Did the 2027 BMW X5 Lose Its Off-Road Ability?BMWThe focus of the fifth-generation 2027 BMW X5 is its five powertrain choices, the most such choices for a single model ever offered by the luxury automaker. Buyers will have to make no compromises, executives emphasized at the X5's world debut in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the vehicle will be built.It took us back to the launch of the current X5 in 2019 when the emphasis was on its capability and we took the SUV on a surprisingly difficult off-road course. We came away startled by how well the vehicle performed, even though we felt it would be rare for an X5 customer to attempt similar acrobatics.At the debut of the latest-generation X5, we asked executives why none of the talking points touched on its off-road capability. Had the X5 been softened? No, we are told. It continues to ride on the same CLAR architecture, albeit modified, and, as with every previous generation, it can apparently be called the most capable X5 ever. That had not been diminished.BMWDoes the X5 Customer Go Off-Road?But further enhancement of its off-road abilities was not necessary, nor was it a priority, says Philip Koehn, senior vice president BMW Luxury Class, BMW Alpina, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The reality is the X5 primary use case is as an on-road vehicle. It was more important to focus on its improved capacity, tech, and fuel economy.AdvertisementAdvertisementShould the powertrain choices of the future include extended-range hybrids where the gas engine acts as a generator? Koehn said he is happy with the plug-in hybrids offered now that provide about 60 miles of electric range. The take rate for plug-in hybrids in the U.S. is about 20 percent currently and the expectation is they will continue to do well, says Koehn.BMWWhy BMW Dropped the Split-Folding TailgateShould the extra capacity have continued to include the split-folding tailgate that has been a signature feature since 1999? Koehn says the idea was dropped because most people struggled to load their vehicles with it; it required longer arms and taller bodies than most people have. Additionally, the faster roofline on the new X5 means the height is reduced where the tailgate comes down but the opening is wider, so the usable aperture increased, making it easier to load and unload with a conventional hatch.As for no third row, it was a feature that only proved popular in the U.K., Koehn says. It had a low take rate—single digits—globally.Any consideration of putting the rear wiper under the spoiler? It is a solution better suited for a boxier body shape, Koehn says. With a faster roofline, putting the wiper under the spoiler would impede visibility via the rearview mirror.