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BMW’s X5 Peels Back the Camo — Here’s What It Might Look Like
Spy shots of the next-generation BMW X5 have been circulating, and a new set of digital renderings gives us a clear peek under the vinyl. As BMW transitions its lineup to the Neue Klasse design language, the X5 is following suit — and the changes are unmistakable. The 2028 X5 shown in these images looks like a fresh take on the executive SUV formula rather than a gentle evolution of the current model.
Key exterior highlights
- A noticeably smaller kidney grille that integrates with a revised headlight graphic and a new DRL signature.
- A more angular front bumper with taller, wider side vents and larger lower air intakes for a sportier, more aggressive face.
- Sharper wheel arches and a longer-feeling hood that give the X5 a planted stance.
- Hidden door handles, shorter side windows, slimmer taillights, and a relocated license plate in a sculpted, sporty bumper.
The renderings, inspired by recent street-testing photos and produced by artist @kelsonik, show a white body with contrasting black elements and discreet roof rails — a styling cue that balances luxury and utility. The wheels are larger and more elaborate, spinning behind red brake calipers that hint at performance-focused variants.
Practical details: split tailgate and subtle changes
One familiar feature appears to carry over: the split-style tailgate. BMW has kept this for practicality, pairing it with slimmer, wider taillights and sharper lower door creases. The roofline seems broadly unchanged, but window graphics are tighter, adding to the new, modern silhouette.
"You won’t mistake it for the outgoing X5," reads an apt summary shared alongside the renderings. That’s both a challenge and an opportunity for BMW: evolve enough to stay relevant, but retain the features buyers expect in the luxury mid-size SUV segment.
Powertrain lineup and market positioning
BMW has hinted that the next X5 will launch with a wider range of propulsion options than before. Expect:
- Hydrogen fuel-cell or hydrogen combustion variants
- Traditional internal combustion engines, likely turbocharged gasoline and diesel options for markets that still demand them
- Fully electric variants or plug-in hybrid assemblies to align with BMW’s electrification roadmap
This multi-powertrain approach positions the X5 to compete directly with the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, while also answering demands in regions pushing for low-emission vehicles. The 2028 X5 is expected to debut sometime in 2027, likely as a 2028 model year vehicle.
How it stacks up against rivals
From the renderings and spy imagery, BMW appears focused on sharpening the X5’s visual identity rather than radically changing its class role. Against the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE, the X5 will likely emphasize driving dynamics and technology — especially as BMW rolls out Neue Klasse innovations in chassis, software, and battery tech across its range.
Why enthusiasts should care
- Design: The Neue Klasse language gives the X5 a bolder, more cohesive look in line with BMW’s future models.
- Choice: Hydrogen, ICE and electric options mean broader appeal and more versatility for buyers.
- Practicality: Features like the split tailgate and discreet roof rails suggest BMW hasn’t abandoned everyday usability for the sake of styling.
Whether you prefer classic BMW cues or the newer, sharper Neue Klasse aesthetic, the 2028 X5 promises to be a pivotal model — one that bridges familiar luxury SUV traits with the brand’s next-generation tech. Until BMW unveils the production car, expect more spy shots, renderings, and analysis as testers continue to roam public roads and automotive artists decode what lies beneath the camo.
Source: autoevolution
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