2025 BMW X5

Overview

In recent years, BMW's standard models have given up some of the brand's driving verve in favor of a more luxurious and tech-forward experience. That includes the mid-size X5 SUV. The X5 is offered with either a turbo inline-six, a twin-turbo V-8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, all of which provide plentiful power and impressive straight-line performance. The X5's handling is playful although not as sporty as rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne, and its ride is pleasant but not as plush as the Genesis GV80's. Where the BMW impresses most is in its technology offerings, which include a cutting-edge infotainment system with a cool-looking curved dashboard display. Driver-assistance features are also offered, and the optional Highway Assist feature allows for hands-free driving on long highway slogs. Overall, the X5 is a satisfying luxury SUV that's handsomely appointed and pleasant to drive. For something with a more style, consider the fastback X6 or, for serious power and performance, there's the X5 M—both reviewed separately.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#3 in Best Mid-Size Luxury SUVs

1

Genesis GV80

STARTING AT: $59,000

2

Porsche Cayenne

STARTING AT: $81,000

3

BMW X5

STARTING AT: $66,875

4

Volvo XC90

STARTING AT: $57,895

5

Lexus GX

STARTING AT: $64,250

6

BMW X6

STARTING AT: $75,675

What's New for 2025?

A lane-change assist feature is new to the X5 for 2025. Coupled with the optional Highway Assist hands-free driving feature, the lane-change assist system allows the driver to confirm a lane-change suggested by the X5 by simply turning their eyes toward the corresponding rear-view mirror. Once the system detects the driver's confirmation, it performs the maneuver. Pretty cool on paper. When we get to drive an X5 with this setup, we'll let you know how it works in the real world. Otherwise, the X5 carries over from 2024 without any other changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The base trim sDrive40i level is rear-wheel drive, but the xDrive40i, xDrive50e, and xDrive M60i models all have all-wheel drive as standard. We love saving money almost as much as we love great performance, and that's why we think the xDrive40i is the X5 to buy. It's got sports-sedan acceleration, comes with all-wheel drive, and is a relative bargain in this pricey class. We'd recommend adding the Premium package for its head-up display, LED exterior lighting, remote engine-start capability, and Harman/Kardon stereo system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 X5 is offered with one of three distinct powertrains, each associated with a different model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badges are powered by a sweetly sonorous 375-hp turbocharged inline-six that overachieves in any model BMW drops it into. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combines for 483 horsepower. Last but not least, the M60i's got a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8. All three powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and none of them will leave drivers wanting for power in virtually any driving situation. The X5's refined ride and stable handling are hallmarks of this generation of BMW SUVs, as is its steering, which feels connected and direct. The Audi Q7 still has the X5 beat in this area, but it's a close match now. Pitch the X5 into a fast corner, and it holds on reliably and rewards the driver with a predictability that's missing from the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class.

0–60-MPH Times

The last time we tested an xDrive40i it made just 335 horsepower but still managed a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph, so we expect a little extra hustle from the more powerful, 375-hp version. The 523-hp M50i rushed to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds in the same test; we haven't tested the new M60i, but it makes the same horsepower and torque. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid is just as quick, getting to 60 mph in the same 3.9 seconds—plus it offers the option of driving on electricity.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The xDrive50e model comes standard with a 25.7-kWh battery pack that the EPA says 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. The battery pack can be charged at home on 110-volt or 220-volt outlets or at public charging stations.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e should deliver 22 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, or 58 MPGe combined when using both gas and electricity from the battery. The rear-wheel drive sDrive40i and the all-wheel drive xDrive40i are both rated for 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The V-8–powered M60i model should be good for 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the xDrive50e model delivered 26 MPGe and managed 33 miles of electric-only driving before depleting its battery. For more information about the X5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Interior space is generous for adults in both the first and second rows, but the X5's optional third row is for kids only. Once settled inside, occupants are treated to a cabin lined with high-quality materials, plenty of charging points for devices, and—depending on the options chosen—myriad luxury features. Power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver are standard. All models come 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. Massaging seats, remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, a leather dashboard, and heated front armrests and steering wheel can make the X5 feel like a high-end luxury SUV but add a lot of dough to the bottom line. Speaking of expensive options, buyers can add a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system that features diamond-domed tweeters. The X5 cabin offers plentiful cargo space. With the rear seats in use, we managed to fit 11 of our carry-on suitcases behind the second row of seats. With the rear seats folded—an operation that can be done from either the side or the rear of the SUV—we found room for 26 cases. The GLE-class matched the X5's result in this test, case for case, but its rear seats aren't as easy to stow.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Upon entering the X5's cabin, you're met with a curved display screen that span two-thirds of the dashboard. 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. Users can also control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a hands-free driving mode are optional. For more information about the X5's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW matches its main rivals, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, with similar warranty coverage but offers three years or 36,000 miles worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance to sweeten the deal. Volvo buyers also get such a benefit, while the Buick Enclave offers longer powertrain coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $73,495/$87,745
Options: Executive Package (LED lights, Harman Kardon audio, head-up display, gesture controls), $3950; M Sport Package (M steering wheel, dark exterior trim), $2750; Driving Assistance Pro Package, $2100; Climate Comfort Package (front and rear heated seats, heated steering wheel and front armrests, four-zone climate control), $1350; 21-inch wheels and tires, $950; Parking Assistance Package, $900; M Sport Professional Package (M Sport brakes with red calipers, illuminated kidney grille), $850; Multi-contour seats, $750; Brooklyn Grey metallic paint, $650

POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 308 hp, 331 lb-ft + AC motor, 194 hp, 280 lb-ft (combined output: 483 hp, 516 lb-ft; 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.7-in vented disc/14.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 275/40R-21 107Y ★
R: 315/35R-21 111Y ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.2 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/50 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 71/31 ft³
Curb Weight: 5473 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 10.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 110 mph
130 mph: 19.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 326 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 54 MPGe/26 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 33/470 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/22/23 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 58 MPGe
EV Range: 38 mi

2024 BMW X5 M60i xDrive
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $90,295/$105,745
Options: British Racing Green paint, $5000; Driving Assistance Pro package, $2100; Coffee Extended Merino Leather interior, $1950; 22-inch M Wheels with summer tires, $1900; Executive package (panoramic sky lounge LED roof, soft-close automatic doors, glass and gesture controls), $1650; Climate Comfort package (front and rear heated seats, heated armrests and steering wheel, 4-zone climate control), $1000; Parking Assistance package, $900; M Sport Professional package (M Sport brakes with red calipers, extended Shadowline trim, M Shadowline lights), $650; carbon-fiber trim, $300

ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 in³, 4395 cm³
Power: 523 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.6-in vented disc/14.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 275/35R-22 104Y Extra Load ★
R: 315/30R-22 107Y Extra Load ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.2 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.5 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/50 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 72/34 ft³
Curb Weight: 5360 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.6 sec
100 mph: 9.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.1 sec @ 113 mph
130 mph: 16.6 sec
150 mph: 25.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 325 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
75-mphHighway Driving: 24 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 520 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/22 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs