2027 BMW X5 Neue Klasse Goes Off Road and Gets Trapped in Deep Snow | Carscoops

      A BMW X5 prototype has met with an accident during cold weather evaluations in Sweden.

      It strayed from the company’s test track and became trapped in deep snow, necessitating the use of an excavator for retrieval.

      The production version is anticipated to reflect the Neue Klasse X Concept and is set to debut next year.

      The BMW X5 played a significant role in popularizing luxury crossovers, which are primarily designed for on-road use. While this results in superior driving dynamics, the model is not ideally suited for off-roading.

      Nonetheless, one test driver took the 2027 X5 Neue Klasse prototype off-road. The crossover left BMW’s test track near the Arctic Circle and seems to have descended an embankment, subsequently getting stuck in deep snow.

      Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the vehicle did not fare as well. It remains unclear whether the prototype sustained damage, but the snow was so deep that another X5 could not tow it out.

      This situation required the assistance of an excavator, which successfully excavated the vehicle and allowed it to be pulled to safety. While this was positive news, the incident resulted in the closure of the test track for a considerable part of the afternoon.

      Setting aside the mishap, the redesigned X5 will feature an all-new front end inspired by the Neue Klasse X Concept. Consequently, it will have a prominent ‘light bar’ and two slim kidney grilles, accompanied by a centrally located intake and a broad lower opening.

      Changes to the rear, beyond the A-pillar, are less pronounced; however, earlier images have revealed a sleeker design and minimalist door handles similar to those on the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The rear design seems to evolve, with the license plate recess shifting from the liftgate to the rear bumper.

      Under the hood, a range of internal combustion engines and fully electric options are expected. Additionally, a hydrogen-powered variant is reportedly in development, and BMW has previously indicated plans to introduce its first series production fuel cell vehicle in 2028, utilizing a powertrain collaboratively developed with Toyota.