Born in the USA: The X5 is manufactured at the BMW plant in Spartanburg. Uwe Fischer/BMW/dpaJust as Bruce Springsteen has set the tone in guitar-driven American rock music for decades, BMW's US-built X5 has become the bedrock of the German maker's range, even supplanting the 3 Series as the manufacturer's signature model.For 2026, new Class styling, five global powertrains and a controversial design change add up to BMW's boldest X5 to date. Customers will have to wait a while though, since BMW plans to have the new X5 enter dealer showrooms in late 2026.The BMW X5 badge has been out there for no less than 27 years, and over that period not a lot has changed. The shape and design cues are familiar along with the same engine options.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the rear though, one of the car's stand-out features is now conspicuous by its absence and many fans will lament its passing. The useful split-folding tailgate has been ditched. BMW says this is in response to customer feedback and a desire to create a more aerodynamic shape.The new X5 comes with new double-X headlights, which turn yellow at the flip of a switch in what seems to be a nod to classic BMW M cars. If you don't like the effect, that's not a problem. A button in the cabin shuts down the gimmick.The traditional door handles have vanished too, since BMW has followed in the footsteps of companies like Ford and Volvo by adding winged door handles operated by a button.This leads to a more streamlined design too and the idea is being hailed by the maker as an example of its superior engineering competence. The doors can also be opened and closed via both the key fob and the BMW app on your smartphone, similar to the updated 7 Series.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn the road, the X5 is unfazed by bumps or frost-cracked roads and simply glides along. When a bend does crop up, it seems to shuffle off its 2.3-tonne weight, taking tight corners with aplomb. No wonder, as rear-axle steering is available as an option alongside air suspension and roll stabilisation.With a wheelbase of 3.04 metres and a length of just under 5 metres, the interior is very spacious. The same goes for the boot, which has a capacity of 655 to 1,850 litres.So it's business as usual - but is it better? Not quite. You do have to get used to the controls. That's where the New Class concept really comes into its own, and the cockpit looks completely different.Behind the still-unfamiliar steering wheel with its vertical split lies a yawning void devoid of conventional controls.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's a huge, slightly angled screen next to it, and below the actual head-up display there's another display strip that stretches across the entire windscreen and is largely customisable. A separate screen can now also be ordered for the front passenger, as an option.Not everyone will like the new interior straight away. The steering wheel is already dividing BMW fans, and the seat adjustment in the door also takes a bit of getting used to.As far as the powertrain is concerned, everything remains the same. At least on this prototype. Because the X5 is making its debut as the 40i. This is the "hidden champion" in the manufacturer's range.And being an inline six-cylinder, the engine is the most quintessential of all BMW power units, even though the X5 is now so well soundproofed that you can hardly hear the power plant at all - except in Sport mode.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs a mild hybrid delivering 400 hp (294 kW) and 540 Nm, the motor offers more than enough power for effortless cruising and its performance figures are solid. The dash from 0–100 km/h takes just 5.3 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h.BMW seems keen to develop its best-seller in a credible way. In any case, alongside the diesel engine, which, at 286 hp (210 kW), remains seemingly indispensable in Europe, and two plug-in hybrids with 489 hp (360 kW) or 612 hp (450 kW) and an electric range of up to 102 kilometres, there is now, for the first time, a fully electric version.With a charging rate of up to 460 kW, the iX5 currently charges faster than any other electric car from a German manufacturer. Some will find the 23 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% too long and if so they can wait until 2028.That is when BMW plans to unveil the iX5 Hydrogen with fuel cell technology. The manufacturer's first hydrogen-powered production model can be fully refuelled in just a few minutes. No other BMW car will then offer so many powertrain options. And that's not even counting the V8 and the sporty M version.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe revamped X5 makes the most of all the benefits of the New Class evolution, yet remains an old-school X5. The big SUV is perhaps the best and certainly the most harmonious BMW in the range and should ensure more sales success for the Bavarian manufacturer.Specifications: BMW X5 40 xDriveThe X5's cockpit: There's no display behind the steering wheel, but there are displays in the centre and at the bottom of the windscreen. Uwe Fischer/BMW/dpaPlenty of room for passengers and luggage: You won't find yourself cramped in the X5 any time soon. Many X5 fans will mourn the loss of the useful split-folding tailgate, however. Uwe Fischer/BMW/dpaThe BMW X5 always has delivered on luxury and refinement and for the latest version, the German maker has managed to make this SUV even more slick and well-rounded. We put a prototype of the reinvented offroader through its paces. Uwe Fischer/BMW/dpaWhen it comes to the X5's powertrain, you're spoilt for choice: petrol, hybrid, electric – and, from 2028, fuel cell too. Uwe Fischer/BMW/dpaAdvertisementAdvertisement
