next gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe next-generation BMW X5 is entering the final stages of development. BMW is carrying out its last calibration drives around BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, where the SUV will be built. When it arrives, the fifth-generation X5 will be offered with five different powertrain options. For the first time, the lineup will include the fully electric BMW iX5, followed in 2028 by the production version of the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Buyers will also be able to choose from gasoline and diesel engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, along with plug-in hybrid variants.Ahead of production, journalists from several countries had the opportunity to drive the BMW X5 40 xDrive (294 kW/400 hp), BMW X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid (360 kW/490 hp), and BMW iX5 60 xDrive (425 kW/578 hp).BMW iX5 Debuts New Electric Technologynext gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe all-electric BMW iX5 will be the first production BMW to use the company's sixth-generation eDrive technology. It features a new high-voltage battery design with cylindrical cells and an 800-volt architecture.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn U.S. specification, the battery provides 144 kWh of usable energy, while European models will offer 141 kWh. BMW says this is the largest battery the brand has installed in a fully electric vehicle so far. Power comes from two electric motors, one on each axle, working together through BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.Hydrogen-Powered BMW iX5 Arrives in 2028next gen bmw x5 is almost readyBMW also confirmed that the production version of the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to launch in 2028.Its powertrain combines a fuel-cell system, a high-voltage battery, and BMW's new Hydrogen Flat Storage system. The fuel-cell system is now in its third generation and has been designed to reduce packaging requirements while improving output and efficiency.next gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe Hydrogen Flat Storage system uses seven carbon-fiber-reinforced high-pressure tanks connected in parallel and mounted within a metal frame. BMW says this layout helps preserve interior space and allows hydrogen-powered models to be built alongside other X5 variants on the same production line.New Vehicle Control Systemnext gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe new X5 will also introduce technology derived from BMW's Neue Klasse platform, including the Heart of Joy control unit and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software.AdvertisementAdvertisementBMW says the system can react ten times faster than previous control systems, managing functions such as power delivery, braking, steering, charging, and regenerative braking within milliseconds.next gen bmw x5 is almost readyIn the electric iX5 and hydrogen-powered iX5 Hydrogen, the system is intended to improve braking smoothness while increasing energy recovery during deceleration. In gasoline and plug-in hybrid models, BMW says the system works with the vehicle's chassis and traction management systems to improve stability and control.The SUV will ride on wheels up to 23 inches in diameter and will come standard with staggered tire sizing. Adaptive suspension will also be standard, with electronically controlled dampers at each wheel and nearly 50:50 weight distribution.next gen bmw x5 is almost readyAn optional Adaptive Chassis Control Professional package will be available for the electric and plug-in hybrid models. It adds two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering, and active roll stabilization.Updated Driver Assistance Featuresnext gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe new X5 will include BMW's latest SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety technologies.AdvertisementAdvertisementAmong the available features is the optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit assistance for highway driving and Address-2-Address assistance in urban environments.BMW describes the system as being designed to work alongside the driver rather than replace them. Drivers can continue to accelerate, brake, and steer without automatically disengaging the assistance systems, allowing for a more natural interaction between driver and vehicle. BMW says the interface, displayed through BMW Panoramic iDrive, is designed to make assisted driving easy to understand and manage.next gen bmw x5 is almost readyThe X5 will also feature a range of active safety technologies operating in the background. These include Lane Keeping Assistant, which evaluates steering inputs and driver attention to determine when intervention is necessary. The system provides warnings and steering assistance when it detects unintended lane departures or a potential collision.Additional safety features include automated evasive maneuvers within the vehicle's lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention, Crossing Traffic Warning, and automatic braking when entering roads or backing out of parking spaces.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.Become an AutoGuide insider. 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