2027 BMW BMW X5 Refresh Debuts: New Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric Versions

As BMW's most critical luxury midsize SUV in the North American market, the 2027 X5 officially launched on June 30 at the Spartanburg plant near Greenville, South Carolina. This facelift brings a sharper exterior design and an upgraded intelligent cockpit — and for the first time, introduces plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants, marking X5's entry into a multi-powertrain era.

The Spartanburg plant is BMW's largest global production facility — and the sole birthplace of the X5 since its 1999 debut. To support its electrification transition, BMW has invested $1.7 billion to upgrade the plant, enabling simultaneous production of multiple EV models. The new iX5 will be the facility's first mass-produced electric vehicle — and will also serve future export needs, a strategic move widely seen as preparing for potential import tariff pressures.

According to Automotive News Research & Data Center, the X5 sold 76,246 units in the U.S. in 2025 — second only to Lexus RX in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Within BMW's lineup, the X5 ranked as the brand's top-selling model in 2024 and led Q1 2026 sales performance.

The new models are scheduled to launch in phases: the X5 40 xDrive arrives this fall (2026); the rear-wheel-drive X5 40, plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, and all-electric iX5 60 xDrive follow in Q1 2027. The high-performance X5 M — with its V8 engine — is also expected to hit the market in 2027. Additionally, BMW confirmed it is developing a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the iX5, though no launch timeline was disclosed.

Powertrain details: both the X5 40 and X5 40 xDrive feature a 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 394 hp and 428 lb-ft (≈580 N·m) of torque, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The X5 50e xDrive adds a 194-hp synchronous electric motor, achieving a combined output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft (≈700 N·m), with an estimated all-electric range of 44 miles (≈71 km). The iX5 adopts a dual-motor AWD layout producing 570 hp and 593 lb-ft (≈804 N·m) peak torque, built on an 800-volt electrical architecture. It comes standard with North America's charging interface and supports bidirectional charging. Its high-voltage battery uses 120-mm cylindrical cells and a 'cell-to-pack' structure — boosting energy density while reducing weight and cost. BMW's official WLTP-rated range is 435 miles (≈700 km).

Pricing starts at $73,550 for the X5 40 xDrive, $78,950 for the X5 50e xDrive, and $81,250 for the iX5 (all including freight). Notably, BMW previously announced it would discontinue the iX in the U.S. — making the iX5 a pivotal replacement in its large electric SUV lineup.

Design language follows BMW's latest Neue Klasse family styling — shared with the i3 sedan and iX3 — featuring a raised front end and a 2.4-inch wider track. Embedded 'X'-shaped DRLs in the headlights serve as a signature detail. Inside, a standard 17.9-inch central touchscreen pairs with an optional 14.6-inch passenger display — the first time offered on the X5. A head-up display comes standard across all trims and integrates seamlessly with BMW's Panoramic Vision system, which projects key driving information onto the windshield area just below the driver's line of sight.