FIRST DRIVE | 2027 BMW X5 expands ‘Neue Klasse’ values

It was in 1999 that BMW debuted the X5 at the North American International Auto show.

The German brand touted the creation of a new genre it dubbed the “Sports Activity Vehicle” and aimed to offer the dynamics of a sedan, versatility of a wagon and a convincing degree of competence when the asphalt made way for dirt.

Not a pukka off-roader to rival proper ladder-frame 4×4 models but a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance to tackle terrains that a 5-Series saloon typically would not.

It was a crucial model for the Munich firm’s ambitions in the US market particularly — being built at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina — but went on to garner universal appeal, with over 3.1-million units sold over 27 years and four generations.

At the time, the sizable premium sport-utility vehicle market was a niche. Fellow Teutonic brand Mercedes-Benz had the ML-Class. Audi was yet to conceive the Q7, while the likes of the Volvo XC90 and Range Rover Sport did not yet exist.

Now the fifth-generation car is here and we secured a first drive at the international media launch in Los Angeles. We drove the car from Newport to San Diego, a distance of about 215km — and back. It is being launched in South Africa in 2027.

First we should weigh in on the aesthetics. Last month the brand launched the new iX3 in South Africa, the first of the Neue Klasse family, an archetype for future BMW models. It arrived on the back of a noteworthy plaudit, crowned 2026 World Car of the Year.

The new X5 closely resembles the iX3, just larger, retaining cues like the slim kidney grilles, narrowed headlamps (replete with “X” motifs); wrap-around rear light clusters and a silhouette that echoes hints of the controversial iX. Conventional door handles are replaced with touch-sensitive fins integrated into the pillars.

Some may admire the progressive shift, resulting in a vehicle that appears a tad friendlier, softer than the severe character of the former G05 version. Others may yearn for the more muscular appearance of the predecessor.

It is bigger in certain dimensions. The wheelbase is now 3,035mm from 2,975mm previously. It measures a length of 4,994mm versus 4,935mm. But width is trimmed by 4mm and it is 7mm shorter in height. Boot space is 655l. Our US-market test car had a space-saver spare wheel under the luggage compartment cover. Hopefully South African models are equipped with the same.

Hopping inside the front quarters, it feels cosier than before, with the futuristic new fascia concept and seating designs feeding spaceship illusions.

Like the new iX3, it deploys a radical four-spoke steering wheel design, large rhombus-shaped central interface (the co-pilot can have an optional compact display); complemented by the Panoramic Vision projection across the lower extent of the windscreen.

Initially, you may be overwhelmed by the gratuity of screens. But the Panoramic Vision setup is especially brilliant, with its configurable displays and layout that is less distracting than focusing on the main interface. Only a matter of time before other brands begin adopting a similar way.

The central infotainment system needs time to get used to. We fumbled trying to find the driving modes selection menu, for instance. It is also unfortunate that the air vents are now adjustable through the screen, rather than with physical toggles. But thankfully tactile controls for volume, mirror and steering adjustments are retained.

Although some premium carmakers have taken a myopic approach with regard to electrification, BMW said it remains committed to offering a diversity of powertrains.

The new X5 is a good example of that, as there are five different propulsion choices: plug-in hybrid, full-electric, hydrogen fuel cell electric, petrol and diesel. Of course, we are yet to receive final confirmation on which derivatives will be offered in our market. Prices are also to be finalised.

Sticking with conventional technology, it would be safe to predict the six-cylinder petrol 40 xDrive model we spent the day with is a certainty for the South African line-up.

The familiar 2,998cc turbocharged-petrol unit fires up with a bellow and is aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Total output is 294kW/580Nm. Acceleration is fair, dispatching the 0-100km/h run in a claimed 5.3 seconds. The muscular acoustics and smooth delivery make a stronger impression than the perception of outright speed off the line.

The 50e and 60e xDrive models (both plug-in hybrids) offer stronger performance, with the 60e-badged model quoting a rest to 100km/h time of 4.2 seconds. Later on there will be a V8 derivative and an M Performance electric model.

The all-electric iX50 xDrive model has an output of 425kW/805Nm, a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds and a maximum quoted range of 845km. We had been due to sample this but launch logistics on the day of our drive dictated that we stayed with the petrol-powered 40 xDrive.

Over the straight, monotonous interstate freeways, we had time to appreciate the quiet, relaxed cruising abilities of the new X5. The intuitive navigation system made driving in foreign territory less stressful, showing the driver on-screen which lane to move towards well ahead of the next manoeuvre.

The desert location of Borrego Springs in San Diego is connected by twisty mountain roads, across landscape that resembles the arid environment of the Karoo.

We hustled the X5 through these sections at a fair lick and found it to be a well-composed, confident performer under the demands of spirited driving. From the shape of the steering wheel, with its defined thumb rests, to the chunky side bolsters of the front seats, it encourages a dynamic approach.

It is a heavy car (2,365kg EU) but the heft is sufficiently disguised, feeling nimbler than expected through quick successions of left-right curves. What helps its cause is extensive use of aluminium in the suspension, air-sprung at both axles.

In the mountainous driving settings, the eight-speed Steptronic was kept in lower ratios via the steering-mounted paddles. But on the open road, best leave it to its own devices.

Some premium firms have struggled to reinvent themselves in changing times, as the shift towards electrification and increased digitisation intensifies.

The new X5 supports the view that BMW is managing to embrace a future-forward way without completely relinquishing its brand hallmarks.

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