History/Overview
The X5 is BMW’s entry in the mid-size luxury SUV category, a vehicle class the brand helped create more than two decades ago. BMW last redesigned the X5 for the 2019 model year, when it entered its fourth generation.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the X5 line gains a third member in the xDrive45e PHEV. The entry-level xDrive40i adds some electric tech, too, with a new 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain.
Available Trims
BMW offers the X5 in xDrive40i, xDrive45e and M50i trim levels. The first two use a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine with different levels of electric assist, and the M50i switches to a 4.0L turbo V8 that works solo.
All X5 models come with an eight-speed transmission and AWD.
Standard Features
The BMW X5 xDrive40i wears 20-inch alloy wheels, and boasts leather upholstery and steering wheel, tire pressure monitoring, satin aluminum roof rails and window trim, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable heated sport seats, leatherette dash trim, auto-dimming side mirrors, ambient lighting, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, LED fog lights, forward collision detection/alert with automatic braking, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and speed limit info.
XDrive45e models add air suspension, while xDrive50i gets 22-inch wheels; sport exhaust, brakes suspension, steering wheel and differential; black roof rails, and walknappa leather dash trim.
Key Options
An advanced driving assist package adds steering/lane control, driving assistant professional, front cross traffic alert, lane keep and traffic jam assists, and active cruise control.
A premium essential package brings heated/cooled cupholders, heated rear seats, head-up display, passive keyless entry, soft-close doors, side sun shades, and four-zone climate control.
A premium enhanced package further adds surround-view cameras, a drive recorder, an upgraded stereo, laserlight headlights, wireless smartphone charging, and front comfort seats.
Finally, a premium excellence group gets extended Merino leather, an Alcantara headliner, ambient air, and front ventilated seats with massage.
Fuel Economy
BMW’s fuel consumption estimates for gasoline X5 models are 11.4/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for the xDrive40i, and 14.4/10.6 L/100 km for the M50i. The PHEV xDrive45e’s ratings are 12.2/10.6 L/100 km when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 4.7 Le/100 km in EV mode with a full charge of its battery.
Competition
The BMW X5’s key competition comes from its German counterparts, the Audi Q7/Q8, Porsche Cayenne, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Other comers include the Volvo XC90, the Lincoln Nautilus, the Jaguar F-Pace, the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and the Infiniti QX60.
