Some facts!

With this X5 for 2026, drivers can expect – and enjoy – updated gas powertrains with a plug-in variant. Also on tap is a very distinctive and different design than what is currently in place within today’s SUV. To that end, the new X5 will feature a design previewed by the Neue Klasse concepts. That means the iconic kidney grille will remain intact, one in which has grown larger and larger in recent years.

This new grille design, though, will be updated and presented in a sleeker, thinner and more horizontal design, with the slimmer headlights, combined with that grille, serving to accentuate the vehicle’s width. In first peeks, the camo-overed grille appears to be solid, and may in fact be hiding sensors for safety systems, with all air feeding the gas engine coming from the middle and lower portions of the bumper. In addition, the rear taillights appeal to bleed into the rear fenders, similar to what began with the XM crossover SUV.

Heading into the 2026 model year, the overall design of the X5 is cleaner and less busy, paying homage to the focus of the Neue Klasse language. Doors are also completely smooth with no standard door handles or openings for the hand. It is possible through spy shots that a small wing may be a door opener mounted along the window line by the B-and C-pillars.

As always, the X5 has featured a split tailgate, and it is possible this design trait will continue in this new model year.

Inside, the next-gen X5 M will more than likely debut a new central display that gets its inspiration from the Neue Klasse Vision X concept. The dashboard will boast BMW’s latest operating system, either the iDrive X or iDrive 10, with a keen focus on reducing physical buttons in favor of a more streamlined, tech-centric layout.

The spy shots also revealed a hint of a new steering wheel design with flat top and bottom sections, with rumors swirling that an optional secondary screen for front passengers may be presented.

In the area of power, the next-gen X5 will continue to offer gas engines under hood, with the prototypes’ exhaust tips and mufflers seen peeking out from under the rear bumper area. Also, turbo-4, turbo-6, plug-in hybrid, V-8 and high-performance variants are all likely to appear, with each expected to be updated versions of what is present in today’s X5.

In all, this X5 M, codenamed G95, will retain the signature power BMW lovers are accustomed to, as well as an aggressive design. It will be among the few remaining models in the lineup to utilize the S68 engine. And while exact power figures are not yet revealed, it’s unlikely this new X5 will dip below the current model’s 617-horsepower output. Agility and road dynamics are a given.

In other news, the X5 is expected to remain in production until 2033. This means a strong back log is in place for BMW’s high-performance SUVs across the lineup. And even as BMW moves toward greater electrification, there is no hint yet of retiring its V8-powered heroes.

This highly anticipated X5 promises to be a blend of both high performance and enhanced efficiency. Add to that, cutting-edge technology and thrilling driving dynamics, and this vehicle will be your next best choice. The verdict is in – this model will be a crucial player in an ever-evolving lineup. Electrification doesn't mean sacrificing performance and that fact is made clear here. Eavesdropping? You bet! And the news is exciting!