BMW's 2027 X5 & iX5 First Drive: Revolutionary Changes Electrify the SUV Market

BMW's 2027 X5 and all-electric iX5 are poised to revolutionize the midsize luxury SUV segment, much like the E65 7 Series redefined the executive sedan market in 2002. While the E65 was initially met with criticism for its 'ungainly' styling, 'complex' electronics, and iDrive system, many of its groundbreaking features eventually became industry standards. BMW anticipates a similar paradigm shift with its next-generation Neue Klasse vehicles, with the new X5 series leading the charge.

The completely redesigned 2027 BMW X5 marks a dramatic departure from its predecessors. It features a striking retro-futuristic design, inspired by the Neue Klasse 3 Series and iX3. The exterior boasts narrow twin kidney 'grilles' and angular headlights that pay homage to BMWs of the 1960s, juxtaposed with smooth creases, clean lines, and a lack of traditional door handles that firmly plant it in the 21st century. The interior is even more revolutionary, abandoning the traditional instrument cluster for a low dash topped by a panoramic window-to-window display. The standard steering wheel is squared with yoke-like grips, and the center console introduces a new slate-like infotainment system, notably without an iDrive controller – a first for BMW in recent memory. Physical buttons are minimized, limited to those on the wheel and essential controls for federally mandated equipment.

All 2027 X5 models, regardless of powertrain, are underpinned by a stretched and revised version of BMW’s existing CLAR platform with updated suspension geometry. They also utilize BMW’s new zonal architecture, a singular system dubbed 'Heart of Joy.' This innovative digital architecture synthesizes various functions into a single system, allowing all interconnected mechanical components to work harmoniously. It also enables key technologies such as BMW’s new hands-free Highway & Commuting Assistant, which permits hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on both highways and urban roads.

While sharing much with its gasoline counterparts, the all-electric 2027 BMW iX5 takes the revolution a step further. The iX5 60 xDrive (currently the sole variant) replaces traditional engine hardware with BMW’s sixth-generation EV technology. This includes a new 144-kWh battery pack featuring 800-volt electrical architecture, promising faster charging, longer range, and bi-directional charging capability. Power is delivered by a primary rear electrically excited synchronous motor and an ancillary front-mounted asynchronous motor, combining for a robust 570 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. This powerful setup allows the iX5 to achieve a BMW-claimed 0–60-mph time of just 4.4 seconds.

For those opting for internal combustion, the X5 line offers familiar yet updated powertrains. The base model, the X5 xDrive40, is powered by an updated version of BMW’s 3.0-liter turbo I-6, producing 394 hp and 398 lb-ft, augmented by an electric motor that boosts total torque to 428 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. An updated plug-in hybrid, the X5 xDrive50e, is also part of the lineup, alongside the range-topping all-electric iX5 xDrive60. By embracing diverse powertrains and pushing technological boundaries, BMW aims to once again set the direction for the luxury SUV market.