What we know!

When production in fact begins two years down the road, it will take place in Spartanburg, S.C., with the V-8 powered X5 carrying a slightly different name. To that end, the automaker is eliminating the “i” from its gasoline-powered models, with the high-performance SUV going by X5 M60. Although subtle, this transition is already occurring within the lineup, including with the smaller X3 M50.

And while downsizing is a trend, BMW has consistently promised to keep the V8 alive and well until 2030, and possibly beyond. That means the next-gen X5 will follow suit, with this same number of cylinders under hood. But while the twin-turbo 4.4-liter “S68” V8 will remain available on U.S. shores, it may be blocked at the EU border due to stricter emissions regulations. That does not mean the V8 engine won’t be exclusive to North America. Other regions with looser regulations, like the Middle East, may also get it, too. And even if Europe gets the short stick when it comes to this, BMW can still launch an M Performance variant as a plug-in hybrid with two fewer cylinders, and call it the X5 M60e.

Moving forward, it is likely that the X6 and X7 will also get the V8, like the X5, as will the ALPINA’s future iteration of the XB7.

What we know is that this next combustion-powered X5 will ride on an updated CLAR platform and will get BME’s Neue Klasse design tricks, including the shark-nose front. The automaker is conducting the final winter tests of the season on the 2027 X5, and the anticipation is building!

Also in the area of design, the M60 like many other BMWs will feature the Hofmeister kink in the rear pillar as well as the dual kidney grilles. But, similar to the original Neue Klasse sedans of the 1960s, another classic hint is the shark-nose front end. Sort of tweaking that feature in the 1990s with the X5, which debuted in 1999, the feature of a reverse slant to the snout, or wide air intakes that bridged the gap between the kidneys and the headlights, were added.

By this point, the automaker was incorporating the kidneys into hoods that plunged to the bumper line, and the slope of the grille area began to switch to a positive angle.

With an advanced new platform, battery and motor technology, the new generation of the X5 continues to forge ahead, with all models, regardless of its power source, gradually adopting a new design language that pays homage to the shark-nose classics.

Combustion X5’s released in spy shots and expected to debut in 2026 do not benefit from the NK platform that makes its debut in the smaller iX3 SUV this fall, but instead relies on the updated version of the current CLAR architecture, similar to the recently overhauled ICE-powered X3.

Also void on the X5’s face and for the first time in terms of NK design language, is sheet metal. To better understand how the X5 will appear in two years is by taking a closer look at last year’s Vision NK X concept, which previews the 2027 iX3. The new X5 is sure to borrow heavily from it. That will be made clear in a pair of slim, yet tall, kidneys that will dip into the bumper below, as well as visor-like plastic panels that extend outwards from the kidneys and morph into a pair of LED headlights.

Considered overall conservative in terms of design, the new X5 will still be attractive to say the least. And with a new nose, squarer arches, a sportier slope to the rear window and a completely new interior boasting a full-width head–up display, it is certain that this vehicle will attract a fair share of younger buyers. Add to that an EV option for the first time, and the choice is a likely one for many!

Production of the new BMW X5 M60 is certainly well worth the wait, paying homage to looks of the past, while forging into the future. From a sharknose design to revamped interior and plenty under hood, the X5 M60 may be your next best choice moving forward. See what’s on the horizon!