Every Delicious 2027 BMW X5 Detail That Made Us Swoon
The redesign of this already chic and sporty SUV is over the top. These are the details that define it, and that keep us from looking away
We’ve come to know BMW as The Ultimate Driving Machine, but the company has also made a name for itself setting new standards in luxury and design. Luxury, of course, starts with a precise and powerful driving experience, but the little details that support that experience are what makes it truly luxurious, both when the spirit moves you to move and when it moves you to relax and enjoy the ride.
These are the details in the 2027 BMW X5 that do both: Support the ultimate drive experience and deliver sublime luxury, too.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
A Modern, Digital Light Signature Defines This SUV
The face of the X5 is anchored by the upright kidney grille and dual light bars that connect the “X” lights, a very literal graphic that leans into the “X” moniker of BMW’s SUVs. As the new front face of the BMW X5, it lends to a distinct lighting signature. Click your key fob in a parking lot for a bit of delight, and smile a little more broadly when you see this roll up behind you in traffic.
BMW’s design philosophy is that “light is the new chrome,” and where they could they substituted light for shiny chrome surfaces. As we’ve been hearing for a while, chrome isn’t good for the environment and is even worse for the people who make it, so BMW is one of the car makers letting go of this shiny, reflective surface. Instead, you’ll see glass that meets metal without chrome; lights instead of metal on the front face, and inside, lights that highlight key features and soft satin metals where its use is needed.
Watch: See how the new BMW differs from the last design
This Might Be My Favorite Detail: Wider Wheel Fenders and a Sleeker “Greenhouse”
BMW gave the X5 a more toned and muscular look by widening the fenders over the wheels so they pop from the frame, then narrowing the greenhouse, or windowed top of the car, to add a sleek, rounded feel. It’s like the perfect pair of hips and the curves are nearly human. You really have to look at it in the right light to see it, but it’s beautiful.
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This Grille Adds Dimension to the BMW X5’s Front Face
Look closely and you can see it: the layers of light that create the new kidney grille. We’ve seen this as a premium detail on some models and more commonly on the EVs; here it’s on the entry-level gas-only model, which is a huge step forward for a more cohesive design.
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A Chic New Front Cabin Greets Drivers and Passengers
Slide into the driver’s seat and you’re instantly greeted with a whole new world of automotive design–starting with lights instead of chrome and polished satin metals. The steering wheel is flat on top and bottom and flecked with new control panels. Just beyond the wheel is the new panoramic screen; it can be customized and serves to keep the driver’s eyes on the road. A large 18″ center screen has been completely redesigned and an optional passenger-side screen allows a bit more personalization for your co-pilot.
A Closer Look at the New Steering Wheel’s New Design and Controls
I really love the ‘open weave’ look and feel of the new steering wheel. It lets in some of the design elements behind it, rather than blocking them. There’s still a ‘racing stripe’ at the top but it’s monotone, fitting into the look of the wheel. Gone are simple buttons and dials; now dark metal panels provide multiple functions in a smaller space, allowing for more intricate design details on the wheel itself.
This Is The Best Interior—Period.
I’m a fan of a bright, white interior and here, BMW showed its best. It’s hard to see in photos but in person, you’ll be absolutely drawn to this light cream color. It’s assembled in a mix of microsuede and leather with mid-century modern-inspired headrests and cushy microsuede pillows on the rear seats and arm rest.
Best of all, though, is the box quilt style of the seats. This larger, more loosely crafted quilt design lends to a cushier feel and it’s absolutely the best.
At Night the Interior Takes on a New Feel
Ambient lighting, with a strip that surrounds the cabin to lights in cubbies, door pockets and the overhead console, lends a hushed yet posh feel. Change the color to match your mood.
Wireless Phone Charging Is Now Smarter and More Efficient
BMW added a new wireless phone charger that does all the things it needs to do: It’s raised, so air flows under your phone to keep it cool; it’s magnetic so your phone won’t slide around, and there’s one in the rear seat for your passengers. It’s a true luxury to just toss your phone on the charger and have it start charging.
These Crystal Seat Controls on the Door Panels are Simply Gorgeous
When BMW introduced the 7 Series they also rolled out crystal controls on teh command center and door panels. It’s wonderful to see that they’ve continued the trend, and taken it further, embedding the controls the ambient lighting panel on the door and surrouding it with lovely microsuede. In the entry-level model microsuede is echanged for leatherette and the controls are metal, not crystal, but they still look pretty good.
A Crystal and Slate Command Center Takes Center Stage in the 2027 BMW X5
Yes, that’s slate that covers the command center. Actual slate and it’s designed to move as you press the Park icon or the front or rear defrost icons. The center buttons and toggles are crystal controls (they’re metal in models without the luxury package that includes these details). Left to right is the starter button—push it down to start or stop the car; the gear shifter, which toggles through the gears, and a volume dial that scrolls to your desired sound level.
The New Electric Door Handles Light Up Too
BMW calls them ‘winglets’ and they are simply brilliant. You can open the door with a simple pop of your hand against the handle, or grab the handle with your fingers and the door pops open; the winglets are touch sensitive and have no moving parts.
The new fully electric doors can also be opened and closed via an icon on the touch screen, and you can close the door by pressing your foot on the brake.
Last, there is an electronic button on the door panel inside; just press it and the door opens automatically, pausing if there’s anything obstructing it outside, such as another car. This is all so very good.
Can We Talk About These Wheels?
BMW showed two wheel designs—this one and the one on the photo at the top of this story—and will offer 3 sizes: 21″, 22″ and 23″ wheels. We didn’t see a lot of this design but I wish we did. I love the more graphic, basket-weave-inspired look versus the typical spoke design we saw on the other wheels. I don’t usually go on about wheels, but these are really stunning.
Imagine You Don’t Love the ‘X’ Daytime Lights (If You Can)
If you decide to go a bit more sublime with the daytime lights, you an turn on or off the “X” design, reducing it to simply a “/” on the front face of the 2027 BMW X5. If nothing else, it’s a fun little party trick.
Charging Is Modern and Tesla-Compatible
BMW proudly offered that the new electric iX5 will have a faster charge system comprised of smaller, more efficient batteries. This is the charge port, which is compatible with Tesla Super Chargers, meaning that you can add Tesla’s 20,000 or so plugs to your roster of places to stop and charge. Isn’t that handy?
With up to 570 HP in the EV and over 400 miles of range, BMW intends to keep that “Ultimate Driving Machine” name, but honestly, it might also trademark The Ultimate Design Machine for the changes ahead in 2027. We can’t wait to take it for a drive.
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