2022 BMW X5

If the X5 were a body type at the gym, it would be the bod that always looks fit without trying too hard. Gentle black cladding rounds over 19-inch wheels and the rear quarter window blends in so artfully it’s almost unnoticeable until compared to the misalignments of other automakers. An integrated rear roof spoiler intimates the sportiness suggested down low by dual rectangular exhaust finishers. The front fascia could be an exercise in restraint and proportion compared to the newest BMW designs. The classic twin kidney grille fits into the broader SUV real estate, and the sport factor appears down low as it does in back, with air intakes and side gills.

Inside, BMW flexes its luxury pedigree. Real wood trim and aluminum finishes on the dash lend some coolness to the twin 12.3-inch display screens. Synthetic leather comes standard, but the real deal is never far away and can be had in many creamy, buttery, or velvety leather finishes, such as in the black Merino leather with red piping on the limited Black Vermillion edition, which sounds like the latest Marvel villain.

The base sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive. The five other X5 options have all-wheel drive standard.

With standard issue 19-inch shoes with all-season run-flat tires, the X5 grips the road well. An independent suspension with adaptive dampers adjusts well to road conditions without upsetting the cabin, though it leans to the firm side in keeping with the X5’s sporting nature. It floats more weightlessly with the available air suspension, and it can lower the ride for better aero when cruising or lift the ground clearance to 8.7 inches for a delicate off-road detour.

If sport is the most desired trait, then the X5 M’s suspension upgrades might appeal to you, but it’s a bit too stiff for our tastes. The adjustable dampers and 21-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires would rather skip than soak pavement seams, but the active roll bars button down the corners to limit body roll and the sport differential sends torque to the rear wheels for the most grip. 

How fast is the X5?

In any form, it’s quick, but the M variants hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds on account of a breathtaking 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. It makes 600 hp or 617 hp in Competition models. The most accessible version of the V-8 comes in the M50i, where it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That gets it to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. 

The entry point to the X5 is the sDrive40i with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive distinguishes the xDrive40i for $2,300. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 makes 335 hp and 331 lb-ft, and goes from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. 

The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid gets there as quick, even though a 3.0-liter inline-6 is supplemented by an electric motor that makes 389 hp total and 443 lb-ft. Output is much improved over the 2020 xDrive45e thanks to a larger lithium-ion battery pack that nearly triples in size, from 6.8 kwh to 17.1 kwh. The bigger battery pack and extra weight of the hybrid system (the xDrive45e weighs 5,646 lb, compared to 4,863 for the xDrive40i) numbs some of that prodigious power. The engine and transmission sandwich the motor, and power delivery between the two is smooth and unnoticeable, unless you’re looking for it.

That Climate Comfort package also heats the rear seats, and gives rear passengers their own climate panel. Rear leg room stretches out to more than 37 inches, and three teens can fit across but anyone who’s lived longer might value their space more than the middle passenger. 

A third row can be wedged in back of the 40i, but the cargo hold is best for transporting 33.9 cubic feet of stuff. The 40/20/40-split rear folding seats create plenty of versatility for odd-shaped items, or it can be folded down for more than 72 cubic feet of space. The standard power-split liftgate is a small but brilliant luxury touch that keeps items from spilling out back.

The IIHS only found fault with the X5’s standard headlights, not its crash avoidance technology or its structure. The X5 comes with adaptive LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. Don’t be fooled by the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional package; it adds adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and limited hands-free driving at low speeds, but the package requires the $1,250 Premium package and $400 four-zone climate control. 

A surround-view camera system and parking helper can be added for $800.

Which X5 should I buy?

If you’re going to spend up for all-wheel drive from the base sDrive40i, consider the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid. At $64,695, it’s $2,000 more than the similarly equipped xDrive40i. 

How much is a fully loaded X5?

For all the power and hardly any compromise, step into the X5 M for about $107,000. To squeeze out 17 hp more on larger 22-inch bi-color wheels, it’ll cost another $9,300 for the X5 M Competition. The $2,600 Executive Package adds heated and cooled cupholders as well as massaging seats to get the price to $120,000.

The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid can go 31 miles without using any gas at all, which is a win around town. With motor and engine power, it gets the equivalent of 50 mpg. On gas alone, it gets 20 mpg combined.

The M50i begins the tradeoff of thrills for bills; its 4.4-liter V-8 drinks premium fuel at a rate of 16/22/18 mpg. The full M and M Competition get 13/18/15 mpg. If it were a car, it’d be subjected to a gas guzzler tax.