Photo: SH Proshots
Our photographers spotted a weird BMW prototype with a strong Neue Klasse vibe. Visibly larger than the Neue Klasse X3/iX3 (NA5), this appears to be the rumored G65 BMW X5/iX5 that will still be based on the existing CLAR architecture.
BMW is preparing to start deliveries of the first Neue Klasse models in 2025 with the iX3 crossover. As previewed by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept, this passes as one of the most radical design changes in BMW's history. Although not everyone likes the new design language, it appears that BMW will expand it even to models that will not adopt the Neue Klasse architecture. A new prototype sighting features a BMW X5-sized SUV bearing the unmistakable Neue Klasse look.
This is somehow strange because the upcoming BMW X5/iX5, known internally as G65, will not be based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Instead, it will carry over the CLAR platform, which can accommodate both electric and combustion powertrains. Expect BMW's next mid-size luxury SUV to offer gas-powered models alongside electric variants under the iX5 moniker. Unlike the experimental iX5 from 2019, the G65 iX5 will not be a fuel-cell model but a battery-powered EV.
The prototype in the pictures is much longer and wider than the BMW iX3 (NA5) we've known from previous spy pictures and the Vision Neue Klasse X reveal. The split rear window, possibly followed by a fourth window in the rear quarter panel area, emphasizes the longer wheelbase. The headlights and the kidney grille, which we can only guess is under the heavy camo wrap, certainly took inspiration from the Neue Klasse X design.
Although it's not immediately obvious, there are actually two prototypes in these pictures. Both feature intriguing door handles that resemble those seen before on an Audi Q7 prototype. These are positioned at the base of the door pillars. One of the prototypes has red brake calipers, and the larger brake rotors appear rusted, a sign that it's been sitting still for a while, possibly in humid weather. This has a fuel filler flap on the right side, revealing that it has a combustion engine under the hood. The other prototype was snapped from the opposite side, showing a charge port on the front left fender.
However, there's no visible yellow sticker to warn the first responders that it's an electric vehicle. This means that either BMW went above and beyond with the camouflage to confuse us, or at least one prototype is a plug-in hybrid. Due to the pictures showing two vehicles from different angles, it's impossible to tell whether they're both PHEVs. Certainly, the brakes show there might be significant power differences between the two prototypes, although a plug-in hybrid would also need less stopping power thanks to regenerative braking.
The upcoming BMW X5 (G65) is expected to start production in Spartanburg, South Carolina, toward the end of 2026. Even though it will still be based on CLAR architecture, the electric iX5 will feature the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology introduced with the Neue Klasse. The same goes for the advanced driver assistance systems, with no less than Level-3 autonomy features expected at the start.
This is somehow strange because the upcoming BMW X5/iX5, known internally as G65, will not be based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Instead, it will carry over the CLAR platform, which can accommodate both electric and combustion powertrains. Expect BMW's next mid-size luxury SUV to offer gas-powered models alongside electric variants under the iX5 moniker. Unlike the experimental iX5 from 2019, the G65 iX5 will not be a fuel-cell model but a battery-powered EV.
The prototype in the pictures is much longer and wider than the BMW iX3 (NA5) we've known from previous spy pictures and the Vision Neue Klasse X reveal. The split rear window, possibly followed by a fourth window in the rear quarter panel area, emphasizes the longer wheelbase. The headlights and the kidney grille, which we can only guess is under the heavy camo wrap, certainly took inspiration from the Neue Klasse X design.
Although it's not immediately obvious, there are actually two prototypes in these pictures. Both feature intriguing door handles that resemble those seen before on an Audi Q7 prototype. These are positioned at the base of the door pillars. One of the prototypes has red brake calipers, and the larger brake rotors appear rusted, a sign that it's been sitting still for a while, possibly in humid weather. This has a fuel filler flap on the right side, revealing that it has a combustion engine under the hood. The other prototype was snapped from the opposite side, showing a charge port on the front left fender.
However, there's no visible yellow sticker to warn the first responders that it's an electric vehicle. This means that either BMW went above and beyond with the camouflage to confuse us, or at least one prototype is a plug-in hybrid. Due to the pictures showing two vehicles from different angles, it's impossible to tell whether they're both PHEVs. Certainly, the brakes show there might be significant power differences between the two prototypes, although a plug-in hybrid would also need less stopping power thanks to regenerative braking.
The upcoming BMW X5 (G65) is expected to start production in Spartanburg, South Carolina, toward the end of 2026. Even though it will still be based on CLAR architecture, the electric iX5 will feature the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology introduced with the Neue Klasse. The same goes for the advanced driver assistance systems, with no less than Level-3 autonomy features expected at the start.
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