It’s safe to say that the fifth-generation X5 has something for everyone. BMW has already announced that the “G65” will be the brand’s first production model with five drive types. In addition to the usual petrol and diesel variants, the plug-in hybrid returns, along with two new additions. Both are electric vehicles, one powered by batteries and the other powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
In keeping with the core BMW brand, the M division will also expand its offering for the next generation X5. We’ve already talked about how the X5 M will likely retain a V8 engine. It will likely be complemented by a fully electric variant. On the M Performance page, customers can reportedly choose between three versions: X5 M60e, X5 M60 and iX5 M70 xDrive. That’s according to a company insider who frequently posts on the site Bimmer post Forums with remarkable accuracy.
The plug-in hybrid is expected to hit the market first, with production starting at the Spartanburg plant in December 2026. Technical specifications remain under wraps, but an inline-six engine paired with an electric motor seems to be the most plausible configuration. Finally, the M760e of the same name combines the B58 with an electric motor.
Logic suggests that the petrol-only X5 M60 will retain the V8 when it enters production in April 2027. We don’t rule out the possibility that Europe only gets the X5 M60e, leaving the eight-cylinder X5 M60 for non-EU markets with more lenient emissions regulations. Ideally, customers in Europe receive both.
BMW is also believed to be developing an electric M Performance version. This third variant of a not-quite-M model, expected to be called the iX5 M70 xDrive, is rumored to go into production in September 2027. The higher number indicates higher performance than the other two, but remains below the full-fat M variants. For those waiting for the real M models, the X5 M (G95) Duo is scheduled to be released in 2028.
Between the M Performance and M models, the next X5 is likely to be the first BMW M model to offer gasoline, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. But before these arrive, the SUV will only go into production in October 2026 in the lower versions 40 xDrive and 40d xDrive. An official launch could take place in the summer.
Meanwhile, BMW already has The teaser campaign started with a preview of the fuel cell Hydrogen version. Developed together with Toyota, the iX5 60H xDrive (name not confirmed) will go on sale in 2028.
Source: Bimmer Post
