BMW flew me from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles and covered my hotel so I could test‑drive the brand‑new X5 and iX5, as well as a refreshed i7 that will be reviewed soon. The outlet does not accept paid editorial content.
When we first got behind the wheel of BMW’s inaugural Neue Klasse model, the iX3, it quickly became clear that the German automaker can build a solid electric vehicle. The iX3 featured a clean‑sheet design, the sixth‑generation electric powertrain, a completely new dashboard layout and a suite of powerful computers to manage everything. Much of that technology is now being transferred to the larger X5 family.
BMW also recognises that many U.S. buyers are not yet ready to switch fully to electric, so the company is keeping its versatile CLAR platform – the same architecture that underpins the spacious 7 Series and the latest gasoline‑powered 3 Series. As a result, the lineup will include the all‑electric iX5, mild‑hybrid and plug‑in hybrid X5 variants, and eventually a hydrogen‑fuel option. In my view, the pure‑electric model currently stands out as the most compelling choice.
The new SUV adopts the signature kidney‑grille styling that will define future BMW models.
A quick glance at the rear shows the iX5’s lack of exhaust pipes – the badge makes it even easier to tell the model apart.
**Powertrain options**
The most traditional choice is the X5 40 xDrive, which is equipped with a 3.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑six that produces 394 horsepower (294 kW) and 428 lb‑ft (580 Nm) of torque. A 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system can add another 148 lb‑ft (200 Nm) of torque when needed, and the engine operates on the Miller cycle for improved efficiency while retaining BMW’s usual variable‑valve‑timing technology. Fuel consumption is expected to be around 26 mpg (9 L/100 km), giving the vehicle an estimated range of 569 miles (915 km) on a full tank.