BMW X5 Review: Luxury and Performance in an SUV
The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that combines power, comfort, and advanced features. This review will cover its key aspects, including exterior and interior design, driving experience, fuel efficiency, safety features, pricing, and how it compares to other luxury SUVs. Let’s explore the details to help you decide if the X5 is the right fit for you.
Eye-Catching and Imposing Exterior Design
The BMW X5 has an imposing and muscular exterior design that commands attention on the road. Its large kidney grille, sleek headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a bold and athletic appearance. The latest model year features a refreshed front fascia with slimmer headlights and a more streamlined look.
Despite its sizable dimensions, the X5 manages to maintain a relatively sleek profile, thanks to its sloping roofline and aerodynamic design elements. The SUV’s overall length is 4,935 mm, with a width of 2,004 mm (excluding mirrors) and a height of 1,745 mm, providing a commanding presence on the road.
Luxurious and Tech-Laden Interior
Step inside the BMW X5, and you’ll be greeted by a luxurious and well-appointed cabin that exudes quality and sophistication. The interior is crafted with high-end materials, such as premium leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, creating a sense of opulence and comfort.
The X5 offers ample space for up to five passengers, or seven with the optional third-row seating. The front seats are highly adjustable, providing excellent support and comfort for long journeys. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.
At the heart of the X5’s interior is a cutting-edge infotainment system featuring a large, curved display that seamlessly integrates with the digital instrument cluster. This system is intuitive to operate and offers a range of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as over-the-air updates for maps and software.
Practical storage solutions abound in the X5, with a spacious cargo area that can accommodate up to 650 liters of luggage with the rear seats up, or an impressive 1,870 liters with the seats folded down.
Exhilarating Performance and Handling
The BMW X5 delivers an exhilarating driving experience that belies its size and weight. It is available with a choice of potent engines, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine in the xDrive30d model, producing 282 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking even more power, the xDrive40d variant features a more powerful version of the same engine, generating 347 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both diesel engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s capable xDrive all-wheel-drive system, ensuring excellent traction and control in various driving conditions.
The true standout, however, is the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e model. This variant combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive50e can travel up to 64 miles on electric power alone, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
Regardless of the engine choice, the BMW X5 handles remarkably well for an SUV of its size. The precise and well-weighted steering, coupled with the vehicle’s advanced suspension system, provides a confident and engaging driving experience, whether navigating tight city streets or winding country roads.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Despite its robust performance capabilities, the BMW X5 manages to deliver impressive fuel efficiency for its class. The xDrive30d diesel model boasts an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, while the more powerful xDrive40d achieves 24 mpg combined.
The true fuel-sipping champion, however, is the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e. With its large battery pack and electric motor, this variant delivers an astounding EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 50 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when operating in electric mode. Even when running on gasoline, the xDrive50e still manages an impressive 20 mpg combined, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to balance performance and efficiency.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
The BMW X5 is designed with safety as a top priority, featuring an array of advanced driver assistance systems and safety technologies. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, among others.
For added peace of mind, the X5 offers optional advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system, providing an extra layer of protection and convenience on the road.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the BMW X5 has consistently earned top safety ratings, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The BMW X5 is offered in three main trim levels: xLine, M Sport, and the high-performance M model. The xLine is the base trim, starting at around $61,600 MSRP, and comes well-equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.
The M Sport trim, starting at around $66,100 MSRP, adds sportier styling elements, such as larger alloy wheels, a more aggressive body kit, and unique interior trim accents. It also includes a sport-tuned suspension and a more powerful engine option in the form of the xDrive40d.
At the top of the range is the X5 M, which starts at around $105,100 MSRP. This high-performance variant is powered by a thunderous 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the X5 M to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds.
In addition to the trim levels, BMW offers a wide range of optional packages and individual options, allowing buyers to further customize their X5 to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Competitive Landscape and Rivals
The BMW X5 faces stiff competition in the highly competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. Its primary rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and the Porsche Cayenne.
When compared to its competitors, the X5 stands out for its balanced blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. While the Porsche Cayenne may offer slightly sharper handling and the Mercedes-Benz GLE boasts a more opulent interior, the X5 strikes a compelling middle ground, delivering an engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort or refinement.
The Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 are also formidable competitors, offering spacious interiors and a wide range of advanced safety and technology features. However, the X5’s superior performance and driving dynamics give it an edge for buyers who prioritize a more engaging driving experience.
Long-Term Ownership and Reliability
When it comes to long-term ownership and reliability, the BMW X5 has a solid track record. While not immune to issues, the X5 generally scores well in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction ratings.
Regular maintenance and adherence to recommended service intervals are essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of any vehicle, and the X5 is no exception. BMW offers a comprehensive warranty package, including a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 12-year/unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty, providing added peace of mind for owners.
It’s worth noting that as with any luxury vehicle, the cost of ownership for the X5 can be higher than mainstream models, with potentially more expensive repair costs and maintenance requirements. However, for those who value the X5’s combination of performance, luxury, and practicality, the long-term ownership experience is generally positive.
Ending Thoughts
The BMW X5 is a standout choice in the midsize luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. With its eye-catching exterior design, luxurious and tech-laden interior, exhilarating performance, and impressive fuel efficiency, the X5 caters to a wide range of buyers seeking a premium driving experience.
While it may not be the most spacious or the most off-road-capable SUV in its class, the X5 excels in areas that matter most to many buyers: driving dynamics, comfort, and overall refinement. Its range of potent engines, including the efficient and electrified xDrive50e plug-in hybrid variant, ensures that there is an X5 model to suit various performance and fuel economy needs.
The X5’s advanced safety and driver assistance features, along with its strong crash test ratings, provide added peace of mind and make it a compelling choice for families seeking a premium and well-equipped SUV.
While the BMW X5 may not be the most affordable option in its segment, its combination of luxury, performance, and practicality justifies its premium pricing for those who value the ultimate driving experience in a midsize SUV package.
If you’re in the market for a well-rounded luxury SUV that strikes a perfect balance between performance and refinement, the BMW X5 is an excellent choice worth considering. Schedule a test drive at your nearest BMW dealership to experience the X5’s capabilities firsthand and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.
