BMW has officially launched the new generation X5 (G65) incorporating the Neue Klasse design language. Unlike the other Neue Klasse models, the G65 still uses the outgoing model X5 (G05) CLAR chassis platform.
Drivetrain
It is also the first time BMW offers 5 different types of engines for the X5, depending on the market, petrol and diesel engines will be offered, including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid for these combustion engines.
The G65 will also be available as an EV model known as the BMW iX5. In the coming future, BMW is also planning to launch iX5 Hydrogen, making it the brand’s first ever production ready hydrogen vehicle. The powertrain encompasses the fuel cell system, in-car hydrogen storage with the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology along with a high-voltage battery.
Design
As part of the Neue Klasse design, the exterior features a distinctive X design is characterised by the upright design of the front end, the vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the new “double-X” light icons, making their first appearance in a BMW.
The G65 adopts BMW Winglet door handles that are built into the body for a sleeker look. Rather than using a conventional pull handle, the electrically powered doors open with a light touch on the recessed handle.
Interior
For the interior, the car incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse design in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X.
These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Passenger Screen available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen and the new multifunction steering wheel.
Availability
The fifth-generation BMW X5 will enter production in August 2026 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, ahead of its official market introduction.
The market launch of the first variants of the new BMW X5 is scheduled for late November 2026, with the all-electric and plug‑in hybrid versions to follow in early 2027.
Currently, AGMC and Abu Dhabi Motors have not released any information on the launch of the G65 X5 for UAE release.
Personally, as a current owner of the '24 X6 (G06), its hard to accept the direction BMW is taking with the Neue Klasse design but they have fully committed to it since few of their new vehicles has adopted this design.
Feels like their priority is to design the cars to be efficient for being EV first and then adopt it to run combustion engines. Curious to hear everyone thoughts.
All images are courtesy of BMW