New X5 Defines BMW's 'Tech Agnostic' Approach BMWIn a global market utterly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, the fifth-generation X5 lineup is a massively important part of BMW's business plan. The venerable sport-ute is the brand's largest revenue driver globally, serving more than 120 markets—and this latest version offers customers more flexibility than ever, with five different powertrain types expected to join the lineup in the next few years. Developing a vehicle to accommodate all of those powertrains is a tall task, but it's all part of BMW's latest plans regarding the idea of being "technology agnostic."The concept of new BMWs offering a breadth of propulsion options isn't new to the X5. The upcoming 3-Series is expected to offer both EVs by way of the Neue Klasse platform and combustion powertrains by way of an enhanced version of the existing CLAR bones. That said, every version of the new X5 shares the same architecture, with concessions in place to adapt 48-volt mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, pure electrics, diesel engines, and a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. These powertrains will be divided up for various markets, based on local needs and regulations. Such a plan should, in theory, help BMW protect itself from the whiplash the industry is experiencing around the globe.BMW"Electrification, I think, taught us a lesson that relying on governmental regulations, subsidies, and so on, that is something which can appear and disappear, appear and disappear. Hence the technology agnostic approach that Oliver Zipse [former chairman of the board of management], actually, really brought on the agenda," said vehicle line director for BMW Luxury Class, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Alpina models Phillip Koehn during a media session. "I'm totally sold on that. Because in this quickly changing world, to me, that is the only way forward, at least for a company that wants to make itself a successful premium manufacturer."AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile it's hard impossible to say whether BMW would have adopted this approach without the recent turmoil in the automotive regulatory space, the brand is dead-set on priming itself for success. If the United States isn't going to follow Europe and Asia's lead on EVs, the automaker isn't going to force buyers down that path. It also won't bet the farm on future regulation changes, like we saw across the industry over the last decade or so. Things are simply too volatile in politics to set up a successful business that way.BMW"This is why the technology agnostic approach is so close to our heart. Because from the outset, when you start developing a car to actually start of series production to end of production, you're easily talking a decade, right?" Koehn said. "And there's so much that can happen in a decade. You see new administrations in Washington, you see terrorists going in, terrorists going out, [Inflation Reduction Act] subsidies coming and going. If you were to try and follow all these changes of boundary conditions, I think we wouldn't be able to cope ... 'technology agnostic' means we are being prepared. And whilst the electric propulsion system may not be favored in all world regions at the same point of time, I can reassure you that the car will be so good that it will be probably a very significant share of the of the total sales in some markets. Is that North America? I don't know. Is it California? I think so."The automaker is confident that the decision to make a universal platform for the X5 won't negatively impact the car as a whole. In fact, Koehn sees the new X5 as an opportunity for customers to eliminate powertrain concerns from their shopping list entirely. If you want a luxurious SUV, BMW will sell you an X5 with every form of powertrain available today. That's the whole concept behind the technology agnostic approach: whether you buy a gasser, diesel, or some form of EV, they were all designed to offer customers the same level of experience.BMW"We almost managed to separate the decision for a body style—as being an X5—from 'What powertrain do I actually need?' And this is what we wanted to achieve," said Koehn. "We wanted to take away the hassle from the customer, to choose a car that comes with a powertrain. So the X5 basically has managed to give you the full choice of powertrains without needing to compromise on the interior space or luggage compartment or towing. It is the X5, and it happens to come in in different powertrain flavors, if that makes sense."AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are plenty of unique challenges involved with designing a car that doesn't have a particular powertrain as a guiding force. Could the X5 have been more dynamic if it was developed for gas engines only? Would it make a better BEV if there weren't packaging requirements for the gas versions? Regardless, the technology-agnostic approach is meant to ensure you have a BMW at the local dealer that actually interest you. It's a methodology that we should see continue to expand as new models arrive to market. Whether or not it proves successful will have to be seen.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State