Bmw’s 2027 X5 Offers Gas and Electric Choices—which Wins?

WHO:

InsideEVs - BMW introduced the fifth-generation X5 with gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen and all-electric powertrain options.

InsideEVs - Michael Ahlers, head of the X5 project, said BMW found that “400 miles of range was the sweet spot” for buyers concerned about range.

InsideEVs - Tim Levin drove the gas-powered X5 and electric iX5. He disclosed that BMW paid for his travel and lodging in Newport Beach, California.

Ars Technica - The article described the new X5 and iX5 as offering gas and electric choices.

WHAT:

InsideEVs - The iX5 60 xDrive is listed at $79,800, plus a $1,450 destination charge—$7,700 more than the gas-powered X5 40 xDrive.

InsideEVs - The iX5 has a 144-kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel drive, 570 horsepower and 594 lb-ft of maximum torque. BMW estimates 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 450 miles of EPA range.

InsideEVs - BMW says the iX5 can charge at up to 460 kW and replenish from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes, adding over 300 miles of estimated EPA range.

InsideEVs - Every iX5 includes bidirectional charging, with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home adapters; the former has three 110-volt outlets.

InsideEVs - The gas X5 xDrive 40 is rated to reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

InsideEVs - Levin found the iX5 quiet, comfortable and responsive, and preferred its immediate power delivery. He said the gas X5 offers engine sound and gear changes but also turbo lag.

Ars Technica - The article highlighted 460-kW charging and 450 miles of range as reasons to choose the electric model.

WHERE:

InsideEVs - Levin drove the vehicles in Southern California; BMW covered travel and lodging in Newport Beach, California.

WHEN:

InsideEVs - The iX5 is expected to reach U.S. dealerships in early 2027.

WHY:

InsideEVs - The article argued the iX5’s range, charging speed, technology, bidirectional charging and driving experience make it a compelling alternative to the gas X5.

HOW:

InsideEVs - The iX5 uses BMW’s sixth-generation motors, an 800-volt architecture and a cell-to-pack battery design. Its 46120 battery cells provide additional energy capacity; BMW said the chassis must accommodate other powertrains, so the iX5 does not use the cell-to-body design found in other Neue Klasse vehicles.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 01:34 UTC)

BMW has introduced the fifth-generation X5 with gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen and all-electric options, including the new iX5. The iX5 60 xDrive starts at $79,800, plus a $1,450 destination charge, or $7,700 more than the gas X5 40 xDrive. It pairs a 144-kilowatt-hour battery with dual-motor all-wheel drive, delivering 570 horsepower and an estimated 450 miles of range. BMW says it can charge at up to 460 kilowatts, replenishing from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. Every iX5 also includes vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home charging adapters. In a Southern California drive, the electric model was described as quiet, comfortable and responsive, while the gas version offers engine sound and gear changes but has turbo lag. BMW says 400 miles was the range sweet spot for buyers concerned about driving distance. The iX5 is expected in U.S. dealerships in early 2027.