First Look: The 2026 BMW X5 Unveiled in Camouflage
The automotive world is abuzz as the next-generation BMW X5 has been spotted undergoing tests on European roads. This highly-anticipated SUV is set to make its debut in late 2025 or early 2026, showcasing not just aesthetic changes but also updates in its powertrains, including planned plug-in hybrid options.
Sneak Peek: A New Design Language Emerges
Recent sightings reveal that the 2026 BMW X5 will deviate from its current design, embracing the innovative Neue Klasse aesthetic first previewed in the Vision Neue Klass sedan concept of 2023. A subsequent SUV iteration, the Vision Neue Klasse X Concept, further hinted at the design shifts that are now becoming more apparent in these spy shots.
Despite the camouflage, it’s evident that BMW will retain its iconic kidney grille, albeit in a reimagined form that’s sleeker, thinner, and more horizontally oriented. This revamped grille is paired with slimmer headlights, emphasizing the vehicle’s width. The prototype’s grille appears rugged and might house sensors crucial for advanced safety systems.
Key Design Highlights
- Grille and Headlights: A sleeker, thinner, more horizontal kidney grille complemented by slimmer headlights.
- Tail Lights: The rear taillights seem to flow into the rear fenders, a design element seen on the XM crossover SUV.
- Smooth Door Design: In a bid for cleaner aesthetics, the doors lack conventional handles, replaced by small wing-like elements near the B- and C-pillars for opening.
Powertrain Innovations: More Than Just Cosmetic Changes
The latest X5 will not only focus on design but also on evolving its powertrains. While it will continue to house gasoline engines, a noticeable range of options will be available:
- Turbocharged Engines: Expect turbo-four and turbo-six engines.
- Hybrid Options: Plug-in hybrid variants will be part of the lineup.
- High-Performance Models: V-8 engines and high-performance versions are expected, maintaining BMW’s commitment to performance even as they prepare for an electric future.
BMW has halted the development of completely new gasoline engines, instead opting to update their current powertrain offerings. Notably, these engines will no longer be manufactured in Germany, signaling BMW’s pivot towards electric mobility.
A Closer Look at Functional Styling
The design changes aren’t purely for aesthetics; they serve functional purposes as well. The air intake for the gasoline engine is positioned in the center and lower bumper sections, a design choice aimed at optimizing engine cooling. Meanwhile, the split tailgate—a hallmark of the X5—will remain, although the rear hatch features more prominent lines and a steeper slope that may impact cargo space.
Prototypes in Action
Check out the spy shots that provide a glimpse into what’s in store:
2026 BMW X5 Spy Shots – Photo Credit: Baldauf
The Next-Gen X5 is shaping up to be a blend of BMW’s storied past and its innovative future. With cleaner lines, advanced powertrains, and the classic BMW flair, it’s set to be a standout in the luxury SUV market. Keep an eye out for more updates as we draw closer to its official release.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
