grille | Slimmer, more horizontal kidney grille visually integrated with new, sleek LED headlight clusters. | Adopts the cleaner, futuristic Neue Klasse face for a striking visual break from the current model. |
| Door Handles | New flush, wing-style door handles, possibly mounted high along the beltline. | Enhances aerodynamic efficiency and provides a more modern, seamless side profile. |
| Rear Styling | Redesigned taillights connected by a thin LED bar. Rumored loss of the signature split tailgate. | A cleaner rear aesthetic, but the single-piece tailgate is a potentially controversial change for X5 purists. |
| Wheelbase | Expected to have a longer wheelbase and greater overall width. | Provides a more commanding presence and likely translates to more spacious interior cabin. |
Revolutionary Cabin: The Tech Overhaul
The interior of the next-gen X5 is where the most dramatic transformation will take place, heavily influenced by BMW’s new digital cockpit philosophy, called iDrive X.
- Panoramic Vision Display: The most significant change is the removal of the traditional instrument cluster. Information typically shown there will be projected onto an ultra-wide, pillar-to-pillar augmented reality display at the base of the windshield, known as Panoramic Vision.
- Massive Central Screen: A large, integrated 17.9-inch center touchscreen is expected to dominate the dashboard, running the new iDrive X operating system.
- The iDrive Controller is Gone: BMW is expected to eliminate the beloved iDrive rotary controller in the center console, shifting focus entirely to touch controls, voice commands, and the new haptic buttons on the redesigned steering wheel.
- New Controls: The gear selector is rumored to switch to a lever-type shifter located on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Powertrain Revolution: The Five-Way Choice
BMW is adopting a “technology-open” strategy, offering an unparalleled range of five different drive systems for the new X5 family (G65/iX5).
| Powertrain Type | Expected Model Variants | Key Details | Availability |
| Petrol (Mild Hybrid) | X5 40 xDrive, V8 model (M60 xDrive successor) | Expected to feature updated Inline-Six (I6) and V8 engines with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. | Launch (Late 2026/2027) |
| Diesel (Mild Hybrid) | X5 40d xDrive (For select markets) | Updated diesel I6 with 48V mild-hybrid tech, focusing on torque and efficiency. | Launch (Late 2026/2027) |
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | X5 50e xDrive, M60e xDrive (Performance PHEV) | Anticipated to offer significantly increased electric-only range (up to 68 miles WLTP) using new-generation battery tech. | Later in 2027 |
| Battery Electric (BEV) | iX5 50 xDrive, 60 xDrive, M70 xDrive | The first fully electric X5, positioned as a high-performance alternative to the existing BMW iX. Expected to use Gen6 eDrive technology. | Late 2027 |
| Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FCEV) | iX5 60H xDrive | Developed with Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system, this option will be part of a pilot program in select markets. | 2028 |
Expected Launch Timeline
- Official Reveal: Expected in the first half of 2026.
- Start of Production (SOP): Scheduled for August 2026 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg.
- Market Launch: Late 2026 or early 2027 as a 2027 Model Year vehicle.
