BMW has officially unveiled the new X5 SUV, and it’s coming to South Africa.
The fifth-generation X5 takes inspiration from the brand’s Neue Klasse vehicles, with new features and styling reminiscent of the iX3 and i3.
It has a varied selection of combustion and new-energy powertrains, most of which will be made available in South Africa.
Production of the new SUV will begin at the BMW Group’s Spartanburg factory in the United States in August 2026.
The company stated that, in South Africa, the market launch of the new BMW X5 is scheduled for “early 2027,” presumably meaning we can expect it in the first quarter of next year.
What to expect
In South Africa, the new X5 will be offered with the following drivetrains at launch:
- BMW X5 40d xDrive,
- BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV
- BMW iX5 60 xDrive
In other markets, a hydrogen model will be added post-launch, but BMW clarified that this version is not coming to South Africa.
The 40d xDrive is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces a total of 230kW and 670Nm.
This lets it accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds before hitting an electronically capped top speed of 230km/h.
While it has yet to be confirmed for South Africa, there’s also the 40 xDrive, which uses a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol plant with mild hybrid technology, and puts out 294kW and 580Nm.
This version cuts the 0 to 100km/h time down to 5.3 seconds and raises the top speed to 250km/h.
Next up is the 50e PHEV (plug-in hybrid), which combines a 230kW/450Nm 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 145kW/280Nm electric motor.
The result is a combined output of 360kW and 700Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds before hitting the cap of 250km/h.
The e-motor gets its power from a 26.5kWh battery, giving the car an electric range of 102km.
There’s also a more powerful PHEV option – the M60e – but this is not confirmed for South Africa.
Last up is the brand’s first-ever iX5, a fully-electric model that uses two e-motors.
The one at the front produces 183kW and 305Nm, while the one at the back generates 242kW and 500Nm.
Combined, the e-motors deliver a substantial 425kW and 805Nm, making it the fastest SUV in the group with a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds.
This setup is paired with a 141kWh battery, which provides a range of 845km, according to the manufacturer.
BMW added that it can support DC charging speeds of up to 460kW, which can achieve a 10-80% recharge in just 23 minutes.
A 22kW AC outlet, meanwhile, will top up the cells to 100% in seven and a half hours.
In terms of design, the new X5 is sporting the brand’s latest Iconic Glow kidney grille, which is flanked by “double-X” LED light icons.
It also features new “BMW Winglet” door handles, which are recessed and require only a light touch to open.
The SUV will be offered with a variety of customization options, including 11 paint colours, alloy rims ranging up to 23 inches in size, the M Sport Package, and the M Sport Package Pro.
M Performance Parts, such as a carbon fibre front splitter, a roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser, will also be available.
In South Africa, the interior will be offered with BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, and slate surfaces.
Taken from the Neue Klasse, the X5 has the new Panoramic iDrive display with a 3D Head-Up display, which runs on the BMW Operating System X.
It also has the Neue Klasse multifunction steering wheel, and a front passenger screen will be made available as an optional extra.
Finally, BMW confirmed that the X5 will come with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. While it has yet to reveal all of the car’s features, it’s safe to assume it will have functions like adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.
More information on the new BMW X5, such as its pricing, will be announced closer to its launch window in early 2027.
2026 BMW X5
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