A closer look!
In an effort to appeal across all desires and interests of today’s motorists, the X5 is offered with a trio of different powertrains. Those include a silky-smooth inline-six, an authoritative twin-turbo V8 and an environmentally friendly plug-in hybrid. Both the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engines benefit from a new 48-volt hybrid system, and the six-cylinder has been massaged further to boost output to 375 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid variant of the year prior has been replaced with a more powerful xDrive50e, which offers 94 more horsepower and 10 more miles of electric-only driving range, for 483 horsepower and 40 miles of EV driving.
The xDrive50e model comes standard with a 25.7-kWh battery pack that the EPA claims is good for up to 38 miles of electric-only driving. The X5 can use the battery to travel up to 84 mph without tapping the gasoline engine, and the battery pack can be charged at home on 110-volt or 220-volt outlets or at public charging stations.
All three powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, bringing power at the right time and at all times. Known for its refined ride and stable handling, as well as its steering, the X5 beats out its competition, including the Audi Q7.
Within the X5 is a new curved infotainment display that spans two-thirds of the dashboard and BMW’s latest and greatest iDrive 8 software interface. A 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel serves as a gauge display while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface. Ever-popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The X5 also boasts Highway Assistant hands-free driving. Perhaps the best part of its interior, though, is the high-quality materials within, with a myriad of luxury features available depending on the trim level.
All models are presented with a power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers and customizable ambient lighting. Thanks to massaging seats, a remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, a leather dashboard and heated front armrests and steering wheel, drivers will feel the high-end luxury immediately.
Another luxe option that is yours for the asking include a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system that features diamond-domed tweeters.
Space abounds within the X5, especially in the area of cargo. With the rear seats in use, 11 carry-on suitcases can still find their place, with room for 26 with the seats folded.
Its exterior has been sharpened in this model year, including a revised front grille and bumper, new headlamps and taillamps and updated wheel designs. The top-of-the-spec M60i model features gloss-black exterior accents, quad tailpipes and a prominent M logo in the grille.
When it comes to the choice of which X5 to settle in on, it is important to note the various trims and options, with the vehicle ranging in price from $66,195 to up to $90,295.
The base trim sDrive40i level is rear-wheel drive, but the xDrive40i, xDrive 50e and xDrive M60i models all have all-wheel drive presented as standard. Preferred to purchase is the xDrive40i with its sports-sedan acceleration. Adding the Premium package to that trim level results in head-up display, LED exterior lighting, remote engine-start capability and Harman/Kardon stereo system.
In the area of safety, the X5 is presented with basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking. More advanced features, including hands-free driving, are optional. Crash test result info can be had by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. There is also standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane–departure warning and available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
Matching its rivals with similar warranty coverage, the X5 also offers three years of 36,000 miles worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance. A limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles; a powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles and complimentary scheduled maintenance covers three years or 36,000 miles.
With strong performance from available engines, a luxurious cabin and space galore, this midsize luxury SUV has it all. Featuring a round of upgrades that are nearly as close as one can get with a full redesign, the X5 is all out style. With four trim levels covering a wide range of rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, hybrid and high-performance, there are choices for everyone. Comfort and fun to drive with broad appeal? You betcha! Reserve yours today!
