BMW Removes Iconic Two-Piece Tailgate From Redesigned X5

The fifth-generation BMW X5 arrived in summer 2025 without a feature that had defined the model since its debut: the split tailgate. For decades, X5 owners enjoyed the convenience of a lower section that folded down flat, transforming the cargo area into something that functioned almost like a pickup truck bed. That same section also served as a sturdy seat when lowered, adding a layer of practicality that many shoppers valued. Its absence from the newest generation marks a significant shift in BMW’s design philosophy for this popular luxury SUV.

Why BMW Made This Design Choice

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Photo by Mahya Jahangir

BMW has not publicly released an official statement explaining why the two-piece tailgate disappeared, though production cost reduction is likely involved. However, Philip Koehn, BMW’s senior vice president of Product Line Luxury Class, offered insight into the decision during the X5’s launch event. He pointed out a genuine usability problem with the previous design: when the lower section was raised, loading or unloading cargo was only truly comfortable for people with longer-than-average arm length. Shorter individuals often struggled to reach items in the cargo hold.

The new generation X5 also features a redesigned roofline that positions the tailgate slightly lower than before. This change means the lower cargo opening now sits at a more ergonomic height, making it easier for drivers of all sizes to access their cargo through a single, conventional tailgate opening. In other words, BMW traded a signature feature for improved everyday usability across a broader range of body types.

Genesis Could Revive the Two-Piece Tailgate Concept

While BMW has stepped back from split tailgates, a competitor may be preparing to embrace the concept in a fresh way. Hyundai Motor Group, which owns luxury brand Genesis, filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office that reveals a two-piece tailgate design with notable differences from BMW’s classic approach. The patent was published recently and shows a mechanism that combines several functions into one clever design.

Unlike BMW’s straightforward split design, the Genesis patent depicts a tailgate with multiple configurations. The upper section flips up like a traditional tailgate, but the middle section can fold down into the cabin somewhat like a midgate found on certain truck designs. This creates an open loading area that effectively turns the rear of the vehicle into a small pickup bed. The lower section can remain open to accommodate longer objects that would not fit with the tailgate fully closed. The mechanism can also function as a conventional one-piece tailgate when fully raised. This approach borrows conceptual elements from GMC’s 2004 and 2005 Envoy XUV, adapting them for modern luxury vehicles.

The patent drawings suggest the design might debut on something like a Genesis GV80 Coupe or its successor, given the coupe-like profile depicted in the patent. There is also a possibility that some Hyundai or Kia models could receive the technology, broadening its availability across the Hyundai Motor Group lineup.

What This Means for Shoppers

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Photo by Michael Kahn

If Genesis does move forward with this design, it would give luxury SUV buyers a practical alternative to BMW’s traditional approach. The new patent design offers more loading flexibility than a conventional tailgate, which could appeal to shoppers who value cargo versatility. However, such a complex mechanism comes with trade-offs: more moving parts mean greater potential for mechanical issues, weather sealing challenges, and long-term reliability concerns that manufacturers will need to address before production.

For current BMW X5 shoppers, the removal of the two-piece tailgate should not be viewed as a step backward. Instead, it represents BMW’s response to real usability data. Modern luxury buyers increasingly value ergonomic design that works for everyone, not just those with specific physical attributes. The lower cargo opening on the new X5 may actually prove more convenient for average users than the previous generation’s split design.

That said, buyers who specifically loved the two-piece tailgate’s practicality and seat functionality may want to consider exploring what other luxury brands are developing in this space. Genesis, with its growing reputation for combining luxury with practical innovation, could fill this gap if the patent moves into production.

The Bigger Picture

This shift highlights how luxury automakers continuously balance heritage features with modern engineering and user feedback. BMW’s decision to drop the iconic split tailgate was not made lightly, but it reflects genuine improvements in cargo accessibility for a wider audience. Meanwhile, competitors like Genesis are exploring ways to expand on the original concept, showing that the split tailgate idea is far from dead in the luxury market. Shoppers should understand these changes as part of an evolving conversation about what practicality means in a modern premium SUV.