Quick Brief
- Intel Core Ultra 7 Panther Lake processor delivers 50 TOPS NPU for AI-accelerated workflows
- Battery life extends to 19 hours with 50Wh cell, 27% improvement over previous generation
- Available in 14-inch (starting at 1.35kg) and 16-inch models with aluminum construction
- Features 16:10 displays with up to 2560×1600 resolution and 400 nits brightness
ASUS announced the ExpertBook B5 G2 in February 2026, positioning it as a configurable Copilot+ PC that integrates AI-driven productivity with professional-grade durability. The B5405 (14-inch) and B5605 (16-inch) models target professionals requiring powerful multitasking, enterprise-grade data protection, and seamless collaboration in mobile environments. This release arrives as businesses increasingly demand on-device AI processing capable of handling sensitive data without cloud dependency.
Intel Core Ultra 7 Panther Lake: 50 TOPS Neural Processing
The ExpertBook B5 G2 integrates Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processor with Panther Lake architecture, featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI performance. This architecture enables local execution of machine learning models, real-time video enhancement, and language processing without latency penalties associated with cloud-based solutions. The 50 TOPS NPU specifically accelerates Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and ASUS MyExpert features, processing video streams and natural language queries locally on the device.
The Panther Lake architecture represents Intel’s latest advancement in hybrid core design, balancing performance cores for demanding tasks with efficiency cores for background operations. NotebookCheck reports the Core Ultra 7 366H variant features 16 cores with clock speeds ranging from 1.6 GHz base to 4.8 GHz boost frequencies. Testing shows sustained performance improvements over previous generations while maintaining thermal efficiency.
What does 50 TOPS mean for business users?
The 50 TOPS rating indicates the processor can execute 50 trillion AI operations per second. In practical terms, this enables real-time transcription of meetings, instant background removal during video calls, and simultaneous language translation without performance degradation. The on-device processing eliminates upload requirements for sensitive corporate communications, maintaining compliance with data residency regulations.
ASUS MyExpert: AI-Driven Workflow Intelligence
ASUS MyExpert introduces writing optimization, email search, and meeting intelligence exclusive to 2026 ExpertBook models. The platform automatically generates transcripts, extracts action items, and summarizes discussions. Email search leverages semantic understanding to surface messages by intent rather than keyword matching.
As a Copilot+ PC, the ExpertBook B5 G2 integrates Microsoft’s Recall feature, which creates a searchable timeline of user activity across applications. Click to Do enables context-aware actions on screenshots and documents, while Windows Studio Effects apply real-time background blur and eye contact correction during video conferences. These features operate locally, ensuring corporate data remains on the device during AI processing.
Enterprise Security and Protection Features
The ExpertBook B5 G2 incorporates ExpertGuardian security features designed for enterprise environments. The system includes TPM 2.0 for hardware-based cryptographic key storage and supports FIDO2 authentication for passwordless biometric login. An optional smart card reader accommodates Common Access Card (CAC) protocols required by defense contractors and government agencies.
The fingerprint sensor supports Windows Hello authentication, while the webcam includes a physical privacy shield for visual confirmation of camera deactivation. These security layers work together to protect against unauthorized access and ensure compliance with enterprise security policies.
MIL-STD-810H Durability Certification
The ExpertBook B5 G2 meets US military standard MIL-STD-810H across multiple test categories, including shock, vibration, extreme temperature, and humidity exposure. The aluminum construction maintains structural rigidity while keeping the 14-inch model’s starting weight at 1.35kg. Advanced thermal engineering incorporates refined heatsink fin geometry and dust filtering to sustain peak processor performance during extended workloads.
Display Technology: 16:10 Aspect Ratio with Eye Protection
Both ExpertBook B5 G2 models feature 16:10 aspect ratio displays with slim bezels, offering 11% more vertical screen space than traditional 16:9 panels. Resolution options include 1920×1200 (WUXGA) and 2560×1600 (WQXGA), with optional touch support on select configurations. TÜV Rheinland eye protection certification confirms low blue light emission and flicker-free backlighting.
The anti-glare coating with up to 400 nits brightness maintains visibility under direct office lighting and outdoor conditions. Dirac audio technology tunes the dual-speaker system for vocal clarity in video conferences, while dual-array microphones with AI voice enhancement isolate speech from ambient noise.
How does 16:10 aspect ratio improve productivity?
The 16:10 display format shows additional spreadsheet rows, code lines, and document paragraphs compared to 16:9 screens of equivalent diagonal size. For a 14-inch display, this translates to viewing more content without scrolling, improving productivity during document editing and data analysis tasks.
Connectivity Options for Professional Workflows
The I/O configuration addresses professional requirements with Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports supporting high-speed data transfer, external display connectivity, and Power Delivery charging. Legacy connectivity includes USB 3.2 Type-A ports, HDMI output, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, and a microSD card reader. The optional smart card slot accommodates secure ID badges used in enterprise access control systems.
Wireless capabilities extend to WiFi 7 (802.11be) in supported network environments, with Bluetooth 5.3 maintaining stable connections with multiple simultaneous peripherals. The Kensington security slot enables physical device tethering in shared workspaces.
Battery Performance: 19-Hour Endurance Achievement
ASUS rates the ExpertBook B5 G2 at up to 19 hours of battery life with the 50Wh lithium-polymer cell, representing a 27% improvement over the previous B5 generation despite identical battery capacity. This extension stems from Intel Core Ultra 7 Panther Lake’s refined power states and improved efficiency. Real-world testing by NotebookCheck measured 14.5 hours during mixed productivity workloads involving web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing.
The included power adapter supports USB-C Power Delivery, enabling charging from compatible third-party adapters and power banks. Power management features in Windows 11 Pro optimize background task scheduling to reduce idle power consumption.
Memory and Storage Configuration Options
System Specifications Overview
| Component | B5405 (14″) | B5605 (16″) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 | Intel Core Ultra 7 | Panther Lake architecture |
| NPU Performance | Up to 50 TOPS | Up to 50 TOPS | On-device AI processing |
| RAM | Up to 96GB DDR5 | Up to 96GB DDR5 | High-bandwidth memory |
| Storage | Up to 4TB SSD | Up to 4TB SSD | NVMe PCIe Gen 4 |
| Display | 14″ 16:10 | 16″ 16:10 | Up to 2560×1600 |
| Weight | Starting at 1.35kg | TBD | Aluminum chassis |
The DDR5 memory operates at high transfer rates while reducing power consumption compared to DDR4 technology. Storage configurations ship with options ranging from base capacity to 4TB, accommodating diverse professional requirements. The modular design enables field-replaceable components including memory and storage for extended device lifecycle.
IT Management and Deployment Solutions
ASUS Control Center (sold separately) provides centralized device management, enabling IT administrators to remotely monitor hardware health, deploy updates, and enforce security policies across fleet deployments. The platform supports automated Windows installation with pre-loaded applications and group policies for streamlined deployment.
The modular architecture enables component replacement and upgrades without specialized tooling, extending device lifecycle and reducing total cost of ownership. Scalable deployment solutions support simultaneous configuration of multiple units for enterprise rollouts.
Availability and Market Positioning
ASUS announced the ExpertBook B5 G2 in February 2026, with regional availability details pending official confirmation. The company has not disclosed specific pricing information for global markets at the time of announcement. Previous ExpertBook models have typically reached North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets within 6-8 weeks of initial announcement.
Configuration options allow enterprises to customize specifications based on departmental requirements, from entry-level productivity machines to high-performance workstations for data-intensive applications.
Considerations for Purchase Decisions
The ExpertBook B5 G2 focuses on integrated graphics solutions through Intel’s built-in GPU, which may limit performance in GPU-accelerated workloads such as 3D rendering and intensive video encoding. Professionals requiring dedicated graphics should evaluate alternative product lines designed for creative or engineering applications.
The 50Wh battery capacity remains consistent across both 14-inch and 16-inch models, meaning the larger display may consume proportionally more power during operation. WiFi 7 support requires compatible network infrastructure, which remains in early deployment phases as of February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between ExpertBook B5405 and B5605?
The B5405 features a 14-inch display with a starting weight of 1.35kg, while the B5605 offers a 16-inch screen. Both models share identical processor, memory, storage, and connectivity specifications, differing primarily in display size and chassis dimensions.
Does the ExpertBook B5 G2 support external monitors?
Yes, the Thunderbolt 4 ports support external display connectivity, enabling professionals to connect high-resolution monitors for expanded workspace configurations. HDMI output provides additional display connection options.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage after purchase?
The ExpertBook B5 G2 features modular construction designed for component upgrades and field replacements. The system supports up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and up to 4TB storage capacity.
What is ASUS MyExpert and how does it work?
ASUS MyExpert provides AI-powered writing optimization, email search, and meeting transcription specific to ASUS business laptops. The system operates locally on the device using the 50 TOPS NPU for on-device processing without cloud dependencies.
What operating systems does the ExpertBook B5 G2 support?
ASUS officially supports Windows 11 Pro and Home editions on the ExpertBook B5 G2. The laptop is optimized for Windows 11 Copilot+ PC features including Recall, Click to Do, and Studio Effects.
What security features are included for enterprise use?
The ExpertBook B5 G2 includes TPM 2.0 for hardware-based encryption, FIDO2 authentication support, Windows Hello fingerprint login, physical webcam shield, and optional smart card reader for government and defense compliance.
How long is the battery life in real-world usage?
ASUS rates the battery at up to 19 hours with the 50Wh cell. Independent testing by NotebookCheck measured 14.5 hours during mixed productivity workloads, confirming all-day operation capability for typical business use.
