BMW iX5 First Drives: What Owners Should Know, Plus Japan’s Apex Editions

The new electric X5 now has something more useful than another impressive specification: independent driving impressions. Fresh road tests explore how the iX5 and petrol X5 feel in daily use. Japan also gains two limited Apex editions, and the US 3 Series configurator brings new detail on personalisation.

BMW car news for 23 October 2026, covering 22 October reporting and clearly dated catch-up items.

The quick read

• Independent reviews: iX5 comfort impresses, while its controls, doors and braking feel deserve a test drive.
• Official, Japan: M135 and M235 Apex editions pair forged wheels and upgraded brakes with M Performance styling.
• Reported, US: the petrol 3 Series configurator reveals colour and equipment combinations.
• Catch-up: Brazil passes a production milestone; BMW’s voluntary departure programme closes to new applicants.

iX5 first drives: comfort is the headline, controls are the question

BMWBLOG’s California review praises the iX5 60 xDrive’s air-suspension ride and regenerative braking. Compared with the iX, its reviewer favours the seats and luggage capacity but finds less rear-seat space and a less impressive audio system. These are first-drive judgements, not a new specification announcement. [3]

Motor1 also rates the ride highly, but reports awkward automatic-door operation, heavy dependence on the central touchscreen and brake-pedal feel that takes adjustment. That contrast is useful: two drivers can agree on comfort while responding differently to the controls. [4]

For buyers: test the features you will use every day. Try the handles, ventilation controls, rear seats and low-speed braking rather than judging the car only by acceleration or peak charging power.

The reviews disagree on quoted vehicle weight and on whether US range certification is final. We are therefore not presenting either weight figure or a certified EPA range as newly settled here. US charging connectors, assistance features and prices should also not be applied automatically to UK cars.

The petrol X5 gets its own verdict

BMWBLOG’s separate X5 40 xDrive drive highlights improved comfort and stronger low-speed response from the six-cylinder powertrain. It also notes body movement when pushed. Its quoted $72,100 starting price excludes a $1,450 destination charge and applies to the US. The review contains inconsistent acceleration labels, so we have left those measurements out. [5]

BMW released fresh Los Angeles X5 media on 22 October. The new gallery is useful for inspecting production details, but its publication is not another vehicle launch. [9]

Japan’s Apex editions put the focus on hardware

Official announcement: 22 October. BMW Japan has opened sales of the M135 xDrive and M235 xDrive Gran Coupé Apex editions, with deliveries expected from late October. Each is limited to 50 Japanese-market cars. [1]

The package includes 19-inch forged 1085M wheels, M Compound brakes, carbon mirror caps, black details and dedicated trim. The hatchback receives an additional M Performance rear spoiler. BMW lists 300 PS and 400 Nm for both Japanese versions; this is an equipment-led edition rather than an announced power increase. [1] [2]

Each model’s allocation is split between 30 white and 20 grey cars. These are Japanese recommended prices, with additional local fees; no UK Apex availability is established by this announcement. [2]

For enthusiasts: the interesting combination is wheels, brakes and styling together. A similar-looking part is not proof of matching clearance or compatibility. Check the exact chassis and equipment before copying an appearance package.

US 3 Series configurator: the combinations matter

BMWBLOG reports that the new petrol configurator covers the 330, 330 xDrive and M350 xDrive. Its example M350 builds reached $69,700 and $76,900 including destination. An Agave Green interior and the M Technology Package could not be combined in its build; yellow lighting was also offered as an option. [6]

These are reported US configuration examples, not UK quotations. They show why an option list is only the beginning: packages can change upholstery, wheels and lighting together. Factory lighting options also do not establish the legality of an aftermarket retrofit.

Two company updates, with dates kept clear

• Brazil, announced 21 October: Araquari has built 125,000 BMW cars across 12 years. It currently produces the X1, 320i and plug-in-hybrid X5. This is a regional production milestone, not confirmation that it builds the new G65. [7]
• Workforce catch-up, first reported 20 October: Handelsblatt reports that BMW closed its voluntary severance programme to new applicants after reaching its participation target. Individual departures still require agreement. This updates earlier coverage of the offers and does not establish a factory shutdown or an owner-service change. [8]

Why VMSS follows these developments

VMSS follows BMW news to inform the aftermarket parts, bodykits and lighting modifications we design, manufacture and supply. For owners, accurate fitment matters as much as appearance: generation, bumper specification, sensors, wheel clearance and lamp electronics all need checking.

Previously: BMW’s electric M3 development film and reported X5 M plans and the official iX5 charging demonstration.

Sources and cross-references

1. BMW Japan — Apex Edition announcement — 22 October 2026.
2. BMW Japan — Apex specifications and prices — information dated 22 October 2026.
3. BMWBLOG — iX5 60 xDrive first drive — 22 October 2026.
4. Motor1 — iX5 first drive — 22 October 2026.
5. BMWBLOG — petrol X5 40 xDrive first drive — 22 October 2026.
6. BMWBLOG — US 3 Series configurator — 22 October 2026.
7. BMW PressClub Brazil — Araquari milestone — 21 October 2026; catch-up.
8. Handelsblatt — severance programme update — first published 20 October; updated 22 October 2026.
9. BMW PressClub — X5 additional media assets — 22 October 2026.