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.
BMW is putting the finishing touches on the next-generation X5 ahead of its official reveal in the coming weeks. Although the prototypes are still camouflaged, the images shared by the Bavarian automaker reveal a substantial design change to the vehicle’s profile. The door handles are not where you’d expect them to be, as they’ve been integrated into the beltline.
We’ve seen this setup before on the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but the new X5 doubles down by adding those winglets for the rear doors as well. We’ll have to wait for the official reveal to learn the reasoning behind this decision, but a few possibilities come to mind. The Neue Klasse design language is all about reduction, and “hiding” the door handles gives the profile a cleaner look.
