BMW Kills the X5 Split Tailgate After 26 Years: Here is Why the 2027 X5 Says Goodbye
The fifth-generation 2027 BMW X5 is here, and it is bold, electric-first, and Neue Klasse clean. It is also missing the one feature X5 owners loved most: the iconic two-piece split tailgate. BMW says customers asked for it to go. Owners say otherwise.
- The 2027 BMW X5 and all-electric iX5 60 xDrive drop the split tailgate after 26 years, four generations
- BMW Luxury Class director Philip Koehn says average-height owners struggle to reach over the lower gate to load and unload
- The new single-piece hatch is lower, sleeker, and wider, designed for Neue Klasse aerodynamics and iX5 range
- Cargo aperture width increases, but the beloved lower tailgate bench and load stop are gone
- The 2027 X5 launches in late 2026 with five powertrains: gas mild-hybrid, PHEV, diesel, EV iX5, and hydrogen
- Social media backlash is strong, with many calling the move cost cutting, not customer feedback
Does the 2027 BMW X5 still have a split tailgate?
No. BMW officially confirmed at the Spartanburg, South Carolina launch that the G65 2027 BMW X5 does not have a split tailgate. Both the gasoline X5 40 xDrive, the X5 50e plug-in hybrid, and the new BMW iX5 electric SUV switch to a conventional single-piece power liftgate.
It is the first time since the original E53 X5 launched in 1999 that an X5 ships without the clamshell lower section. The change ends one of the longest-running signature features in the luxury SUV segment.
Photo: BMW / Motor1 - The 2027 BMW iX5 debuts a full-width single liftgate, ending 26 years of split-tailgate tradition.
Why BMW killed its most beloved X5 feature after 26 years
Speaking to Motor1 at the Neue Klasse X5 reveal, Director of Luxury Class Cars for BMW Alpina and Rolls-Royce, Philip Koehn, gave two official explanations, both tied to real-world usability and design.
1. Reach and ergonomics: customers could not load easily
According to Koehn:
"Any average person with average arm length is actually struggling. If you're perfectly honest, the split tailgate is in itself a cool thing with the low-end opening, and a normal-sized person will really struggle to load, or even more importantly, unload the boot."
BMW says internal customer feedback indicated the lower tailgate created too much reach-in depth, especially for shorter drivers loading heavy items into the 2027 BMW X5 prototype cargo area. No specific survey percentages were shared publicly.
2. Sleeker Neue Klasse roofline and aerodynamics
Koehn’s second reason was pure packaging:
"The new X5 has a bit faster roofline, hence the top end of the tailgate has come down a bit, and therefore the overall height of the tailgate actually has been reduced, but by contrary, we've opened, we've increased the width of the aperture."
In other words, the BMW X5 Neue Klasse design pushes for a lower, faster rear profile to improve drag coefficient, a critical factor for the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive targeted at about 435 miles / 700 km EPA range. A two-piece split mechanism would add weight, complexity, and a higher shut line right where BMW wanted a cleaner look.
3. Wider aperture, simpler access
BMW engineers stress the tradeoff: you lose the tailgate bench, but you gain a noticeably wider loading opening and a lower lift-over height. For families loading strollers, golf bags, and large suitcases, the single BMW X5 rear hatch should be faster to operate hands-free, with one motor instead of two latches.
Old vs New: BMW X5 tailgate compared
| Feature | 2019-2026 BMW X5 G05 | 2027 BMW X5 G65 / iX5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tailgate type | Split two-piece, power upper + lower | Single-piece power liftgate |
| Lower gate load rating | ~250 kg / 550 lb bench seating | Removed |
| Hands-free opening | Smart Opener upper or both | Smart Opener full hatch |
| Aperture | Narrower, taller | Wider, lower roof cut |
| Practical perks lost | Load stop, tailgate seat, mud guard | None - flat bumper loading |
| Weight / complexity | Higher - dual motors, hinges | Lower - single motor, cleaner seal |
A brief history: the BMW X5 split tailgate, 1999 to 2026
The two-way tailgate has been an X5 signature longer than iDrive:
- 1999 E53: Launch X5 introduces the 40/60 split clamshell, inspired by Range Rover
- 2006 E70: Power upper gate added, lower gate rated for tailgating seating
- 2013 F15: Hands-free Comfort Access Smart Opener for both sections
- 2018 G05: Refined split with soft-close, 250 kg lower gate capacity, cargo load stop
- 2027 G65: Split tailgate discontinued. First X5 with a full single liftgate
Toyota Land Cruiser, Range Rover, and several early luxury SUVs also dropped their split designs years ago. The X5 and the larger X7 were the last true holdouts in the premium segment.
What owners are actually saying
BMW’s customer feedback claim quickly sparked debate. On Motor1, social and forum reactions have been overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the feature.
Long-time X5 owners describe the lower tailgate as the SUV’s best daily-use trait: a built-in bench at soccer games, a clean loading shelf that keeps groceries from rolling out, a dry seat for changing boots, and a natural load stop on hills.
Critics argue the real driver is cost and weight reduction for EV certification. One top comment summarized it plainly: “Don’t let the marketing speak fool you. It’s cheaper to engineer a single hinge opening.” Others point to the tighter BMW cost discipline across M cars, with manuals and unique hardware being phased out to fund tech investment.
A smaller group agrees with BMW, noting that unloading deep items over the lower gate can be a stretch, similar to loading a pickup truck tailgate.
What replaces it on the 2027 BMW X5 and iX5?
The new G65 uses a wide, full-height power liftgate with:
- Hands-free kick sensor standard
- Adjustable opening height memory
- Lower lift-over, wider cargo aperture
- Flush bumper with integrated load sill protector
- Improved rear camera and parking sensor integration with no split seam
Practically, you get faster one-motion access and a larger side-to-side opening, useful for wide strollers and Euro pallets. You lose the tailgate bench, the cargo retention wall, and that signature BMW SUV moment.
For context on how the new model drives and loads in the real world, see our full 2027 BMW X5 five-powertrain prototype drive, tested at Spartanburg with the iX5, PHEV, and mild-hybrid.
Video: 2027 BMW X5 hands-on - see the new tailgate in action
Want to see the Neue Klasse rear end and cargo opening for yourself? This early hands-on from Spartanburg walks through the exterior changes, including the missing split:
Video: AutoGuide - 2027 BMW X5 Hands-On Preview. Watch the new single-piece hatch, Neue Klasse lighting, and iX5 interior tech.
2027 BMW X5 Gallery: No split tailgate, all Neue Klasse
Pros and Cons: BMW X5 split tailgate removal
- Wider cargo aperture, easier side loading
- Lower lift-over height, shorter reach
- Lighter, simpler seal - better for iX5 EV range
- Cleaner Neue Klasse rear design
- One-touch power operation, fewer motors to fail
- No tailgate bench / seating - fan favorite gone
- No cargo load stop - items can roll out
- Loss of brand heritage after 26 years
- Less protection from rain while loading
- Perceived cost-cutting in a $70,000+ luxury SUV
At over $70,950 before destination, the X5 still leads its class on power and tech, but value rivals are closing fast. See how the BMW X5 compares to the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and GLE / Q7 / XC90 on price.
Will other BMW SUVs keep the split tailgate?
As of July 2026, BMW has not confirmed the X7’s future tailgate. The current G07 X7 still uses a split design, and given its more upright, luxury-family role, it is likely to retain it for at least one more cycle. The smaller X3, X1, and the Neue Klasse iX3 electric SUV have always used single-piece hatches.
Expect the upcoming X5 M and Alpina XB5 variants to follow the same single-hatch body, prioritizing aero and weight.
2027 BMW X5: quick specs refresher
The tailgate is not the only big change. The fifth-generation X5 is BMW’s most diverse SUV ever:
| Model | Powertrain | Output (est.) | Key tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| X5 40 xDrive | 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid | ~394 hp | 48V, 0-62 mph ~4.5s |
| X5 50e xDrive | PHEV | ~480 hp | 25.7 kWh, ~80 km EPA EV |
| iX5 60 xDrive | Dual-motor EV | ~570 hp / 593 lb-ft | 141 kWh, 800V, 460 kW DC, ~700 km target |
| X5 diesel / hydrogen | Region specific | TBD | EU diesel, FCEV pilot |
All models ride on the Neue Klasse platform with BMW’s “Heart of Joy” supercomputer chassis control. For EV reliability context, the BMW i4 ranked among Consumer Reports’ top reliable EVs, a good sign for the iX5 rollout. And in the broader luxury EV SUV fight, the BMW iX faces sharp new value pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 BMW X5 have a split tailgate?
No. The fifth-generation 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 use a single-piece power liftgate. BMW discontinued the two-piece split tailgate after 26 years, starting with the G65 generation built in Spartanburg.
Why did BMW get rid of the X5 split tailgate?
BMW says customer feedback showed average-height owners struggled to reach deep into the cargo area over the lower gate. The brand also cites a sleeker Neue Klasse roofline, a wider cargo aperture, reduced weight, and improved aerodynamics for the electric iX5.
Will the BMW X7 still have a split tailgate?
Yes, for now. The current BMW X7 retains its split tailgate. BMW has not announced a change for the next X7 generation, expected after 2027.
What replaced the split tailgate on the new X5?
A conventional single-piece power liftgate with hands-free Smart Opener, adjustable opening height, and a wider, lower cargo opening. The lower tailgate bench and cargo stop function are removed.
When will the 2027 BMW X5 go on sale?
BMW targets a late 2026 U.S. dealer arrival for the 2027 X5, with the iX5 60 xDrive, X5 40 xDrive mild-hybrid, and X5 50e plug-in hybrid launching first. Pricing has not been officially confirmed.
Is the new BMW X5 cargo area bigger without the split tailgate?
BMW says the cargo aperture is wider with the new single hatch, improving side-to-side loading. Official cubic-foot cargo volume has not been released yet, but lift-over height is lower and access is more direct.
Can you still sit on the X5 tailgate?
No. The 2027 X5 no longer has a lower tailgate rated for seating. The previous G05 lower gate supported approximately 250 kg / 550 lb. That tailgate bench feature is discontinued.
Conclusion: The end of an icon, the start of Neue Klasse practicality
The BMW X5 split tailgate was not just a hinge. For 26 years it was a tailgate party seat, a grocery guard, a muddy-boot perch, and the clearest signal that the X5 was still a true utility vehicle. BMW’s 2027 decision trades that character for wider access, cleaner aero, lighter complexity, and EV-first packaging.
Ergonomically, BMW may have a point about reach. Emotionally, X5 loyalists have every right to mourn it. If cargo versatility is your priority, test the new single-hatch aperture in person when the G65 hits dealers in late 2026, and compare load height against the outgoing G05 while you still can.
What do you think: is the split tailgate a dated gimmick, or did BMW just delete the X5’s best feature? Share your take in the comments, and follow our full 2027 BMW X5 Neue Klasse coverage for iX5 range tests, pricing, and first-drive reviews as they land.
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Explore BMW NewsEditorial disclosure: Specifications are manufacturer estimates based on June-July 2026 prototype and reveal data. Final U.S. cargo dimensions, pricing, and EPA range pending official BMW release. Quotes via Motor1, Spartanburg launch, July 2, 2026. Images: BMW / Motor1.
