2023 BMW X5

Overview

The mid-size luxury SUV class is rich with choices, most of them good ones, but the 2023 BMW X5 stands out for a blend of performance and refinement that’s missing from many crossovers. Part of the X5’s broad appeal is due to its trio of powertrains, which starts with a smooth-running turbocharged inline-six that makes 335 horsepower. A twin-turbo V-8 brings the heat with 523 ponies and an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid setup offers up to 30 miles of driving on electric power. Rivals such as the Genesis GV80 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class might have the X5 beat for poshness but the BMW’s handsome, well-tailored cabin still sends strong premium vibes. Plus, the X5’s handling is more charming than those alternatives, although it’s not quite as sporting as BMWs of the recent past that we’re nostalgic for. Driving enthusiasts may want to pursue a true performance player such as the Porsche Cayenne, but the quick, well-rounded X5 ranks near the top of the class thanks to its overall goodness.

What’s New for 2023?

A series of packaging changes are the only updates for 2023. The X5’s optional Premium package now includes a wireless smartphone charging pad but it excludes gesture controls for the iDrive infotainment system. Ditto the Executive package, which also loses gesture controls. The fancy optional Vernasca leather upholstery has been discontinued as has BMW’s SensaTec animal-free faux-leather, which is replaced with a new vegan faux-leather option called Sensafin.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

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. With a zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.8 seconds, 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, four-zone automatic climate control, remote engine-start capability, and Harman/Kardon stereo system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 X5 is offered with one of three distinct powertrains, each associated with a different model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badge are powered by a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 389 horsepower. At our test track, that powertrain motivated an X5 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. (We’ve also tested the 40i—it managed a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph.) Last but not least, the M50i’s 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 enables it to rush to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. 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 a big improvement compared with the previous-generation model, as is its steering, which feels more connected and direct but still not exactly what we’d consider sporting. The Audi Q7 still has the X5 beat in this area, but it’s a close match. Pitch the X5 into a fast corner, and it holds on reliably and rewards the driver with a predictability that’s missing from the GLE-class. And if you need to tow, know that the X5’s maximum towing capacity is a stout 7200 pounds no matter which engine it has.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The xDrive45e model comes standard with a 24.0-kWh battery pack that BMW claims is good enough for up to 30 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

With the inline-six, the X5 is as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder-powered version of the GLE-class and a tad more fuel-stingy than the four-cylinder Q7, according to the EPA. With the V-8, its EPA ratings drop dramatically. However, during our real-world highway fuel-economy testing, only the 40i model outperformed its highway rating with a 28 mpg result; the M50i recorded 20 mpg, 2 fewer mpg than expected. The plug-in hybrid 45e delivered 46 MPGe when running only on battery power and 26 mpg overall. 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 row, 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 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.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Twin 12.3-inch displays add a contemporary look to the otherwise restrained cockpit. One serves as a digital gauge display—a feature that’s becoming increasingly common among luxury automakers—and the other provides access to the infotainment system, which runs the latest version of BMW’s iDrive software. Users control the system via touchscreen or by using the center-console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a semi-autonomous 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 Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

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

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$81,695 

(base price: $66,395)

POWERTRAIN

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 282 hp, 331 lb-ft; permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, 111 hp, 77 lb-ft; combined output, 389 hp, 443 lb-ft; 17.1-kWh lithium-ion pack

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink

Brakes (F/R): .8-in vented disc/14.7-in vented disc

Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 275/40R-21 107Y ★ R: 315/35R-21 111Y ★

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 117.1 in

Length: 194.3 in

Width: 78.9 in

Height: 68.7 in

Passenger volume: 103 ft3

Cargo volume: 33 ft3

Curb weight: 5627 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 4.7 sec

100 mph: 12.8 sec

1/4 mile: 13.4 sec @ 102 mph

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec

Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 156 ft

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

75-mph highway driving, EV/hybrid mode: 46 MPGe/26 mpg

Highway range, EV/hybrid mode: 25/470 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 19/22/20 mpg

Combined gasoline+electricity: 50 MPGe

EV range: 31 miles

 2019 BMW X5

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5- or 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICES
xDrive40i, $61,695;
xDrive50i, $76,745

ENGINE TYPES
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 335 hp, 330 lb-ft; twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 4.4-liter V-8, 456 hp, 479 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.3 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.0 in
Passenger volume: 105–133 cu ft

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19–22/17–20/22–26 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS
2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i
• 456-hp twin-turbo V-8, 8-sp auto, 5253 lb, base/as-tested price: $61,695/$92,405

Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec @ 109 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D observed fuel economy: 14 mpg

2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i
• 335-hp turbo inline-6, 8-sp auto, 4872 lb, base/as-tested price: $61,695/$72,530

Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D observed fuel economy: 19 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs