BMW announced that its X5, a fifth-generation sports activity vehicle (SAV), entered the finishing straight in its development program. According to the automaker, the vehicle will complete final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.
The X5 will be BMW's first commercial production model to feature five different drive system technologies. BMW expects the first fully electric iX5 to make its debut, followed by the iX5 Hydrogen in 2028. Also available will be petrol and diesel variants with 48V mild hybrid technology and plug‑in hybrid models.
Fully electric BMW iX5 with Gen6 eDrive technology
The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which features a high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800V technology. With its usable energy content of 144 kWh in the U.S. and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted in an all-electric BMW model to date.
Propulsive power is provided by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, working in tandem with BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen with innovative Flat Storage system
The first ever hydrogen-powered BMW production model, the iX5 Hydrogen, will hit the roads in 2028. Its powertrain comprises a fuel cell system, the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and a high-voltage battery.
The third generation of the fuel cell system forms the basis for a particularly compact design as well as high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fiber reinforced composite, which are connected with one another in parallel, integrated into a robust metal frame.
BMW added that models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.
Other features
The BMW X5 will offer a new-dimension driving experience courtesy of technology from the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy featuring the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed fully in-house.
The control unit acts 10 times faster than previous systems, meaning it is able to make adjustments to the powertrain, brakes, steering sub-functions, charging and recuperation in a matter of milliseconds.
In the BMW iX5 and BMW iX5 Hydrogen, this technology provides smooth stopping maneuvers while also increasing efficiency by recovering more energy under deceleration with regenerative braking.
In combustion engine or plug-in hybrid models, the latest digital and highly interconnected driving dynamics systems ensure the car makes optimum use of the available traction and delivers composed handling at all times. These systems include the standard-fitted 10th-generation transverse dynamics management system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation, both supported by precisely tuned chassis components.
The wheels, larger rims with diameters of up to 23 inches can now be specified, and the standard mixed-size tires further enhance comfort, stability and dynamism.
The BMW X5 comes as standard with adaptive suspension whose dampers are controlled electronically for each individual wheel, plus almost 50:50 weight distribution. The dampers can be continuously adjusted.
The all-electric BMW iX5 and plug-in hybrid models also include Adaptive Chassis Control Professional. It includes two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilization.
Next-generation driver assistance systems
The BMW X5 features SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions from the Neue Klasse technology clusters. Customers can therefore look forward to significant upgrades and extended functionality, as well as BMW Symbiotic Drive.
One example of these innovations is the optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit assistance on motorways and Address‑2‑Address assistance in urban areas.
BMW designed the Level 2 driver assistance systems for seamless interaction between assistance tech and human driving habits. As a result, the driver always stays involved as human and artificial intelligence interact. With driver assistance systems active, this means the driver can accelerate, steer and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance system in the process.
The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in the background as silent companions. For example, the Lane Keeping Assistant detects the driver’s intention based on steering behavior and where they are looking.
The system only assists with warnings and steering inputs when the driver drifts out of their lane unintentionally or an impending collision is detected. Other safety functions include automated evasive maneuvering within the car’s own lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention when there is a risk of a lateral collision, plus Crossing Traffic Warning and automatic braking when turning into a road or exiting a parking space.
