A couple of month in the past, BMW confirmed plans to debut the next-generation X5 (G65) in 2026. Nonetheless, this spicy M Efficiency taste reportedly received’t be among the many launch fashions. The M60 is alleged to enter manufacturing in April 2027, so V8 followers must be affected person. Within the meantime, spy pictures taken at Brussels Airport present a camouflaged prototype resting on a trailer.
The X5 M60 caught in transit flaunts the quad exhaust system reserved for M Efficiency fashions. If the G95 rumors show correct, the full-fat X5 M will undertake the identical aggressive design when it arrives later this decade. Past the pure-combustion variants, BMW will promote a plug-in hybrid X5 M60e and even a completely electrical iX5 M70.
Up-close pictures captured whereas the check car was being transported in Belgium reveal a Neue Klasse-inspired design lurking beneath the swirl camo. Though it could appear like an outsized iX3 at first look, we’re assured BMW has labored to distinguish the 2 luxurious SUVs. Even so, the entrance finish will probably share sturdy visible cues with the smaller crossover. Anticipate a retro-flavored vertical grille, mercifully with out the obnoxious proportions.
The jury remains to be out on whether or not the fifth-generation mannequin will maintain the split tailgate. This prototype seems to have a black strip suggesting a dual-piece association, however some declare the following X5 will drop the helpful characteristic. And whereas these spy pictures depict a combustion-powered model, the electrical iX5 will comply with the identical basic template. The identical goes for the opposite two fashions confirmed for subsequent 12 months: the three Sequence and i3.
Automotive paparazzi additionally managed to peek inside, the place BMW has coated a lot of the cabin. Even so, the brand new iDrive X is sort of unattainable to hide. On the iX3, the central touchscreen measures a beneficiant 17.9 inches. You’ll additionally discover a black band on the base of the windshield, designated for the Panoramic Vision projection. That’s why there’s no conventional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
Though nonetheless a piece in progress, it’s already clear how dramatically the X5 is evolving. In and out, it’ll have little stylistic overlap with as we speak’s G05. It’s also possible to kiss the iDrive rotary controller goodbye, as BMW continues phasing out the dial on every new mannequin.
Regardless of trying all-new, the following X5 will retain the tried-and-tested CLAR structure. The acquainted platform will once more help the standard inline-six gasoline and diesel engines, a brawny V8, and plug-in hybrids. The totally electrical iX5 is more likely to adopt BMW’s Gen6 battery tech, and we’re curious whether or not the PHEV may also undertake spherical cells.
For a restricted variety of markets, BMW may also provide a hydrogen fuel-cell variant: the iX5 60H xDrive, due in 2028 as a part of a joint effort with Toyota.
Photographs: drivegreen_livegreen / Instagram
