Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The 2027 BMW X5 in a NutshellIt could be said that the BMW X5 has had rather evolutionary changes for over 25 years. From the first generation right up to the outgoing model, you can still see that it's still well-rooted in the original SUV that made its world premiere in late 1999. Yes, it's grown quite a lot in the decades that passed, but look at each one, and you just know that it's an X5 and nothing else.That's all changed for the fifth-generation model, though. While the outline is still familiar, park the outgoing and incoming models together, and it looks as if the latter is at least two generations ahead - for better or worse. It's probably to the same effect as the jump from third to fourth-gen 7 Series, but with far less violent reactions.AdvertisementAdvertisementRollout of the redesigned SUV will start later this year, and the first 2027 BMW X5 trim that will reach showrooms will be the 40 xDrive. Come early 2027, the 40 sDrive will join the range, along with the 50e xDrive. That said, we know what each trim has to offer, but which one would be the most sensible?BMW40 sDrive: $69,800Unlike Audi, which has one drivetrain and powertrain combination for all trims, BMW does things differently. Instead, you choose your combo and add options from there. The 2027 BMW X5 trim level lineup starts with the 40 sDrive, and as the name suggests, it's two-wheel drive only.For a shade under $70 grand, you get a panoramic sunroof, Panoramic Vision, a 17.9-inch touchscreen (so long, iDrive), 3D Head-Up Display, heated front sport seats with heated steering wheel, HiFi premium audio system, Dynamic Damper Control, Driving Dynamics Control, and Dynamic Brake Control. As for the powertrain, it's the familiar 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, but it now makes 394 hp and 428 lb-ft.BMW40 xDrive: $72,100Even in its most basic form, the 2027 is already very well equipped. Again, BMW wants to direct you to its options and packages list if you want more things, so you're pretty much just choosing between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive at this point.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor an extra $2,300, you can get the 40 xDrive with, you guessed it, all-wheel drive. Standard equipment is exactly the same as its two-wheel drive counterpart, as well as the engine, suspension, and so on. We have to say that adding two more driven wheels can change the way it drives, and the extra traction is worth the extra.BMW50e xDrive: $77,500Another $5,400 gets you the plug-in hybrid version of the X5. Again, it's all the same in terms of features, but there are more differences here, not just in terms of powertrain. For instance, the suspension is tuned differently because it has to handle the extra weight of the batteries it needs to carry. Also, the plug-in hybrid model is all-wheel drive only, so that further simplifies things.Now, for the engine. It still uses the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six for the 40 models, but it's then paired to a single electric motor that draws energy from a 26.5 kWh battery. Combined output is rated at 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, easily trouncing the non-hybrid models. It can also travel up to 44 miles on battery power alone before the gas engine kicks in, and it can also drive in electric mode up to 87 mph.BMWOptions and PackagesThe M Sport can be added for $3,250, and that gives you the Shadowline exterior trim, M-style wheels, Shadowline roof rails, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, and Adaptive M Suspension. For those who want even more, you can opt for the M Sport Professional package. It includes the extended Shadowline trim, and the 'smallest' wheel size you can get is 22 inches. It still gets Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport brakes, but the calipers are finished in red instead of blue. Also, you get the M steering wheel, which gets rid of the 'crosshair' design.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor those who want to keep their X5 looking standard, there are other packages too. The $1,450 Technology Package adds the Ceremonial Light Package, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, and rear window shades. The Climate Package costs $2,800 and adds heaters for the rear seats and front armrest, along with quad-zone climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, and multi-function front seats. The Luxury Package for $3,100 then gets you a passenger screen, automatic doors, and glass controls.For driver assists, there's the Parking Assistance package for $750 that includes 3D-surround cameras and autonomous parking. Meanwhile, the $2,500 Driving Assistant Professional package gives the car limited hands-free driving capabilities and automatic lane changing. Tick all the boxes, and you'll easily blow past $100,000.BMWWhich One to Get?By the looks of it, the 'basic' X5 already gets the job done. It's well-equipped, has a powerful engine, is practical, and the overall specs are enough to swoon those in the market for a midsize luxury crossover. But if it were our money, we'd go straight for the 40 xDrive for a couple of reasons.The 40 sDrive is less expensive and saves a little bit more fuel, but if you insist on not needing all-wheel drive in a midsize vehicle, we'd happily steer you towards the 5 Series instead. As for the 50e xDrive, the extra power and economy are very tempting, but do note that you'll only feel the true benefits if you're diligent with charging it. Otherwise, you're just lugging around extra weight.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith those factors in mind, that leaves us with the 40 xDrive being the most sensible choice. It delivers the essentials and more, and some of the options packages are well worth adding. The previous generation all-wheel drive 40 model was the pick of the bunch, and it still is for the all-new X5.BMWBMWView the 18 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.