The Disappearance of the Split Tailgate in the New BMW X5: A Closer Look
This week, BMW unveiled the fifth generation of its X5 model, a vehicle that has long been a staple in the luxury SUV market. While most headlines focused on the range of five powertrain options available globally, an important detail slipped under the radar: the elimination of the beloved split tailgate. This innovative feature has been a cornerstone of the X5 lineup since its inception in 1999.
A Legacy Ends: The Split Tailgate
The split tailgate has been a defining characteristic of the BMW X5, setting it apart from other competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser, which phased it out years ago. Until now, the X5 remained one of the few SUVs to champion this design. For many owners, this dual-action tailgate provided both aesthetic appeal and functional convenience.
The Official Rationale Behind the Change
At the launch event of the new X5 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, I posed a question to BMW regarding the decision to eliminate the split tailgate. Philip Koehn, Director of Luxury Class Cars at BMW Alpina and Rolls-Royce, provided insights into this significant change. He stated, “Every average person with normal arm length has real trouble with this feature. Being honest, while the split tailgate with its low loading edge is cool, a person of average height struggles when loading and, even more importantly, unloading the trunk.”
User Feedback and Market Trends
Despite Koehn’s assertions regarding user feedback, he refrained from citing any specific data or percentages illustrating how many customers faced difficulties due to this feature. Interestingly, social media reactions from both current and former X5 owners seem to contradict his statements, with many highlighting the split tailgate as one of their favorite aspects of the vehicle.
Aesthetic Considerations and Design Evolution
Beyond usability concerns, Koehn mentioned a desire for a more elegant tailgate design as another reason for this change. He elaborated, “The new X5 has a slightly sleeker roofline, which means the upper end of the tailgate has shifted downward. While this has reduced the overall height of the tailgate, we have expanded the width of the loading opening.”
What Does This Mean for Future Models?
The upcoming BMW X5 for the 2027 model year, set to hit dealerships by the end of 2026, will bring with it a variety of powertrain options, including gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and electric. A hydrogen-powered iX5 is also on the horizon for 2028. However, one thing is certain: the split tailgate will not feature in any of these models.
The Bigger Picture: Cost and Design Efficiency
While BMW cites customer feedback as a reason for dropping the split tailgate, it’s plausible that there are other underlying factors at play. Potential cost reduction measures or a strategic aim for a sleeker roofline to enhance the range of future electric vehicles could also be influencing this decision. Regardless, it’s a loss for those who appreciated this practical and unique feature in the X5.
In conclusion, while BMW aims to modernize and streamline its vehicles, the removal of the split tailgate marks an end of an era. For fans and loyal customers of the brand, it’s unfortunate to see a once-cherished feature disappear from the lineup, leaving fewer SUVs with what some may consider the ideal tailgate solution.
