BMW's New X5 Hides Door Handles in Plain Sight: A Closer Look
BMW's upcoming X5 features a unique door-handle design that's integrated into the beltline, a first for a series-production model.
Key Takeaways
- The X5 is the first series-production BMW to integrate the door handles into the beltline.
- The limited-run Skytop and Speedtop were the first BMWs with these winglets.
- The next-gen X7 coming in 2027 will use the same design.
- The new X5 will offer five drivetrain options, including a hydrogen-powered variant.
- The iX5 will have the largest battery pack of any BMW model, with a usable energy content of 141 kWh in Europe and 144 kWh in the US.
A New Design Language
In my experience, BMW’s design language has always been about evolution, not revolution. However, the new X5’s door-handle design is a significant departure from the norm. By integrating the door handles into the beltline, BMW has created a cleaner, more streamlined look that’s sure to turn heads.
But it’s not just about aesthetics; the new design may also have aerodynamic benefits, particularly for the electric iX5. The small winglets could improve airflow, although pop-out door handles already offer some aerodynamic advantages.
BMW’s Experimentation with the New Design
Although the 2027 X5 is the first series-production model to feature the new door-handle design, it’s not actually the first BMW to use it. The limited-run Skytop and Speedtop, both based on the M8, were the first to showcase this design element.
Looking ahead, the next-generation X7, due in 2027, will also feature winglets that serve as electrically operated door handles. It’s likely that the future X6, arriving in 2028, will adopt the same layout to clean up the coupe-SUV’s silhouette further.
Ever-Changing Door Handles
As a refresher, BMW had to carry out an emergency redesign of the door handles for the new iX3 and i3 destined for the Chinese market. The two long-wheelbase EVs were initially supposed to feature the pop-out handles used by the globally available standard-wheelbase models.
The new X5, internally codenamed “G65,” will be the first BMW in history to offer five drivetrain options. In addition to the usual gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid versions, the battery-powered iX5 will gain a hydrogen counterpart in 2028.
Specifications
| Model | Usable Energy Content (Europe) | Usable Energy Content (US) |
|---|---|---|
| iX5 | 141 kWh | 144 kWh |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new door-handle design on the X5?
A: The new door-handle design on the X5 integrates the door handles into the beltline, creating a cleaner, more streamlined look.
Q: Will the new X5 offer conventional door handles as an alternative?
A: It’s highly unlikely that BMW will offer the new X5 with conventional door handles, as this would require separate door stampings, adding complexity and cost.
Q: What other models will feature the new door-handle design?
A: The next-generation X7, due in 2027, will also feature winglets that serve as electrically operated door handles. The future X6, arriving in 2028, may also adopt the same layout.
