BMW X5: BMW’s New SUV Is Turning Heads

The BMW X5 has always been one of those SUVs that doesn’t need much introduction. It’s big, expensive, comfortable and has that premium-car image that still works very well on the European market. Now, BMW is preparing a new generation of the X5, and the truth is that the design is far from universally liked.

The new BMW X5, known internally as the G65, keeps the formula of a large and technological SUV, but takes the design and digital side to another level. BMW is already officially presenting the model for the Portuguese market, with the launch planned for the third quarter of 2026.

And this is exactly where the discussion starts. Because one thing is certain: this X5 doesn’t simply look like an evolution of the previous model.

A very different BMW X5

The first thing that catches your attention is the exterior. BMW decided to follow the brand’s new design language, but on a car of this size, the result becomes even more obvious.

The front is quite upright and has a very large kidney grille, now with BMW Iconic Glow lighting. The double X-shaped symbols are also part of the new visual identity.

It’s one of those cars that will probably be very easy to recognise from a distance.

The side lines have also changed quite a lot. The door handles practically disappear into the design, while the body gets a cleaner and almost monolithic look.

You can like it or not. And this is one of the most interesting parts of this new BMW X5: BMW seems to have preferred doing something different instead of simply continuing the visual evolution of the previous generation.

For anyone already used to the current X5, the change may seem quite big.

BMW X5 2026: size is still one of its strengths

Despite all the talk about design and technology, the X5 is still what it has always been: a big SUV.

The new model is around 4.99 metres long and keeps a two-row seating configuration. BMW itself positions the X5 between the X3 and X7, being bigger and more spacious than the first, but without reaching the dimensions of the X7.

This is important because the X5 is still trying to find that balance between family use and the feeling of driving a premium car.

There is room for five adults and the boot offers between 655 and 1,850 litres, depending on the seat configuration.

For a family, this means enough space for long trips, luggage and everything that normally ends up inside an SUV of this size.

On the other hand, almost five metres of bodywork are not exactly ideal for every parking space in Lisbon or Porto.

That’s the price you pay for wanting a large SUV.

BMW X5 used: is it still worth looking at previous generations?

This is where the story gets even more interesting.

While the new BMW X5 will arrive on the market with plenty of technology and naturally high prices, the used-car market offers a huge number of alternatives.

In our own market, there are already several used BMW X5 models, from older versions with six-cylinder diesel engines to fairly recent plug-in hybrids.

For example, you can find used BMW X5 models from 2010 for around €20,000, while 2021 or 2022 models with a plug-in hybrid system can get close to €60,000, depending on the version, mileage and equipment. BMW X5 used cars in Portugal This shows one of the main advantages of looking for a used BMW X5: there is a huge difference between generations, engines and prices.

And you don’t necessarily have to buy the latest model to get a very complete SUV.

The new BMW X5 isn’t only about the engine

One of the most interesting changes is the choice of powertrain systems.

BMW isn’t treating the new X5 as a model where you necessarily have to choose between petrol and electrification. The brand talks about four different engine technologies, giving customers more freedom when configuring the car.

In the X5 40 xDrive version, maximum power reaches 400 hp, with a top speed of 250 km/h. BMW’s official figures also indicate combined WLTP consumption between 8.7 and 9.1 l/100 km, depending on the configuration.

So, we’re not talking about a small SUV designed simply to save fuel.

The goal is still to offer performance, comfort and the ability to cover a lot of kilometres.

And then there is the BMW X5 50e xDrive.

BMW X5 50e: a hybrid for those who want both worlds

The X5 50e xDrive is probably one of the most interesting versions for anyone looking at this car and also thinking about everyday use.

The combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor produces 490 hp of total power. BMW claims up to 102 km of electric range according to WLTP and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 5 seconds.

In practice, this allows you to use the X5 in a very different way.

For short daily trips, you can make use of the electric side. For longer journeys, you still have the combustion engine.

It’s a particularly interesting solution for anyone who can charge the car at home and uses the X5 both in the city and for longer trips.

BMW also says that the X5 50e xDrive will be available to order from October 8, 2026. And what about the BMW X5 M60e?

If 490 hp still isn’t enough, there is another option.

The new BMW X5 M60e xDrive moves into a much more serious area. BMW claims 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, a top speed of 250 km/h and a plug-in hybrid system combined with a six-cylinder engine. This is where we realise that BMW’s idea isn’t to turn the X5 into an SUV that is exclusively about comfort. There is room for some seriously fast versions.

And this also explains why the BMW X5 continues to be so popular among people who want a premium SUV without giving up performance.

BMW X5 used diesel or hybrid?

This is another important decision.

Older diesel X5 models are still interesting for people who cover a lot of kilometres. A six-cylinder diesel can make a lot of sense for long trips, especially when the car is regularly used on motorways.

Used plug-in hybrid X5 models are a different proposition. A model such as the X5 45e or 50e can be very interesting for someone who makes a lot of short trips and can charge the battery regularly.

BMW X5 SUV used cars

The Portuguese market currently has several 25d, 30d, 40d, 40e, 45e and other configurations, which makes the choice more interesting, but also more complicated. That’s why, before buying a used BMW X5, it’s worth looking much more closely at the car’s history rather than simply looking at the year.

The interior is perhaps even more different

If the exterior divides opinions, the interior follows exactly the same direction.

BMW has gone heavily into technology and a more minimalist presentation. The new X5 gets BMW Panoramic Vision, which displays information along the lower area of the windscreen, as well as a central screen with the so-called Free-Cut Design.

There is also the option of a BMW Passenger Screen for the front passenger. It’s a very different approach from the older X5 models.

In the past, buying a BMW X5 mainly meant having good materials, comfortable seats, a strong engine and a high driving position.

Now, the digital experience has become almost as important as all of that.

Is the new BMW X5 front end too much?

This is probably the question that will come up most often once the first cars start arriving on the roads.

The illuminated grille, headlights and new X-shaped elements make the front much more striking. And on a car that is almost five metres long, everything becomes even more noticeable.

BMW didn’t try to make a discreet SUV. Quite the opposite. The idea seems to be to create a very strong presence on the road.

Some people will like it precisely because of that. Others will probably prefer the more traditional design of the current X5.

But regardless of your opinion, it’s difficult to say that the new X5 is boring.

What should you check on a used BMW X5?

With an SUV of this size, maintenance isn’t a minor detail.

Before buying, it’s worth understanding how the car was used. An X5 that spent its life on the motorway won’t necessarily have the same wear as another one that drove around the city every day, made lots of short trips or carried heavy loads.

The automatic gearbox, suspension, xDrive system, brakes and tyres all deserve attention.

It’s also important to check the maintenance history and make sure the servicing was carried out regularly.

The tyres can give you some clues. If there is very different wear between the four tyres, for example, it may be worth finding out whether there is an alignment or suspension problem.

More used BMW cars on the Portuguese market

And there’s another simple detail: don’t buy an X5 just because the price looks very good.

A cheap premium SUV can be an excellent opportunity.

But it can also quickly turn into an expensive car if maintenance has been ignored for years.

How much does the BMW X5 cost in Portugal?

Here, it’s difficult to give a single number.

BMW is still preparing the arrival of the new generation and the final price depends on the version and equipment chosen. The launch of the new BMW X5 is planned for the third quarter of 2026.

When it comes to used models, the difference is huge.

You can find X5 models that are more than 15 years old for well below €20,000, while relatively recent examples, especially plug-in hybrids and models with the M Sport Package, can cost more than €50,000.

That’s why, when someone searches for “BMW X5 price Portugal”, the answer depends much more on the generation and version than it might seem.

Is the new BMW X5 really a good evolution?

This is where we come back to the initial question.

BMW didn’t simply make a more modern X5. It changed the design, increased its visual presence, took digital technology to another level and kept a wide range of engines.

The new X5 40 xDrive offers 400 hp, the 50e reaches 490 hp and the M60e version promises 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

At the same time, the new design may be precisely what puts some buyers off. The illuminated grille and very distinctive front won’t appeal to everyone. But maybe that’s the point: official BMW X5 in Portugal. BMW wants the new X5 to be instantly recognisable, both during the day and at night.

So, new BMW X5 or used BMW X5?

In the end, it depends a lot on your budget and what you’re looking for.

Anyone who wants the latest technology, a completely new interior and the possibility of choosing between several powertrains will probably look at the new X5.

Anyone who wants a large, comfortable and powerful premium SUV without spending the price of a new car has a huge number of options on the used market.

And this is perhaps the most interesting part.

The BMW X5 continues to be one of those cars where buying used can make a lot of sense. There are many generations, many engines and very different prices.

The new model may be controversial, but one thing is hard to deny: BMW decided not to play it safe.

The new X5 arrives with a completely different image, plenty of technology and engines capable of turning a family SUV into a seriously fast car.

Now we just have to see whether Portuguese buyers will prefer the new design or continue to prefer the X5 we already know.

Because, in the case of the BMW X5, it looks like BMW really has decided to start a new chapter.

If you want to take a closer look at another BMW that continues to be very popular, check out our article about the BMW 320.