Cars

BMW Confirms V8 Power for Upcoming X5 M Performance Model

authorBy Brock Yates

DateJun 30, 2026

Read Time2 min

BMW enthusiasts worldwide can breathe a sigh of relief as the luxury automaker commits to a V8 powertrain for its forthcoming X5 M performance variant. This strategic decision aligns with the global reveal of the fifth-generation X5 SUV, showcasing BMW's dedication to both traditional high-octane performance and its innovative electric future.

Experience Uncompromised Power: The Future of High-Performance SUVs is Here!

BMW's Enduring Commitment to V8 Performance in the New X5 M

At the recent unveiling of the fifth-generation X5 SUV at BMW's Greenville facility in South Carolina, the company delighted performance car aficionados with a significant announcement: a new X5 M model is on its way, and it will proudly feature a V8 engine. This confirms BMW's ongoing commitment to powerful internal combustion engines, even as it pivots towards electrification.

Addressing Enthusiast Concerns: The V8's Continued Presence in a Shifting Automotive Landscape

The introduction of BMW's Neue Klasse platform, engineered with a primary focus on electric powertrains, had sparked concerns among performance car enthusiasts regarding the future of V8 engines. While the platform is versatile enough to support gas and hybrid systems, the explicit confirmation that the next M-badged variant will not be exclusively electric, and will indeed retain its V8, has allayed these fears.

The Evolution of Power: Hybrid Integration with the Iconic V8 Engine

Although the next X5 M might incorporate a plug-in hybrid system with its V8, rather than a purely gasoline setup, the return of an eight-cylinder X5 M is welcome news. The current X5 M already boasts a formidable twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque to its all-wheel-drive system, complemented by a mild 48-volt hybrid system adding a modest 12 horsepower.

Exploring Future Performance Possibilities: The Potentials of Electrified M Models

BMW's existing plug-in hybrid XM, which offers 738 horsepower, presents an intriguing possibility for the next X5 M's powertrain. The exact specifications and release timeline for the new X5 M are yet to be fully disclosed, with an anticipated debut as a 2028 model. While an electric iX5 M variant is also a possibility, no official confirmation has been made.

The Unclear Future: What Lies Ahead for the X6 and X6 M Models

Amidst these developments, the future of the X6 and X6 M models, particularly the fate of the "coupe SUV" trendsetter, remains uncertain. It is unclear whether these models will see a third generation or if their production will conclude after 2027.

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