It was a busy week at the BMW M test center in Nürburg. In addition to spotting the electric M3 charging its battery, car paparazzi also caught a glimpse of the first-ever iX5. Technically there is already an iX5, but you can’t buy it because it’s part of a hydrogen test fleet of prototypes. With the next generation G65, an X5 without a combustion engine will finally be available to customers.
BMW is working on both a hydrogen-powered iX5 and a conventional battery-electric version. The latter appears in a new spy video filmed on a foggy day near the famous German race track where many automakers test their future products. Although the zero-emission SUV remains heavily camouflaged, the Neue Klasse-inspired face is immediately recognizable. We hope you like the design of the new iX3, because visually the iX5 will follow a similar pattern.
The retro-style vertical grille will not appear on all future BMWs. Horizontal kidneys are planned for non-SUV models. The i3 sedan will incorporate the grille and headlights in a style reminiscent of the 2023 Vision New Class concept. Larger models like the 7 Series and X7, however, retain their oversized grille and split headlights. Luckily, smaller vehicles will take on a more subtle, less flashy look.
The profile of an SUV rarely stands out, but there is one interesting detail worth mentioning. Have you noticed that the door handles are not where you would expect them? That’s because the next X5 will completely do away with conventional handles. Instead, small winglets that are neatly integrated into the beltline allow access to the cabin. The doors are likely to be electrically operated, matching a configuration already used in the M8-based Skytop and Speedtop Coachbuilt duo.
At the rear, this prototype clearly has makeshift taillights. The production units become wider and meet almost in the middle of the tailgate. A subtly updated BMW round piece separates the two clusters. Beneath the camouflage, a sporty roof spoiler with vertical fins is visible, while a horizontal black stripe on the tailgate indicates that the split-opening tailgate remains.
One feature BMW would like to adopt is hiding the rear wiper under the spoiler. This would smooth out the design and better fit the clean aesthetic of the Neue Klasse. It’s a small detail, but moving the wiper to the top of the rear window, visible only when in use, would provide a cleaner appearance.
BMW will not begin production of the next X5 until August 2026. So expect an official debut next summer. In the meantime, expect plenty more spy photos and teasers, some of which are likely to offer a first look at a radically redesigned interior with iDrive X and Panoramic Vision as key highlights.
