BMW X5 enters final test phase, prepares for 2026-2028 series rollout 

The BMW X5 prototype test-driven in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Source | BMW Group

BMW Group (Munich, Germany) has announced new strides in the BMW X5 sports activity vehicle (SAV) lineup. 

The company’s new BMW X5 (gas and hybrid) has entered the finish line in its development program and is now completing final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the U.S. The X5 will be the first BMW production model to be introduced onto the market with a choice of five different drive system technologies. 

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The first fully electric BMW iX5 (EV) will be making its debut, and this will be followed in 2028 by the arrival of the first hydrogen-powered BMW to go into series production — the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Also available will be petrol and diesel variants with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and plug‑in hybrid models. 

Fully electric BMW iX5. This battery-electric vehicle is based on sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology which features a high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800-volt technology. With its usable energy content of 144 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the U.S. and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted in an all-electric BMW model to date, BMW reports. 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. This hydrogen-powered BMW production model has a powertrain comprising a fuel cell system, the BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and a high-voltage battery. The third-generation fuel cell system forms the basis for a compact design, high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure Type 4 CFRP pressure vessels connected with one another in parallel. These are integrated into a robust metal frame. This layout makes optimal efficient use of system space; no room is lost inside the cabin. Another benefit is that models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.

All versions feature an in-house-developed Dynamic Performance Control driving stack. The unit, says BMW Group acts 10X 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. The result offers agility and precision when manuevering the vehicle. 

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. Additional features named include next-gen drive assistance systems, of which BMW goes into more detail here.