The New BMW X5 / iX5 (G65) 2027 Changes All the Rules of the Game
BMW has officially unveiled the fifth generation of its flagship SUV, known internally as the G65. This time, the generational leap is not just an aesthetic evolution, but a radical transformation. For the first time in the brand's history, the new model adopts the futuristic design language of the Neue Klasse philosophy and offers an incredible diversity of propulsion, where the piece de resistance is the fully electric version: the BMW iX5 60 xDrive.
Exterior Design: Aerodynamic Purism and New Visual Identity
The new BMW G65 completely breaks ties with the old design line, eliminating unnecessary ornamental elements for a fluid, clean and imposing profile.
The most important exterior updates include:
- Reinterpreted front grille: The BMW kidneys have become slimmer, arranged vertically – a subtle reference to classic models in the brand's history – and integrate illuminated LED strips.
- "Invisible" handles (BMW Winglets): The classic door handles have been eliminated. In their place are small tactile wings integrated directly into the lower window line (beltline), which can be combined with fully automatic doors.
- Gone is the Split Tailgate: For the first time since the debut of the first generation (E53) in 1999, BMW is ditching the separately operated lower tailgate. The new X5 uses a single-piece tailgate, a decision made both to optimize space for the massive battery and for increased aerodynamic efficiency.
- X-shaped light signature: Slim optical units use laser technology and LED daytime running lights configured in an X shape.
Revolutionary Interior: Goodbye, Traditional Dashboards!
In the cabin of the new G65, the concept of digital luxury reaches a minimalist level never before seen at the Munich-based manufacturer. The dashboard has been completely rebuilt from scratch.
BMW Panoramic Vision: The classic display behind the steering wheel is gone for good. Essential information (speed, battery level, navigation) is now projected onto a special black strip at the base of the windshield, which stretches from one pillar to the other. The driver sees three fixed widgets in the main field of vision and six customizable windows on the right.
Massive screens: The center console houses a 17.9-inch trapezoidal touchscreen running the next-generation iDrive system. The front passenger can optionally benefit from their own 14.6-inch screen for media content and travel settings.
Sustainable materials and premium finishes: Customers can choose between the high-quality, eco-friendly Veganza upholstery or the premium BMW Individual Merino leather. The atmosphere is complemented by an extensive dynamic ambient lighting system.
Engines, Performance and the iX5 Electric Flagship
BMW has designed the new platform to accommodate no less than five powertrains (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen). The undisputed star of the launch is the 100% electric iX5 60 xDrive version, positioned directly at the top of the performance hierarchy.
Technical Specifications: BMW iX5 60 xDrive (Electric)
- Maximum power: 425 kW / 578 hp
- Engine torque: 805 Nm transmitted to all four wheels via the intelligent xDrive system (the rear engine being the main one, delivering 325 HP).
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Just 4.6 seconds.
- Top speed: 210 km/h (electronically limited to conserve energy resources).
For those not ready for a fully electric transition, the range includes highly optimised thermal and hybrid alternatives:
| Version | Powertrain Type | Total Power | 0-100 km/h Acceleration | Notes |
| X5 40 xDrive | Mild-Hybrid Petrol (3.0L I6) | 400 hp | 5.3 seconds | Revised B58 engine, increased torque. |
| X5 40d xDrive | Mild-Hybrid Diesel (3.0L I6) | 313 hp | 6.1 seconds | Focused on long-distance efficiency. |
| X5 50e xDrive | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 489 hp | 5.0 seconds | Electric range of 86 – 102 km (WLTP). |
| X5 M60e xDrive | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV M) | 612 hp | 4.5 seconds | Quad exhaust and driving dynamics by the M Division. |
Battery of Record Proportions and Charging at 460 kW
To ensure a range comparable to that of diesel models, BMW has equipped the iX5 with a mammoth 141 kWh battery. This uses the new Gen6 generation of cylindrical cells, which are much more energy-dense than the prismatic ones used in the past.
Range: The iX5 60 xDrive promises an official range of between 645 and 845 km in the European WLTP cycle. In the US market, estimates based on strict EPA standards indicate a real-world range of around 700 km (435 miles).
The electrical system runs on an advanced 800-volt architecture, enabling breathtaking recharging speeds:
- Maximum DC charging power: Industry record – 460 kW.
- Charging time (10% - 80%): Just 22 minutes at a suitable ultra-fast charging station.
- Fast recovery: In just 10 minutes of plugging in, the car can gain an additional range of approximately 274 km.
Executive Class Comfort, Suspensions and Audio Systems
In terms of dynamics and handling, the new BMW G65 aims to mask the considerable weight of the batteries through an advanced technological arsenal.
- Adaptive handling: The car comes standard with air cushions (air suspension) on both axles and electronically controlled adaptive shock absorbers.
- Impeccable stability: Active anti-roll bars (standard on the top version) reduce body roll almost completely in corners, providing surprising agility for its size. The steering is extremely precise, giving the feeling of driving a much smaller SUV.
- Towing capacity: The iX5 can tow trailers weighing up to 2,720 kg (6,000 lbs).
- High Fidelity Audio Systems: As standard, the SUV offers a Professional audio system with 12 speakers. However, music lovers can opt for the top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system, which brings 18 strategically positioned speakers into the cabin (including in the headrests) for an exceptional three-dimensional acoustic experience.
Availability and Prices for the Romanian Market
Although the manufacturer has not yet published full details on the official local website, the European launch dates give us an extremely clear picture of the amounts we will have to pay out of pocket. Considering that Romania and Germany share the same standard VAT rate (19%), the list prices in our country will be almost identical to those on the German market, with minor variations related only to transport costs and local homologation.
Launch and Order Calendar. The procurement system is fragmented depending on the propulsion technology you choose:
- Thermal Versions (Mild-Hybrid): Orders for the gasoline and diesel models (40 xDrive and 40d xDrive) are already active at authorized dealers.
- Plug-in Hybrid and iX5 (Electric) versions: The official configurator for the large battery variants officially opens on October 8, 2026.
- First Deliveries: The first examples of the new generation G65 will arrive on the roads of Romania at the end of this year and the beginning of 2027.
Estimated Starting Price Grid (VAT included). Here are the basic values ??established for Europe, which will serve as a starting point in the dealer network in Romania:
| Model Version (G65) | Powertrain Type | Estimated Starting Price (VAT included) |
| X5 40d xDrive | Mild-Hybrid Diesel (313 hp) | ~€95,750 |
| X5 40 xDrive | Mild-Hybrid Petrol (400 hp) | ~€99,750 |
| X5 50e xDrive | Plug-in Hybrid (489 hp) | ~€102,800 |
| iX5 60 xDrive | 100% Electric (578 hp) | ~€102,800 |
| X5 M60e xDrive | Plug-in Hybrid M (612 hp) | ~€125,000 |
Watch out for the options list: The Bavarian tradition remains unchanged, and the base price is just the beginning. Adding premium features like BMW Individual Vintage Coffee fine leather (€5,450), advanced adaptive suspension with rear-axle steering (€3,650), the top-of-the-line audio system or the secondary passenger display (€1,450) will quickly propel a generously configured iX5 60 xDrive or X5 40 xDrive deep into €135,000 - €145,000 territory.
Regarding government incentives, customers opting for the all-electric iX5 model will need to check the Rabla Plus program regulations valid at the time of delivery in 2027, to see if the maximum price ceiling imposed by the Romanian state allows the eco-ticket to be applied to luxury class SUVs.