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- Highs Choice of efficient and powerful engines, luxurious cabin, plenty of passenger space in first and second row.
- Lows Steering feels disinterested in having fun, cramped third row, options rapidly push up the price.
- Verdict The BMW X5 offers a spacious and classy cabin, as well as a range of capable powertrains, but lackluster handling and a tiny third row limit its appeal.
Overview
The BMW X5 does many of the things a midsize luxury SUV should. It delivers an attractive cabin with plenty of passenger space in the first or second row. The lineup of available powertrains varies from a frugal plug-in hybrid and torque-rich diesel to a sublime turbo inline-six and outrageous twin-turbo V-8. Even the infotainment system in the X5 ranks as one of the most user-friendly interfaces you’ll find in this segment. The problem is the X5 doesn’t have the agility and deft driving dynamics you expect in a BMW. And while the X5’s available third row of seating seems convenient, it’s tiny and only suitable for small kids.
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 BMW X5 receives only a few minor changes for this model year. BMW has upgraded the infotainment to the latest iDrive 5.0 version, while wireless smartphone charging and an onboard Wi-Fi hot spot are newly available.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $57,595
- iPerformance: $64,195
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The powerplant in the base rear-wheel-drive X5 consists of a wonderfully refined 3.0-liter inline-six that produces an even 300 horsepower and can be fitted with optional all-wheel drive. Next is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six that serves up 255 hp and a whopping 413 pound-feet of torque, all while returning an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. If saving fuel has caught your attention, consider the X5 iPerformance and its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. With its combined output of 308 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, this plug-in hybrid SUV has plenty of pace to go along with its estimated 14 miles of electric-only range. At the top of the X5 range is an impressively quick twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 445 horsepower in the xDrive50i and 567 in the snarling X5 M. What’s lacking is a willingness to provide steering feedback and a degree of agility that matches this potent lineup of powertrains. The X5 also exhibits a fair degree of body roll, yet its suspension simultaneously feel too firm and gets caught off guard by large bumps and imperfect pavement.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
In terms of usability and comfort, the X5 treats anyone in the first or second row to an interior ambiance that lives up to this SUVs hefty price tag. The only spot you’ll want to avoid at all costs is a seat in the optional third row. It’s cramped, even for kids, and when in use it takes a sizable chunk out of the X5’s cargo-carrying abilities. Standard features in the X5 include dual-zone climate control, power-operated and heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and power-adjustable steering column. Everything has a clean and functional look to it, which is a compliment given some of the overwrought cabins you find in many of the X5’s rivals. BMW allows X5 customers to run wild with options. There’s everything from high-end leather trim and M Sport pedals, to heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and much more. Just be warned: Even the base X5 is more expensive than many of its direct competitors. Heaping on extras makes the interior fancier, and the X5 much pricier.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 10.2-inch infotainment screen using the latest iDrive 5.0 interface takes pride of place on top of the X5's dashboard. There is the choice to use either console-mounted buttons, touchpad and dials, or to do your infotainment inputs via the touchscreen itself. This system comes with Bluetooth, HD radio, navigation, one USB port, and access to BMW’s Connected Drive smartphone app. There's optional Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto remains unavailable on any X5. BMW’s decision to charge extra for smartphone connectivity seems, at best, more than a little short-sighted. But music fans take note, the X5 offers an optional thunderous Bang & Olufsen surround-sound stereo.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the BMW X5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
