BMW X5 not moving away from V8 engines just yet
A new generation BMW X5 has launched, initially without a V8 in the lineup, but that will change when the X5 M flagship arrives.
The third of BMW’s Neue Klasse models is here, with the covers coming off the new X5 overnight, signalling the beginning of the SUV’s fifth generation.
Borrowing heavily from the design language of the smaller iX3 SUV and i3 sedan, BMW’s latest X5 is available with a range of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric (iX5) powertrains globally, though currently absent from its lineup is the option of a V8.
The outgoing ‘G05’ X5 offered a 4.4-litre V8 engine in its flagship M60i guise, making 390kW and 750Nm, however this variant has been replaced overseas by the new plug-in hybrid M60e (pictured).
Mating its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine to an electric motor, the X5 M60e produces up to 450kW and 800Nm, figures on par with the X5 M Competition which made 390kW and 750Nm from its higher-strung 4.4-litre V8.
While there is no V8 in the X5 range at the moment, US outlet Car and Driver reports the X5 M will return with a V8 under its bonnet, serving as the new flagship to the range.
Likely to borrow the powertrain from the M5 sedan and wagon, this could mean the X5 M would be powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and electric motor, which in its low-slung sibling makes 535kW and 1000Nm.
Despite the G05 X5 M60i being a part of the Australian lineup, the new X5 M60e has not been confirmed for a local debut, with only the 50e xDrive PHEV, the diesel 40d xDrive, the petrol 40 xDrive, and the electric iX5 60 xDrive confirmed for local showrooms.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but outputs and powertrain specifications have been locked in.
The X5 40d xDrive produces 210kW and 650Nm from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, while the X5 40 xDrive puts out 294kW and 540Nm from its similarly sized petrol engine, both of which incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
In the plug-in hybrid 50e xDrive, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to develop up to 360kW and 700Nm, while it can be driven between 86km and 102km in WLTP lab testing on electric power alone.
Serving as the range-topper in terms of its on-paper performance is the iX5 60 xDrive, with the electric SUV’s dual-motor powertrain system making 425kW and 805Nm, down on the overseas X5 M60e PHEV.
According to BMW Australia, the X5 40d xDrive and 40 xDrive are due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the two electrified variants are expected to land in 2027.
