The original “Sport Activity Vehicle” enters a new era with its Neue Klasse exterior design. The trademark monolithic appearance, first introduced in the iX3 and i3, features reduced creases, relying instead on solid form to depict an elegant, yet robust look. As always, the BMW Double Kidney grille is illuminated (Iconic Glow) but enhanced by the “double-X” DRLs which also happen to be the turn signal indicators. On to the side, the X5 has electrically powered soft-closed doors opened by a small “winglet.” And, at the back, an intricately-designed taillight which extends across almost the entire width of the vehicle makes up for the loss of the two-piece tailgate.

At launch, the X5 will offer a choice between battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or gasoline hybrid, and diesel hybrid. A fully electric M Performance version and even a hydrogen version will come at a later time.

The fully-electric iX5 60 xDrive uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. The dual motors produce some 578 horsepower and 805 Nm of torque enough for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the large 141 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack enable it to reach up to 845 kilometers of range.

On the other hand, two 48-volt hybrids—the X5 40 xDrive and X5 40d xDrive—should make up bulk of the X5’s global sales. Whether fed with gasoline or diesel, both engines have 3 liters of displacement and an inline-6 layout. The gas-fed version produces 400 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque, while the diesel has 286 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque.

For those who want a “best of both worlds” scenario, the X5 50e xDrive offers the same 3.0-liter inline-6 but supplemented a new turbocharger, a stronger electric motor (197 horsepower, 280 Nm), and larger battery (26.5 kWh net). This combination offers a combined output of 489 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, and an all-electric range of around 102 kilometers. An even more powerful version, the X5 M60e xDrive ekes out 612 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque dropping its century sprint to just 4.5 seconds.

In terms of handling, the X5 now comes with adaptive suspension as standard and benefit from a near-50-50 weight distribution. A more advanced Adaptive Chassis Control (M or Professional) adds two-axle air suspension and rear wheel steering. The ride height can be adjusted manually or automatically to enhance comfort or increase range, depending on the chosen settings.

Inside, the X5 sports a completely new interface with the BMW Panoramic iDrive powered by BMW Operating System X taking center stage. This combines four features—the windshield projected BMW Panoramic Vision, a 3D Heads-Up Display, a 17.9-inch central display, and a new passenger screen. The X5 is the first car manufacturer to use slate as a decorative surface alongside alongside glass and model-specific details such as X stitching in the doors and dashboard.

Other features include a four-zone climate control, large panoramic sunroof, quilted seats with ventilation and massaging functions, a new range of steering wheel designs, and even an 18-speakerr Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos.

The all-new X5 will be produced at the BMW Group Plant in Spartanburg in the United States. The all-electric iX5 will be the first BEV to be produced at that site.