A prototype of the BMW was built near Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, not far from BMW’s North American headquarters. The timing is no coincidence. It was a busy time for BMW test vehicles on both sides of the Atlantic. In recent days, spy photographers have captured everything from the electric M3 charging at the Nurburgring to this heavily camouflaged iX5 prototype driving near BMW’s US operational base.
A familiar New Class face – with an SUV touch
Although the X5 prototype remains cloaked in camouflage, the design direction is immediately recognizable. The front end clearly adopts BMW’s Neue Klasse design language and is very similar to what we’ve already seen on the upcoming iX3. That’s good news for anyone who appreciates the cleaner, more architectural look that BMW is going for.
The retro-inspired vertical kidney grille will be an SUV-specific treatment. BMW has already confirmed that horizontal kidney grilles will be reserved for lower-end non-SUV models like the upcoming i3 sedan, which integrates the grille and headlights in a way reminiscent of the Vision Neue Klasse concept. Larger vehicles, including the X5, X7 and 7 series, will continue to use more distinctive grille designs, albeit with crisper details than today’s models.
Winglet door handles and electrically operated doors
The G65 looks from the side. Traditional door handles are no longer available. In their place, small winglets are integrated into the beltline, similar to what BMW has already shown on its limited Skytop and Speedtop concepts.
This setup strongly suggests electrically operated doors, a move consistent with BMW’s push toward smoother surfaces and improved aerodynamics. It’s a subtle change, but one that speaks to how deeply Neue Klasse thinking influences even BMW’s largest and most common SUVs.
Rear end notes and production details
At the rear, the prototype gives us a look at the taillights. There are wider light beams that meet almost in the middle of the tailgate, separated by a subtly updated BMW roundel similar to that of the new iX3. The test mules also show two upside-down V shapes at the end of the taillight, which are reminiscent of some mountain ridges. A sporty roof spoiler with vertical fins peeks out from under the camouflage.
Even though there is a black horizontal stripe across the tailgate, it’s probably a smart move on BMW’s part to hide the fact that the opening tailgate is no longer present on the new G65 X5.
Five drives, one X5
BMW will begin production of the G65 The fifth-generation X5 will be the brand’s first production model to offer five different powertrains:
The hydrogen variant developed jointly with Toyota has already been teased by BMW and is expected to reach customers in 2028 under the name iX5 60H xDrive (not yet officially confirmed).
M Performance and full M variants are coming
BMW M will also play an important role in the G65 range. The X5 M is expected to retain its V8 engine, at least in non-EU markets, while a fully electric X5 M is still in development for later in the decade.
Three variants are rumored on the M Performance side:
- X5 M60e (plug-in hybrid)
- X5 M60 (petrol V8)
- iX5 M70 xDrive (fully electric)
Whatever comes first
Before any of the high-performance versions come to market, the G65 X5 will enter production in October 2026 with additional mainstream offerings, including 40 xDrive and 40d xDrive variants. The plug-in hybrid will follow shortly afterwards.
[Photos: Greg Saperstein]
