BMW is continuing to work on the next-generation of its X5 medium-sized SUV. The CarBuzz spies have just snapped a fifth-generation prototype of the SUV in testing in Germany. The next X5 is showing off its Neue Klasse looks, production-ready head and taillights, and the four exhaust pipes that confirm this is a gas-powered ripper. Next X5 Will Keep Its Gas Engine CarBuzz/Valnet The four tailpipes make this the future BMW X5 M60. We believe that it's M60i, which means gas-only, but it could also be an M60e, with the 'e' meaning that it's a plug-in hybrid. We can't tell for sure, because our spies weren't able to get an angle on the driver's side flank. That's where the charge door would be if there was one.We're not quite sure what the gas engine will be, however. We've heard rumors that it will be a new iteration of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the current X5 M60i, which makes 546 horsepower.A detuned version of the M5's V8 is also possible, while other rumors suggest that it could be an inline-six with PHEV assist to give it the power of a V8 with reduced emissions. At this point, almost anything is on the table, but BMW has given us strong clues that its V8s will live on.CarBuzz/Valnet We have seen earlier prototypes with a charge door on the driver's side. That suggests that this, too, is the PHEV model, and that BMW plans to add that to the lineup again this time. The current US-spec X5 offers the PHEV as the 483-hp xDrive50e,This prototype shares much of its design with the BMW iX3, on a larger scale. That includes the short but extra-wide grille of the Neue Klasse design, along with much smaller kidneys than we've seen in recent years.Also, like the iX3, this X5 is less upright than the model it will replace. There are more curves in the pillars, and a much more prominent tumblehome, where the bodywork narrows as it transitions to the car's greenhouse area. Another Application Of Panoramic iDrive CarBuzz/ValnetAll that said, this won't be a carbon-copy iX3. The taillights are decidedly X5-specific with light-up element appearing to be more square and not the triangle of the iX3, with a thin line running into the hatch in place of a series of hash marks. We've seen those lights lit up before. We described them as being more like a raised eyebrow, in comparison to the golf club shape of the lights on the iX3.On the inside, the new X5 will have BMW's Panoramic iDrive system like the one in the iX3. BMW's latest system uses a smaller center screen located close to the driver, paired with a series of displays along the base of the windshield to show the speed, route, and other information.We expect to see the new X5 get an official reveal sometime later this year. It would then go on sale as a 2027 model year vehicle. We know that BMW will build both electric and gas variants, but it's too early to speculate on the order in which BMW might introduce them.2027 BMW X5 (6)