2023 BMW X5:BMW introduced the midsize X5 in 1999, making it an early player in the premium SUV market. Since then, the X3 and X1 and the bigger X7 have joined them as options. Indeed, the even-numbered “crossover coupes” X2, X4, and X6 have been added to BMW’s “Sports Activity Vehicles.” BMW SUVs may have appeared unusual thirty years ago, but now they account for 60% of the company’s worldwide sales, and customers like the sporty SUV formula. Its best-selling U.S. model is the X5.
The X5 is back for 2023 in its fourth iteration, with hardly any alterations. Although BMW’s Gesture operation, which utilized hand gestures to perform certain functions, has been discontinued, you can now purchase a wireless charging station. Additionally, the upholstery is changing from synthetic leather to vegan leather. If you desire these enhancements, holding out until the 2024 X5s are released could make sense. They will include more substantial changes, such as updated styling, powerful and effective engines, and a more contemporary interior.
When the first X5 went off the assembly line in 1999, BMW was responding to rivals like Mercedes-Benz, but since then, the number of midsize luxury SUVs has increased. There are other newer rivals, some of which have standard third rows, but the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which replaced the outdated ML-Class in the 1990s, continues to be its primary competition. Along with Lincoln’s reborn Aviator, the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and Upstart Genesis GV80 are also contenders. Few midsize SUVs are as agile as the X5, despite the Cayenne and AMG GLEs being performance powerhouses.
Although all X5s are robust and have BMW’s trademark performance, numerous alternative models are available to accommodate various customer needs. Five basic models range in power from the 335-horsepower sDrive40i at the bottom to the 600-horsepower X5 M at the top. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e can go up to 31 miles on electricity alone. A third row of child-sized seats may be added to all except the plug-in hybrid, bringing the total number of seats to seven.
The second and third rows, especially the optional far back seat, aren’t as spacious as most rivals if the X5 falters. However, it is not much smaller than the one in the less expensive Genesis GV80. BMW puts more emphasis on performance than space, but most customers wouldn’t have it any other way. Munich also has a ton of modern and secure amenities. Although several competitors make such features standard, the most excellent equipment (such as adaptive cruise control) is included in the automaker’s extensive list of options.
All of the X5’s rivals provide a ton of luxury and sophistication. However, the BMW X5 sets itself apart from the competition with a sportier driving experience, especially if you choose one of the V8 monsters. There isn’t a bad option among the group; everyone offers benefits. The 2023 BMW X5 should be your initial test drive if you’re looking for more adrenaline-pumping driving.
Performance: BMW X5
The base variants of the X5 use an inline six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that produces 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. These models are the sDrive40i and xDrive40i. An eight-speed automatic gearbox drives the sDrive40i’s rear wheels and all four wheels of the xDrive40i. According to BMW, they will reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. For short excursions without an optional off-road package, the xDrive40i is best.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the xDrive45e model, which combines the six-cylinder engine from the 40i with an electric motor to create 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, makes it the most economical X5. This vehicle’s electric range is up to 31 miles on a full battery charge before it enters traditional hybrid mode. Due to the battery’s additional weight, the xDrive45e has the same acceleration as the 40i versions but has more power.
The 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that powers the X5 M50i produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque and comes standard with all-wheel drive. This vehicle has a 4.1-second zero-to-60 mph pace and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension that enhances handling without sacrificing ride quality. The M50i balances all-out performance and practicality for daily life, even if it isn’t the ultimate X5.
The formidable X5 M takes the 4.4-liter V8 and boosts output to an astounding 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, producing a zero-to-60 mph pace of only 3.8 seconds for the rare customer with all-out performance on their mind. Compared to the other X5 versions, the ride quality is substantially firmer and noisier. While the new, all-electric iX is about the same size and faster in M60 form, the six-cylinder X3 M is also a touch quicker and lighter, and this M will take a family of five around the circuit.
Any X5 model you choose from can tow 7,200 pounds. It’s a respectable amount for midsize SUVs, many of which have a weight restriction of around 6,000 pounds, but Land Rover’s Discovery and Defender are capable of significantly more.
Fuel efficiency: BMW X5
On premium unleaded gasoline, the EPA predicts that the X5 sDrive40i will get 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in combined city/highway miles. 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined are the xDrive40i’s ratings. With 21 mpg in actual testing, the xDrive40i almost met that projection.
A 31-mile electric-only driving range is included in the 50 MPGe rating for the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e. Range anxiety is eliminated by the xDrive45e’s hybrid capabilities when the battery is low. Unfortunately, DC fast charging is incompatible with this car; a level 2 charger must be used to charge the battery completely, which takes roughly 4 to 5 hours.
Expect 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg overall if you choose the more potent X5 M50i. That is somewhat better than the Audi SQ7 but weaker than most top-model V6 competitors like the GV80 3.5T or the Mercedes-AMG GLE43. Of course, the X5 M guzzles. Its combined EPA rating of 15 mpg (13 cities, 18 highway) is lower than that of the V8 Jaguar F-Pace SVR, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, or the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S.
While competitors also have four-cylinder primary engines, these less powerful engines aren’t always more fuel-efficient. Only 22 mpg combined is what the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, GLE 450, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 are predicted to achieve. The combined fuel economy of the six-cylinder Genesis and Audi choices is 20 mpg, compared to 19 mpg for the AMG GLE53. The V8-powered GLE580 is less potent than the M50i but has a better combined fuel economy rating of 19 mpg.
Safety and driver support technology:
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) awarded the BMW X5 four out of five ratings, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover safety and five stars for side protection. The X5 received a “Good” rating in every category from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The X5 received IIHS’ second-highest distinction, Top Safety Pick, last year, but the 2023 model did not get that title because of tighter criteria.
Lane departure warning, front automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts are all standard on the X5. The Driving Assistance Professional package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated evasive steering help, and emergency stop assist, which stops the car if the system detects that the driver is not responding. This option costs an extra $1,700.
These standard and optional safety features are equivalent to those found in other high-end SUVs. On higher versions, however, the Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7 come standard with several of the X5’s optional amenities.
Comfort and Space
Compared to many competitors, the X5’s suspension is calibrated for livelier handling, resulting in a notably stiffer but not unpleasant ride. The X5 M’s 22-inch wheels and performance tires become even more aggressive, and the driver may choose even harsher settings for the adaptive suspension’s standard locations for more dramatic cornering.
The front chairs are well-shaped and have appropriate padding for comfort over long distances. Tall or short drivers may easily find their favorite position thanks to many seat adjustments. The Luxury Seating option is excellent for those planning lengthy road journeys since it includes ventilation and massage features. The back seats are also comfortable and provide ample head- and legroom for taller passengers.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a slightly better rear-seat headroom than the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV70, but they are equivalent. These vehicles all provide extra legroom, particularly the Mercedes GLE, which is quite comfortable. The X5’s 37.4 inches of back legroom isn’t bad, but by midsize SUV standards, it’s not much. If you want more capacity, upgrading to the X7 could be better since the optional third row is relatively small.
Infotainment: BMW X5
All BMW X5s include a large 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, touchscreen functioning has been affected by current microprocessor shortages. In this case, you should speak with your dealer. The good news is that the dial controller in the center console is a great replacement that could be less irritating for many drivers. The dial’s top also allows handwritten input, simplifying inputting a location.
The BMW iDrive seven systems might be initially intimidating since they are crammed with functionality in several menus. Look-free changes are possible with physical temperature control switches, and relying less on screens is also possible with a row of programmed shortcut buttons. IDrive eight will be released the following year; it contains valuable voice commands but, in our opinion, is much more complicated than version 7.
A digital instrument panel that can be set according to your preferences, whether you desire a lot of information or a more conventional analog dial appearance, is also a standard feature. Although they need a USB cord, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are provided.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Behind the back seats of the X5, there is up to 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This is equivalent to the 35.7 cubic feet of the Audi Q7, the 34.9 cubic feet of the Genesis GV80, and the 33.3 cubic feet of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The battery capacity of the X5 plug-in hybrid will be slightly reduced to 33.1 cubic feet, but it is still comparable to most rivals. With the seats folding, it has a smaller overall capacity (72.3 cubic feet) compared to the GV80’s 84 and the Acura MDX’s 95.
Unlike its rivals, the X5 has a split tailgate/liftgate a la Range Rover that lets you open the top glass piece on it while still using the tailgate section to prevent anything from sliding out and lowering the tailgate while carrying more essential things or using it as a bench is functional.
You have many cupholders, compartments, and a rubberized tray to keep your phone in place for small personal items. The X5’s storage is just about average compared to comparable premium SUVs.
Design: BMW X5
The BMW X5 has a sportier appearance, befitting its more performance-oriented mentality. It has an erect front, vast sheet metal expanses, and is solid and majestic. This X5 doesn’t have the divisive prominent grille of other more recent BMW designs, but it also blends in better with the X1 and X3, which are much less expensive. If this deters you, a style update is planned for the 2024 model year.
The inside has materials that match luxury standards and a reassuringly sturdy build, and it borrows some of the X5’s beveled design treatments. You may also choose a sport steering wheel and front seats with more forceful side bolstering if you choose the high-performance V8 engines. The inside isn’t as slick or contemporary as its main competitors’ interiors, which give off a high-tech vibe with comprehensive digital screen expenses. However, that isn’t a complaint, given that glass cockpits like the one in the Audi Q7 are often more distracting than beneficial.
Is the BMW X5 2023 worth it?
The 2023 BMW X5 is more costly than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80, with a starting price of $62,295 for the X5 sDrive 40i (with a $995 destination charge). This is primarily because each competitor sells four-cylinder primary engines for a few thousand less. Even if you choose the AWD X5 xDrive40i ($64,895), the pricing is reasonable when compared directly to their six-cylinder variants.
Comparatively, the GV80 3.5T costs $63,975, and the GLE 450 4Matic costs $67,600. Even while its six-cylinder models aren’t nearly as inexpensive as the four-cylinder 2.5Ts are, the Genesis is still the most significant overall value among the several competitors in its class. It offers a genuinely great interior for less money and has more standard amenities (especially active safety and convenience). But here, the X5 is, without a doubt, the sportiest choice.
The standard BMW X5 sDrive40i is powerful enough to meet the needs of the majority of drivers. If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, we’d suggest upgrading to the all-wheel drive xDrive40i. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e ($66,695) might be a better option if you have a short commute and access to EV charges since it isn’t considerably more costly. It also costs roughly $5,000 less to start than the Volvo XC90 Recharge, the only comparable PHEV.
The M50i ($86,395) is the best option for hardcore performance enthusiasts. No, it isn’t as fast as the X5 M, but it’s still quite speedy and a lot of fun with no discernible loss in ride quality or family-friendliness. If you choose the X5 M ($109,895), you’ll receive somewhat greater speed but a much larger price tag. You can have the even speedier iX M60 for the same price, boasting all of BMW’s most recent technology.
How Much Does the BMW X5 Cost to Insure?
The X5 has a slightly higher insurance premium than most of its rivals. The average yearly premium for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $2,892 for the X5 xDrive40i, $3,168 for the xDrive 45e, and $3,968 for the X5 M. Comparatively, the V8 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 costs $3,521, the Genesis GV80 3.5T costs $2,744, the Volvo XC90 Recharge costs $2,578, and the Lincoln Aviator Black Label costs $3,102.
Verdict
The BMW X5 has long been a favorite among purchasers of luxury SUVs because it provides the type of comfort, technology, and functionality that this discriminating group seeks. The 2023 models continue substantially unaltered and provide the same core proposition that has drawn consumers since the initial X5 (BMW’s first SUV) in 1999. A significant upgrade is scheduled for 2024. Although the X5 doesn’t pretend to be an off-road vehicle and has somewhat limited rear legroom for its class, it is a competent all-arounder who excels in many categories. There are also variations for various preferences, ranging from the very efficient plug-in hybrid to the high-performance X5 M.
