2027 BMW X5 Design Innovation: Door Handles Hidden in Waistline

The next-generation BMW X5 (internal code G65) is expected to officially launch in summer 2026. According to the latest spy shots as of June 2026, the side profile of this "people's favorite" will undergo a major change, with the iconic door handles fully integrated into the beltline.

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This electrically controlled door handle design, known as "Winglets," aims for a minimalist aesthetic and optimized aerodynamics. While a similar approach was seen on the Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW achieves a unified layout for both front and rear doors on the X5.

🔹 Future Direction of Family Design

• Early Adoption on Specific Models: This design has already been validated on the limited-edition Skytop and the Speedtop Shooting Brake.
• Full Rollout Expected: The next-generation X7 due in 2027 and the X6 arriving by 2028 are highly likely to adopt the same layout.

Notably, due to Chinese safety regulations, the long-wheelbase version for the Chinese market may not be able to adopt this design.If BMW has to switch back to traditional handles, it will be forced to completely redevelop the door stamping dies, which would significantly increase production costs and complexity, so the final decision remains uncertain.

Editor-in-Chief's Take: This bright black winglet design will be less conspicuous on a production car than it looks in spy shots. BMW's move here isn't just for aesthetic appeal; it's also about helping lighten the load on range, a key concern brought by large battery packs. For tech-savvy buyers in the North American market, this innovation is worth looking forward to.