BMW has moved a step closer to launching its next-generation X5, with the luxury SUV entering the final phase of testing ahead of its global debut. The fifth-generation model is currently undergoing calibration and validation tests around the company's Spartanburg manufacturing facility in the United States. The upcoming X5 will mark a significant milestone for the German automaker by becoming the first BMW model to offer five different propulsion technologies within a single product lineup.
The new BMW X5 will be available with petrol and diesel engines featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology, alongside plug-in hybrid, fully electric and hydrogen-powered variants. This diverse range of powertrain options is designed to cater to customers with varying mobility preferences while supporting BMW's long-term strategy of offering multiple low-emission solutions instead of relying on a single technology.
Among the biggest highlights is the introduction of the all-electric BMW iX5, which will debut alongside the conventional X5 models. The electric SUV will feature BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, built on an advanced 800V electrical architecture with new cylindrical battery cells that promise faster charging speeds and improved efficiency. BMW says the iX5 60 xDrive will house the largest battery pack ever installed in one of its electric vehicles, offering a usable capacity of up to 144 kWh and powering dual electric motors for all-wheel-drive performance.
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BMW is also advancing its hydrogen mobility ambitions with the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, scheduled to enter series production in 2028. The model will combine a fuel-cell system with a specially developed flat hydrogen storage setup and a high-voltage battery. Seven high-pressure hydrogen tanks integrated beneath the vehicle floor are expected to maximise passenger and cargo space while allowing the hydrogen variant to be manufactured on the same assembly line as other X5 models.
The next-generation X5 will also introduce BMW's latest "Heart of Joy" control system, an advanced software platform designed to process driving inputs more quickly than previous systems. The technology is expected to enhance steering precision, braking response, energy recuperation and overall vehicle dynamics. Updated driver assistance systems for motorway and city driving will further improve safety while maintaining an active role for the driver.
Additional features include adaptive suspension as standard, optional air suspension, rear-wheel steering, active roll stabilisation and wheel sizes of up to 23 inches. With final testing now underway, the next-generation BMW X5 is nearing production and is set to become one of the brand's most technologically advanced SUVs, combining traditional combustion engines with plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen powertrains in a single global lineup.
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