2026 BMW X5 M60e
The Bavarian Motor Works has a knack for carving niches within niches, especially when M badges and electrification are involved.
While the full-fat BMW X5 M Competition remains the undisputed king of the Nürburgring-tackling, family-hauling mountain, and the capable X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid offers impressive efficiency blended with a solid punch, whispers, and spy shots suggest a new contender is stalking the horizon: the next-generation BMW X5 M60e, potentially arriving as a 2027 model year vehicle.
Think of it as the bridge – the missing link between the green-leaning efficiency of the current PHEV and the unbridled fury of the pure M machine.
This isn’t just another plug-in; it’s expected to be an M Performance Automobile (MPA), injecting a significant dose of M-engineered adrenaline into the hybrid equation.
While official “reviews” are still a couple of years away, we can piece together a compelling picture based on BMW’s trajectory, current tech, and the breadcrumbs dropped by camouflaged prototypes.
The Heart of the Beast: Electrified M Power
The current X5 xDrive50e is no slouch. Its combination of a smooth inline-six turbo and a potent electric motor churns out a healthy 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, good for startlingly quick 0-60 mph sprints in the mid-4-second range (Car and Driver tested the 2024 model hitting 60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds). It even offers a respectable ~38-39 miles of EPA-estimated electric range.
But the “M60e” designation signals something more potent. Look towards BMW’s other M Performance hybrids, like the M760e sedan (though not offered stateside).
That model pairs the venerable B58 3.0-liter inline-six with a more robust electric motor integrated into the transmission, delivering system totals well north of 500 horsepower – specifically, around 563 hp and 590 lb-ft in the M760e.
It’s logical to assume the upcoming X5 M60e will leverage a similar, if not further refined, iteration of this powertrain.
Expect a total system output comfortably cresting the 550-horsepower mark, perhaps even nudging closer to 600 hp, with torque figures potentially exceeding 600 lb-ft.
This wouldn’t just eclipse the current xDrive50e; it would place the M60e squarely in the performance territory occupied by rivals like the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (512 hp) and potentially challenge the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid (536 hp combined).
The goal? Effortless, instant electric torque fills the gaps before the boosted inline-six sings its characteristic smooth, snarling song, delivering relentless acceleration across the rev range.
Naturally, this enhanced performance will likely be paired with an evolution of BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology.
While significant leaps in battery density are always hoped for, expect at least a similar, if not slightly improved, all-electric range compared to the current xDrive50e, maintaining its usability for daily commutes and errands without firing up the gasoline engine.
Chassis Tuning: More M, Less Compromise
An M Performance model isn’t just about straight-line speed. The magic lies in the chassis tuning. While the standard X5, especially with air suspension, offers a commendable blend of comfort and control, the M60e will undoubtedly receive the M Division’s specific touch.
Anticipate standard Adaptive M Suspension, possibly with unique tuning incorporating electronically controlled dampers and potentially active roll stabilization to counteract the heft of the battery pack during aggressive cornering.
The steering rack will likely be quicker and offer more feedback than the standard X5 setup, though BMW’s recent variable-ratio steering systems have sometimes drawn criticism for feeling artificial – we hope the M engineers dial in more natural sensations here.
Braking will be paramount. Expect larger M Sport brakes, potentially with multi-piston calipers up front, ensuring fade-free stopping power commensurate with the increased performance potential.
The interplay between regenerative braking (recouping energy for the battery) and traditional hydraulic brakes needs to be seamless, an area where BMW has generally excelled in its hybrids.
The result should be an SUV that feels significantly more buttoned-down, agile, and confidence-inspiring when the road turns twisty, without sacrificing too much of the X5’s inherent cruising comfort – the hallmark of a true MPA.
Design: Evolution Meets Neue Klasse Hints
Spy shots of the next-generation X5 (codenamed G65) reveal an evolutionary approach, refining the current model’s muscular stance rather than revolutionizing it.
However, clear influences from BMW’s “Neue Klasse” electric concept vehicles are expected. Look for a potentially slimmer headlight design, perhaps incorporating the distinctive X-shaped daytime running light signature mentioned by insiders.
The kidney grille, ever a point of discussion, might adopt elements seen on concepts – perhaps becoming more digital, possibly incorporating lighting elements, and appearing wider and flatter.
For the M60e, expect the usual M Performance accouterments: a more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes (needed for cooling the potent powertrain), M-specific side skirts, aerodynamic M side mirrors, quad exhaust tips (a signature seen on M Performance prototypes), and unique wheel designs, likely starting at 21 inches with 22-inch options. Subtle M60e badging will complete the package.
Inside, reports suggest a potential shift away from the single sweeping Curved Display seen in current BMWs.
The G65 X5 might revert to a separate digital instrument cluster and a large, floating central infotainment screen.
This could be a response to ergonomic critiques or simply a new design direction. Expect the latest iDrive operating system (likely iDrive X or newer), M-specific displays in the instrument cluster showing hybrid power flow and performance metrics, sport seats with more aggressive bolstering, an M steering wheel, and unique trim options like carbon fiber or aluminum tetragon.
Market Position and Rivals
The 2026/2027 BMW X5 M60e will strategically slot between the expected successor to the xDrive50e and the mighty X5 M Competition.
It targets buyers who crave serious performance and M-flavored dynamics but aren’t ready to forgo the benefits of plug-in hybrid technology – be it for commuting silently, potential tax incentives, or simply the appeal of cutting-edge tech.
Its primary competitors will be the performance-oriented plug-in hybrid SUVs from German rivals:
- Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid / S E-Hybrid: The benchmark for sporty SUV handling, offering various power levels in its hybrid lineup. The M60e will need to match or exceed the Cayenne’s dynamic prowess and perceived quality.
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid: Mercedes is also electrifying its AMG lineup. The GLE 53 Hybrid offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury, representing a direct competitor in power and prestige.
The BMW X5 M60e promises to be a compelling proposition. By blending significantly enhanced M Performance dynamics and horsepower with the everyday usability and potential efficiency of a plug-in hybrid system, it aims to offer the best of both worlds for the enthusiast driver needing SUV practicality.
It leverages the already excellent X5 platform, infuses it with more power derived from proven hybrid tech seen elsewhere in the BMW lineup, and wraps it in an updated design potentially featuring elements from the exciting Neue Klasse concepts.
While production is slated to begin in August 2026 (suggesting a launch as a 2027 model), the anticipation is already building.
If BMW gets the balance right – delivering thrilling performance, engaging handling, decent electric range, and the expected premium feel – the X5 M60e could become the new sweet spot in the performance luxury SUV segment.
We’ll be waiting eagerly to get behind the wheel and deliver the definitive driving impressions when it finally breaks cover.
Pricing
As of April 15, 2025, BMW has not released official pricing for the 2026 BMW X5 M60e. This model is part of the next-generation X5 (codenamed G65), which is expected to begin production in late 2026, likely making it a 2027 model year vehicle in the US.
However, we can make an educated estimate based on its expected position within the X5 lineup and the pricing of current models:
- Current 2026 X5 Plug-in Hybrid: The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e (the current PHEV) starts at $73,800 MSRP.
- Current 2026 M Performance V8: The 2026 BMW X5 M60i (the V8 M Performance model) starts at $ 90,850 MSRP.
- Expected Positioning: The X5 M60e is anticipated to be an M Performance plug-in hybrid, offering significantly more power and M-specific tuning than the standard xDrive50e. Logically, it would be priced above the xDrive50e and likely position itself near or potentially even slightly above the non-hybrid M60i, given the complexity and performance of its hybrid powertrain.
Estimated Price Range:
Considering this positioning, it’s reasonable to speculate that the starting MSRP for the BMW X5 M60e could fall somewhere in the $88,000 to $98,000 range, possibly higher depending on standard features and final performance figures.
Important Note: This is purely an estimate based on current market positioning and speculation. Official pricing will be announced by BMW closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
