Angel Sergeev is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the automotive industry. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, he began his writing career in 2010 while pursuing a degree in Transportation Engineering.
His early work included contributions to the local edition of F1 Racing magazine (now GP Racing magazine) and roles at various automotive websites and magazines.
In 2013, Angel joined Motor1.com (formerly WorldCarFans), where he dedicated over a decade to delivering daily news and feature articles. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles, classic cars, and industry topics. Angel’s commitment to automotive journalism is further demonstrated by his membership in the Bulgarian Car of the Year jury since 2013.
BMW just showed the next-generation X5 for the first time. The headline is simple and big: the brand confirms five powertrain choices on one model – battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel, and a hydrogen fuel cell version due in 2028. That spread sets up the X5 to cover daily commuting, long-haul road trips, and everything in between. It also marks the first official preview of a model line that aims to be the most versatile BMW SUV to date. As a reminder, the X5 was the best-selling BMW model in the United States last year with 72,348 units delivered to customers.
The wraps stay on most specs, but the message is clear: the next X5 (internally known as G65) will arrive with a full lineup, including the first all-electric iX5 and familiar ICE options. Expect a staged rollout, with production starting in the second half of the decade and the hydrogen variant joining from 2028. Today’s teaser centers on the iX5 Hydrogen development car, which previews the look and the package.
Powertrain choice is BMW’s play. The company says a “technology-open” approach lets it build what different buyers want without forcing a one-size-fits-all solution. In practice, that means the next X5 will sit on flexible manufacturing that can handle electric, hybrid, and combustion versions in parallel – good news for availability and options. For those watching the hydrogen angle, BMW confirms a fuel cell X5 moves from pilot testing to series production in 2028, using a next-gen stack co-developed with Toyota. But make no mistake: the core story is the SUV itself and the breadth of drivetrains, not a single niche variant.
“By launching the new BMW X5 with a choice of five drive system variants, we are once again demonstrating our leading position as a technology pioneer. Hydrogen has an essential part to play in global decarbonisation, which is why we are committed to driving the technology forward,” Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, comments.
Design details remain under camouflage, yet the official images signal familiar X5 proportions with cleaner surfacing and tighter lighting signatures. Expect cues influenced by BMW’s Neue Klasse language but adapted for a larger SUV with real cargo and towing duties. The brand is keeping interior shots under wraps, though recent BMW statements point to a modernized cockpit and upgraded driver-assist tech. The goal is quicker responses, sharper displays, and less distraction – things drivers will feel on day one.
Why the big spread of powertrains? BMW wants to sell one global X5 that fits many markets. Some regions favor fast DC charging, others still rely on fuel stations and long highway ranges. A plug-in hybrid will bridge both, while the full EV will target quiet speed and instant torque. Diesel and gasoline options stay in the mix for buyers who prioritize highway efficiency or simplicity. That multi-track plan should also help performance fans: more variants typically mean more tuning headroom and, eventually, M-flavored hardware.
BMW pairs the product push with infrastructure work. The HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative aims to seed refueling hubs in major cities by pooling demand from trucks, buses, and passenger cars. The company sees hydrogen as a long-range, quick-refuel complement to battery EVs, not a replacement. For U.S. and European readers, that means the hydrogen X5 will depend on regional station growth, while the EV and PHEV versions will be the early volume drivers.
Timing? Independent reporting points to a next-gen X5 launch window around 2026 for the 2027 model year, with the full-electric iX5 in the mix and the hydrogen model following later. BMW’s own statements today lock in the 2028 start for fuel-cell series production.
Source: BMW
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