BMW X5 to begin fifth generation soon

Quick look:

• The next generation of the BMW X5 will supports 5 distinct drivetrain systems on a single assembly line, including future hydrogen fuel-cell systems.

• It integrates a centralized ‘Heart of Joy’ processing stack that manages chassis dynamics, braking, and powertrain variables within milliseconds.

The BMX X5 will soon begin its fifth generation as final development testing is nearing completion at its global production facility in the USA. Launched in 1999, the X5 was the German’s automaker’s first SUV (but not the first 4×4 – that was the E30 325iX of 1985), but it chose to be a little bit different by called it a Sport Activity Vehicle instead.

Over four generations, the X5 has occupied a strong position in the premium SUV segment and the next generation marks a significant shift in the platform flexibility. It will introduce a multi-energy architecture that supports 5 distinct powertrain configurations which can be installed on the same assembly line. The powertrains cover all those currently in the market – internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric systems – and also future hydrogen fuel-cell applications.

Gen6 eDrive
The vehicle will use sixth-generation eDrive technology. Operating on an 800V electrical architecture, the fully electric variant will utilize a newly developed high-voltage battery pack incorporating cylindrical cells. This configuration yields a usable net energy content of up to 144 kWh, representing the highest energy capacity integrated into a production passenger model from the BMW Group to date. Propulsion is distributed via two electric motors, mounted individually across the front and rear axles, managed by an electronic all-wheel drive system.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Integration
Scheduled for launch in 2028, the iX5 Hydrogen will establish a secondary zero-emission pathway for the platform. The powertrain, said to be jointly developed with Toyota, marries a third-generation fuel cell system to an advanced high-voltage buffer battery and a proprietary flat storage assembly consisting of 7 high-pressure, carbonfibre-reinforced composite tanks arranged in parallel within a reinforced structural metal frame beneath the cabin floor.

Centralized Control Architecture
Chassis dynamics and energy management are centralized through a new high-performance processing unit developed in-house, designated as the ‘Heart of Joy’. Operating with a data cycle latency 10 times lower than previous vehicle control architectures, the centralized driving stack processes and adjusts variables across the powertrain, friction braking, steering geometry, charging infrastructure, and regenerative deceleration within milliseconds.

Chassis dynamics
The mechanical foundations of the new platform maintain a static weight distribution balancing near a 50:50 front-to-rear ratio. The revised suspension system accommodates wheel specifications extending up to 23 inches in diameter. Individual wheel control is handled via standard electronically actuated adaptive dampers. For upper-tier plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants, an optional adaptive chassis package introduces dual-axle air suspension, integral active rear steering, and an active roll stabilization system to control lateral body compliance.

Assistance systems
The electronic architecture incorporates SAE Level 2 driver assistance technology derived from the manufacturer’s upcoming platform developments. The system introduces highly integrated highway and urban guidance functionality, facilitating navigated transitions from highway entry to exit ramps and address-to-address tracking within city limits.

The new X5 – to be designated G65 – should have its global debut soon, with first deliveries in selected markets starting before the end of the year.

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