The 2023 BMW X5 is a luxury SUV with some great looks and driver assistance features. We look at powertrain, trim levels, and more. Read more here.
Part of the fifth generation, not much has changed for the BMW X5 in 2023. Gesture controls are gone and a wireless device charger is now available. Changes include slight adjustments to package groups.
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Top-notch interior
Fast M50i model
Efficient PHEV trim
Expensive
Tight 3rd row
Bring back gesture control
M50i is hard to recommend for the price
BMW offers three different engine choices across the X5 lineup. All four benefit from excellent handling, dynamic steering feedback, and great pedal engagement. They also all use the same eight-speed automatic transmission. We like it too thanks to the fast and smooth gear changes and real engagement when used in manual mode.
The base inline-six with its 335 hp feels good. We imagine that it’ll be more than potent enough for the majority of drivers. The sDrive30i is the only X5 that comes with rear-wheel drive. Every other trim level is equipped with AWD.
Above that, the plug-in hybrid inline-six develops 389 hp and it’s by far the best-balanced of the trio as it obviously should be. We didn’t notice any weird feedback from the regenerative braking or the hybrid motor either.
Finally, the 4.4-liter V8 under the hood of the M50i is basically a monster. It develops 523 hp and can rip from 0-60 in under 4 seconds and it reminds us of the best BMWs ever made. That’s the kind of performance that is usually reserved for supercars, not three-row capable SUVs. For more on how it stacks up against the Audi Q8 see this review.
At its maximum capacity, the X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds. That’s about the average in this segment and makes pulling a small boat or trailer quite easy.
The base X5 with its 3.0-liter inline six gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. That highway number drops to 25 when the X5 is equipped with AWD.
The xDrive45e gets 50 MPGe but once the battery is flat it’ll only achieve 19 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. To combat that, it’ll go up to 31 miles on battery power alone. Finally, the M50i is somewhat thirsty with scores of 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
The entire cabin in the X5 is impressive. The seating is supportive and comfortable and the cushioning damps out any pavement that the suspension doesn’t completely quiet. Power-adjustable heated front seats are standard and buyers can add a massaging function on top of that.
It’s spacious too and occupants are exposed to high-quality materials throughout. We like the use of real metal paired with tight panel gaps and clean design features. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s a slight lack of visibility from the driver’s seat.
The second row features a bench seat setup with a stowable central storage area. Inside of it, you’ll also find cupholders. Those who opt for the third row need to understand that it’s only appropriate for small children. Five-passenger X5s enjoy a spacious rear cargo area with some 33.9 cubic feet of space for gear, groceries, or whatever.
To put it simply, the infotainment and technology suite in the BMW X5 is very deep. To that end, it can take a little bit of practice before one becomes totally comfortable navigating the system. Nevertheless, we really appreciate the depth because it provides a slew of useful features and options that we’d rather have than not.
In addition, the screen itself looks great and reacts very quickly to touches. Physical controls are also available for those that prefer them. In fact, those who want to try them can utilize voice commands too. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard across the lineup.
While some features like semi-autonomous driving tech and adaptive cruise control are optional extras, we applaud BMW’s inclusion of other driver aids on the X5. Standard features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, it’s been rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it four stars in crash testing.
The base X5 comes with 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, faux leather upholstery, power-folding side mirrors, LED headlights, automatic high beams, power-adjustable heated front seats, keyless entry, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, integrated navigation, and 10 speakers. Safety aids include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward collision mitigation.
The xDrive40i gets all of the same features as the sDrive40i but includes AWD. Both the sDrive40i and the xDrive40i can add additional equipment through packages or in rare cases, stand-alone options.
Stepping up to the xDrive45e adds the hybrid inline-six engine with its 31 miles of all-electric range. Features inside of the X5 are identical to those found in the sDrive40i and the xDrive40i except that a third row is no longer available.
The M50i includes the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 along with a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with a massaging feature, 20-inch wheels, an M Sport steering wheel, a sports exhaust, and 16 speakers.
Every X5 comes with four years or 50,000 miles of limited and powertrain warranty coverage. On top of that, BMW provides three years or 36,000 miles worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2023 BMW X5 – bmwusa.com | Shop 2023 BMW X5 on Carsforsale.com
The M50i is the only X5 that’s hard to recommend but that’s only due to its very high price. Beyond that one caveat, the X5 is one of our very favorite SUVs. It’s one of the best-driving SUVs and at the same time packs tons of technology and safety equipment as well. We’d suggest looking at new car incentives if you’re in the market though as you’ll get a better deal than if you just kick up at your local dealer.