The year 2025 isn’t over yet, but BMW is already looking ahead to what next year will bring. The Neue Klasse family is expected to expand and include several new members alongside the recently introduced iX3. While the already confirmed i3 sedan will be fully electric, the two models announced today for 2026 will have combustion engines.
Confirming our previous reporting, BMW will introduce the next-generation X5 and facelifted 7 Series in 2026. CEO Oliver Zipse announced the news during a conference call discussing the company’s third quarter 2025 results. Munich leaders also confirmed that some of the new class technologies introduced in the iX3 will find their way into these larger vehicles.
The next X5, codenamed “G65,” will be BMW’s first model to offer five powertrains: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. However, the latter will not come onto the market until 2028. We’ve already discussed the fifth-generation X5 in detail, including the continued use of V8 engines and the possible loss of the split tailgate.
Visually, the SUV will be significantly different from the current model and will adopt the fresh design language introduced with the 2026 iX3. Inside it is thanks to the switch to iDrive
Although the 7 Series will receive a life cycle boost instead of a next-generation model, its interior will also undergo major updates. The flagship sedan is expected to receive the tenth-generation iDrive system with Panoramic Vision windshield projection. Likewise, the dial will be lost in favor of a cleaner, screen-oriented layout.
Spy photos confirm that the G70 will not receive a complete Neue Klasse makeover. The large kidney grille remains as do the split headlights. While there are fresh styling details hidden under the camouflage, no major design changes are expected. The 7 Series retains the bold and polarizing appearance that sets it apart within the range.
Although Zipse didn’t mention ALPINA by name, we’re confident the B7 will return next year. This time under a different name and with three variants: 740 xDrive, 760 xDrive and i7 70 xDrive. According to reports, these models are internally codenamed “G72” and are intended to serve as fully equipped versions with ALPINA-exclusive parts inside and out.
While the refreshed BMW X5 and 7 Series go on sale next year, the reborn ALPINA 7 Series may not arrive in dealerships until later in 2027.
