Why BMW Quietly Killed the X5’s Most Beloved Party Trick

For decades, the split tailgate was the signature move of the BMW X5—that clever two-piece door that let you sit on the lower half at tailgates or load groceries without everything sliding out. But the latest model has ditched it for a one-piece power liftgate, leaving loyalists scratching their heads.

BMW’s design team finally explained the decision, and the answer is more practical than nostalgic.

The old setup was a pain for modern life, they argue. As SUVs got bigger and bumpers got higher, the lower tailgate sat too high to be a comfortable bench. Worse, accessing deep cargo meant leaning over that heavy flap, and the split hinge created a weak point in the body structure.

Engineers wanted a cleaner, stronger rear end that could handle the X5’s growing electrical complexity—think hands-free kick sensors and integrated spoilers. A single, motorized door was simply more reliable and easier to package.

Of course, purists will mourn the loss of that classic tailgate picnic spot. But BMW’s move mirrors what many luxury rivals have already done, and the new setup does offer one upside: a wider, unobstructed opening for sliding in bulky gear. Whether you call it progress or a sellout, the split tailgate’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most characterful features in BMW’s lineup.