● Leaked specs for the next-generation BMW X5 (G65) show a longer body and stretched wheelbase
● Updated B58 inline-six engine promises about 394 hp
● Competition with premium SUVs like the Mercedes‑Benz GLE and Audi Q7 will heat up
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I’m Uni‑Ji (Yukapost), an automotive influencer.
How will the model that long set the standard in the premium SUV segment evolve next? Major specs for the next‑generation BMW X5 (G65) leaked ahead of the official reveal, drawing global attention. From exterior dimension changes to powertrain upgrades, BMW’s flagship SUV looks positioned to influence the segment again.
The X5 at the center of BMW’s SUV story enters a new generation
Since its 1999 debut, the BMW X5 has effectively redefined the premium SUV category. When SUVs were still widely perceived as off‑road vehicles, BMW promoted the “SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle)” concept to combine on‑road dynamics with luxury. The X5 has continued evolving on that premise in global markets.
The current fourth‑generation model (G05) has established itself as BMW’s core SUV with refined styling, a robust inline‑six, and cutting‑edge electronics. The leaked details indicate the next‑gen G65 X5 will bring broader changes to body dimensions, powertrain, and interior packaging.
Body changes: longer overall length and a stretched wheelbase
The leaked specs suggest the next X5 will grow modestly. Overall length is expected to increase by 59 mm to 4,994 mm. Roof height will drop by about 14 mm to roughly 1,751 mm, while overall width trims about 4 mm to around 2,000 mm. Those figures may seem incremental on paper, but the real impact will be the longer wheelbase.
The wheelbase is expected to grow by about 60 mm to roughly 3,035 mm, which should directly improve rear‑seat room and overall cabin comfort. Interestingly, although roof height is down, minimum ground clearance is reported to rise to about 226 mm—up roughly 12 mm—suggesting BMW is balancing a lower roofline with preserved SUV stability and light off‑road capability.
Weight rise — but performance gets stronger: upgraded B58 inline‑six
With a larger body and more equipment, the new X5’s curb weight will increase. The X5 xDrive40’s curb weight is estimated at around 2,290 kg, roughly 125 kg heavier than the current model. Weight gains are common as manufacturers add the latest safety and electrification hardware. BMW is offsetting that with upgraded powertrain performance.
The next X5 will use an upgraded B58 inline‑six turbo (B58B30M3), a long‑standing high‑performance engine in BMW’s lineup. BMW estimates the X5 xDrive40 will produce about 394 hp and roughly 55.0 kg·m of torque—approximately 398 lb‑ft—representing increases of about 19 hp and 2.0 kg·m (≈14.5 lb‑ft) over the current model.
BMW will pair the engine with a 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system. The e‑motor should add roughly 17 hp of auxiliary output, helping throttle response and fuel economy. In short, BMW is retaining the inline‑six’s character while integrating electrification to sharpen performance and efficiency.
Rear‑drive variants possible — premium SUV rivalry likely to heat up. When will it arrive?
The leaked details focus on xDrive AWD models, but BMW’s U.S. site also references sDrive rear‑wheel‑drive versions. RWD variants typically shave a bit of weight versus AWD; on the current X5 the sDrive/xDrive gap is only about 36 kg, so the difference in everyday driving will likely be modest.
The arrival of the next X5 could shake up the premium SUV segment. Key rivals include the Mercedes‑Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne.
The Mercedes‑Benz GLE emphasizes comfort and the latest MBUX system; the Audi Q7 offers roomy interiors and composed driving dynamics. The BMW X5, in contrast, trades on near‑sedan handling and the smooth delivery of an inline‑six. This generation’s updates may do more than replace a model—they could rework the premium SUV competitive landscape.
BMW will build the next X5 at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Industry watchers expect production of the 2027 model to begin around August 2026, making an early‑summer 2026 reveal likely.
Editor’s note
The X5 is more than another SUV—it helped create the premium SUV segment. This next generation takes an evolutionary path, nudging size, performance, and electrification forward. Can BMW reset the benchmark once more? We’ll be watching the production model closely. Share your thoughts in the comments — I appreciate your feedback.
