The new X5 will go down in history as BMW’s first production model with five types of powertrains: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen. However, there is still something missing, at least at launch: a big ol’ V8. Initially, the luxury SUV will be available only with inline-six engines on the ICE side, but we bring good news: the eight-cylinder engine lives.
Tucked away in the press release for the fifth generation of the Spartanburg-built luxobarge is confirmation that a larger engine is on the way. Unsurprisingly, BMW is reserving the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 for an M-flavored version of its revamped X5. However, we should point out that it won’t be a full-fat X5 M but rather an M Performance model.
View Price on AmazonWhile it doesn't have an official name yet, an educated guess tells us it will be called the X5 M60. Yes, without the "i" at the end, because BMW is dropping the letter from gasoline-powered models. It has already happened to many models, including the new X5 for the 40 versions. In the future, the "i" designation will be reserved exclusively for electric vehicles.
The new X5 M60 will have to wait since it won't be available at launch alongside the new Audi Q7 rival. BMW plans to roll out the V8-powered version sometime in 2027. Most enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear the M Lite variant won't be a plug-in hybrid but instead deliver a pure V8 experience. We wouldn't rule out a mild-hybrid setup, but a 48-volt system adds only a minimal weight penalty compared to a much heavier PHEV setup with a substantially larger battery.
Speaking of plug-in hybrids, the X5 does get an M Performance version at launch. It's called the X5 M60e, but it won't be offered in the United States. BMW is also cooking up a third not-quite-M model without a combustion engine: a hotter iX5 derivative. Munich isn't committing yet to a full-fat X5 M with either gasoline or electric power, but we'd be surprised if one doesn't arrive in 2028 or later, in both ICE and EV forms.
Given that the outgoing X5 had a nearly eight-year production run, BMW is likely to keep the V8 alive well into the 2030s in the new generation. With a new X7 confirmed to debut in 2027 and almost certain to feature the company's largest engine, the eight-cylinder story is far from over. Additionally, the recently facelifted 7 Series is getting the V8 treatment in 2027 with an M Performance variant. The Alpina side of the BMW Group is also developing a V8-powered 7 Series and will likely do the same for the next-generation X7.
Source: motor1.com
