New vs. Previous BMW X5: What Actually Changed Between Generations
The fifth-generation X5 is more than a facelift. It has a new design, more inline-six torque, a bigger plug-in hybrid battery, Panoramic iDrive, and the first fully electric X5. Below, every figure is checked against BMW's own numbers, the drive systems are compared side by side, and there's a straight answer on whether a Bay Area buyer should take home a current X5 now or wait.
Quick answer: what's different about the new BMW X5?
The 2027 X5 replaces the G05 generation (2019–2026 model years). The inline-six rises from 375 to 394 hp. The plug-in hybrid's usable battery grows from 19.2 to 26.5 kWh, with up to 44 miles of estimated electric range against 40 for the outgoing xDrive50e. The iX5 60 xDrive is the first all-electric X5, at an estimated 435 miles. Prices rise too: the X5 40 xDrive starts at $72,100, versus $67,500 for the G05 xDrive40i at its 2024 launch.
The Generation Change in Four Numbers
Most of what separates the two generations shows up in these four figures. The rest of the page explains what each one means on I-80, over the Bay Bridge, and on the way up to Tahoe.
394 hp
New X5 40 inline-six, up from 375 hp on the G05 xDrive40i. Torque
rises from 383 to 428 lb-ft.
26.5 kWh
Usable battery in the new X5 50e xDrive, up from 19.2 kWh in the
G05 xDrive50e.
44 mi
BMW's estimated electric range for the new 50e, against a 40-mile
EPA rating for the 2026 xDrive50e.
435 mi
Estimated range of the new iX5 60 xDrive. The G05 never had a
battery-electric version.
New-generation figures are BMW preliminary estimates. The 44-mile and 435-mile figures come from BMW AG testing that follows EPA procedures and are not final EPA ratings.
Side-by-Side: G05 X5 vs. the 2027 X5
The left column covers the outgoing G05, mostly in its 2024 updated form, using BMW PressClub USA specifications and EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. The right column uses BMW's announced figures for the new generation, covered in full in our 2027 X5 and iX5 first look. New-generation figures are BMW's announced, preliminary numbers; where a figure hasn't been confirmed, the cell says so.
| Spec | Previous generation (G05) | New generation (2027 X5) |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2019–2026 (updated for 2024) | 2027 on; rollout begins October 2026 |
| Drive systems offered in the U.S. | Gas inline-six, plug-in hybrid, V8 (M60i) | Gas inline-six, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric iX5; V8 M Performance model to follow; iX5 Hydrogen (production from 2028; US availability unconfirmed) |
| Inline-six output | 375 hp / 383 lb-ft (398 lb-ft with 48V boost) | 394 hp / 428 lb-ft, 48V mild hybrid |
| Inline-six 0–60 mph | 5.2 sec (xDrive40i) | 5.1 sec (4.8 sec with one-foot rollout) |
| Plug-in hybrid output | 483 hp / 516 lb-ft (xDrive50e) | 483 hp / 516 lb-ft (X5 50e xDrive) |
| Plug-in hybrid 0–60 mph | 4.6 sec | 4.6 sec |
| Plug-in hybrid usable battery | 19.2 kWh | 26.5 kWh |
| Plug-in hybrid electric range | 40 mi EPA (2026 xDrive50e); 39 mi (2025); 31 mi for the 2021–2023 xDrive45e | Up to 44 mi (BMW estimate) |
| Plug-in hybrid electric-only top speed | Not confirmed in our sources | Up to 87 mph |
| Plug-in hybrid AC charging | Up to 7.4 kW | Not yet published |
| All-electric version | None | iX5 60 xDrive: 570 hp, 593 lb-ft, 0–60 in an estimated 4.4 sec |
| EV architecture and DC charging | Not applicable | 800-volt, up to 460 kW DC, 10–80% in about 22 min, NACS port |
| Bidirectional charging | Not offered | Standard on iX5: vehicle-to-load, vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-vehicle (US timing for vehicle-to-home not announced) |
| V8 model | X5 M60i xDrive: 523 hp / 553 lb-ft | V8 M Performance model due later in 2027; specs not yet published |
| Wheelbase | 117.1 in | 2.4 in longer than G05 |
| Cargo (seats up / folded) | 33.9 / 72.3 cu ft (40i); 27.4 / 59.6 cu ft (xDrive50e) | Not yet published |
| Standard / largest wheels | 20 in standard; up to 22 in | 21 in standard; 22 in and, for the first time, 23 in available |
| Suspension | Two-axle air suspension optional (standard on xDrive50e) | Adaptive suspension standard; two-axle air suspension optional |
| Rear-wheel steering | Up to 3 degrees | Up to 3.2 degrees (Integral Active Steering) |
| Displays and software | BMW Curved Display (12.3 in + 14.9 in), Operating System 8 | Panoramic Vision, 17.9 in Central Display, standard 3D Head-Up Display, Operating System X |
| Hands-free highway assist | Highway Assistant (optional), up to 85 mph | Highway Assistant (optional), up to 85 mph, adds Active Lane Change with Eye Activation |
| Gas EPA combined | 25 mpg (2026 xDrive40i) | Not yet published |
| Starting MSRP | At 2024 launch: sDrive40i $65,200; xDrive40i $67,500; xDrive50e $72,500; M60i $89,300 (+$995 destination) | X5 40 $69,800; X5 40 xDrive $72,100; X5 50e xDrive $77,500; iX5 60 xDrive $79,800 (+$1,450 destination) |
Sources: BMW PressClub USA, "The 2024 BMW X5 and X6" (February 2023); EPA ratings at fueleconomy.gov; BMW's announced 2027 X5 and iX5 specifications as summarized in Weatherford BMW's first-look coverage. G05 prices are the 2024 launch MSRPs, not current transaction prices. Ask us for today's pricing on a specific vehicle.
The Changes You'll Actually Feel
These are the differences a Berkeley driver will notice in the first week.
Stronger pull, calmer stop-start
The updated B58 inline-six gets a new turbocharger and the Miller combustion cycle. The 48-volt starter generator now sits inside the eight-speed transmission and adds up to 17 hp and 148 lb-ft when pulling away. In stop-and-go traffic on University Avenue or the I-80 approach to the Bay Bridge, that means quicker launches and smoother restarts.
A tighter, quieter chassis
Wider track, extra body stiffness, and a new steering gear with acoustic decoupling sharpen the car without making the ride harsh. Adaptive dampers are now standard. With optional air suspension, the X5 can drop 40 mm when parked, which makes loading kids and gear easier in a tight Oakland driveway.
A different cabin
The G05's Curved Display is replaced by Panoramic Vision, which runs across the base of the windshield, plus a standard 3D Head-Up Display. Rear passengers get more knee room from the longer wheelbase. The standard panoramic roof now has an opening front section. The optional 14.6-inch Passenger Screen is new to the X5.
What Didn't Change, and What BMW Hasn't Confirmed
Some things carry over, and some important figures aren't public yet. Knowing both keeps the comparison honest.
Carries over
- A 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild hybrid as the core gas engine.
- Plug-in hybrid peak output: 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, 0–60 in 4.6 seconds, in both generations.
- An eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
- Hands-free Highway Assistant up to 85 mph on suitable limited-access highways, still optional.
- Double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension layout.
Not yet published
- Final EPA range for the iX5 and EPA electric range for the new 50e. BMW's current figures are preliminary.
- EPA fuel economy for the new X5 40 and 40 xDrive.
- Cargo volume for any new-generation model.
- Third-row seating availability. It isn't listed in the new-generation details we have.
- Specs for the V8 M Performance model; US availability of the iX5 Hydrogen (production starts 2028).
What Changes for Bay Area Drivers
The G05 made you choose between gas and a plug-in hybrid with a modest electric range. The new generation adds a fully electric option and a plug-in hybrid with more electric range. For an East Bay household, that changes how the car fits into daily life.
An all-electric X5 for EV-first households
The iX5's estimated 435 miles is a preliminary BMW figure. Real-world range depends on speed, temperature, and terrain. Our Bay Area BMW EV range data shows how current BMW EVs hold up against their ratings on local roads, which is a better guide than any headline number. On the road, BMW quotes 10–80% in about 22 minutes at up to 460 kW. The NACS port opens up more charging stops along I-80 toward Tahoe.
Backup power during a PSPS shutoff
Every iX5 includes bidirectional charging. BMW says vehicle-to-home can supply power during an outage. For households in the Berkeley and Oakland hills that have been through a PG&E public safety power shutoff, that's a practical reason to watch the EV. BMW has not announced when vehicle-to-home will be available in the US, and home integration will require compatible equipment, so ask us before you plan around it.
More commutes on electric only in the PHEV
With 26.5 kWh usable and up to 44 estimated electric miles, the new 50e can cover a Berkeley-to-San Francisco round trip or a run of East Bay errands on electricity alone. It can also stay electric at freeway speeds up to 87 mph. The G05 xDrive50e's 40-mile EPA rating already covers many commutes, so the gain matters most at the longer end of your daily driving.
Less tiring long drives
Both generations offer hands-free Highway Assistant up to 85 mph. The new car adds Active Lane Change with Eye Activation: a glance at the mirror confirms a suggested lane change. On the long stretch of I-80 past Sacramento toward the Sierra, that takes some effort out of the drive. Rear-wheel steering helps with parallel parking on Berkeley streets and in tight San Francisco garages.
If you want an electric BMW now instead of waiting for the iX5, our new BMW EV inventory shows what's on the lot today.
Buy a Current X5 Now or Wait for the New One?
The better choice depends on how you drive, what you're replacing, and when your current car's term ends. Here's how we'd advise the drivers we see most often at the Berkeley store.
| Your situation | Lean toward | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family that needs the SUV now | Current G05 | The G05 is a known quantity with published cargo figures and EPA ratings. New-generation cargo space and third-row availability haven't been published. |
| PHEV commuter on I-80 or the Bay Bridge | Depends on your mileage | If your round trip fits within the G05 xDrive50e's 40-mile EPA range, it already does the job. If you regularly go past that, the new 50e's larger battery is worth waiting for, since it's due in the first quarter of 2027. |
| Frequent Tahoe or Sierra driver | Either; choose by drivetrain | The G05 xDrive40i and new X5 40 xDrive both make the drive without charging stops. If you want to go electric, the iX5's range estimate, 800-volt charging, and NACS access make it the first X5 that suits mountain trips on battery power. |
| Lease ending before early 2027 | Test drive both paths | The X5 40 xDrive arrives first. The 50e and iX5 follow in the first quarter of 2027. If your lease ends before then, compare a G05 now with extending or bridging until the model you want arrives. |
| EV-first household with home charging | Wait for the iX5 | The G05 has no electric version. The iX5 adds full electric range and bidirectional charging; BMW has not announced when vehicle-to-home outage backup will be available in the US. |
| Buyer focused on price | Current G05 | New-generation starting MSRPs and destination fees are higher than the G05's 2024 launch prices. Ask us about current G05 offers. |
Timing also affects how you pay. Leasing lets you move to the new generation later, while buying makes more sense if you keep a car for years. Our BMW lease vs. buy guide for Berkeley drivers explains the trade-offs. For everything BMW has announced about the new model, including rollout timing by drivetrain, read our 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 first look.
Expert Tips: Making the Call in Four Steps
- Drive the current X5 on your own route. The inline-six, plug-in hybrid, and chassis layout carry over in concept. An hour in a G05 on your commute tells you whether the X5 fits your life, whichever generation you end up with.
- Log a week of real mileage. Compare your longest regular day against the G05 xDrive50e's 40-mile EPA rating and the new 50e's 44-mile estimate. That one number usually settles the plug-in hybrid question.
- Check your lease maturity date. Line it up against the rollout: X5 40 xDrive from October 2026, then the X5 40, 50e, and iX5 in the first quarter of 2027.
- Price your home charging. A plug-in hybrid can live on a Level 2 charger. If you're considering the iX5 for backup power, note that BMW has not announced US vehicle-to-home availability yet, so confirm it before you commit.
Why Compare Generations With Weatherford BMW
We sell and service both generations
Weatherford BMW of Berkeley, at 735 Ashby Ave., sells current X5 inventory and will support the new generation as it arrives. Our Master Certified EV Technicians specialize in BMW's electrified models, from G05 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid service to the EVs that lead into the iX5.
Figures you can check
We don't guess at numbers BMW hasn't released. When cargo volume, EPA ratings, or V8 specs are published, we'll update this comparison. Until then, the table above marks every figure that hasn't been confirmed.
Drive a current X5, and get on the list for the new one
The best way to judge the new X5 is to know the current one well. Book a drive in a G05 on roads you know, and tell our team which new-generation drivetrain you're watching. We'll let you know when it reaches Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the new and previous BMW X5?
The new fifth-generation X5 has a Neue Klasse-inspired design, a 394 hp inline-six that replaces the 375 hp G05 engine, and a plug-in hybrid with 26.5 kWh of usable battery instead of 19.2 kWh. It also adds the first all-electric X5, the iX5 60 xDrive, with an estimated 435 miles of range. BMW Panoramic iDrive replaces the Curved Display, and the wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer.
What years is the previous-generation BMW X5?
The previous generation, known internally as G05, covers the 2019 through 2026 model years. It was updated for 2024 with new inline-six and V8 engines with 48-volt mild hybrid, the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, and the BMW Curved Display.
Does the new X5 plug-in hybrid have more electric range?
Yes. BMW estimates up to 44 miles of electric range for the new X5 50e xDrive. The 2026 G05 xDrive50e is EPA-rated at 40 miles. The new figure is a preliminary BMW estimate, not a final EPA rating.
Was there an electric version of the previous BMW X5?
No. The G05 offered gas, plug-in hybrid, and V8 versions. The iX5 60 xDrive is the first fully electric X5, with 570 hp, an 800-volt system, up to 460 kW DC charging, a NACS port, and bidirectional charging.
When does the new BMW X5 arrive?
BMW's rollout begins in October 2026 with the X5 40 xDrive. The rear-wheel-drive X5 40, the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid, and the iX5 60 xDrive follow in the first quarter of 2027. A V8 M Performance model is planned for later in 2027.
Should I buy a current X5 now or wait for the new generation?
Buy a current X5 if you need the vehicle now, want published cargo and fuel-economy figures, or want to pay less. Wait if you want the all-electric iX5, need more plug-in hybrid electric range, or your lease ends after the first quarter of 2027 when most new models arrive.
*Due to ongoing industry supply challenges impacting production, the availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited. Please review the Monroney Label on the vehicle prior to purchase to verify the vehicle includes all expected features and equipment.