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- Highs Three good powertrain options, high-end cabin materials, cutting-edge infotainment tech.
- Lows Not as athletic as expected from a BMW, twin-turbo V-8 is desirable but expensive, available third-row seats aren't suitable for adults.
- Verdict The X5 is swift and swanky, with enough driving enjoyment to entertain on an occasional mountain pass.
Overview
It may not be as fun to drive as the Porsche Cayenne, nor is it as effortlessly smooth as the Genesis GV80, but the 2024 BMW X5 blends traits from both of those to create an agreeable—and agreeably luxurious—middle ground. From the outset, it's clear the X5 is going for broad appeal. Why else would BMW offer it with a trio of different powertrains, including a silky-smooth inline-six, an authoritative twin-turbo V-8, and an environmentally friendly plug-in hybrid? The SUV's cabin is lined with premium materials and, like other BMWs, includes cleverly integrated technology features like a slick-looking curved digital display that stretches nearly the length of the dashboard. This approach results in a luxury SUV so well-rounded that its few shortcomings are easily overlooked, and the X5 remains one of our favorite mid-size crossovers.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2024?
BMW has sharpened the X5's exterior for 2024, including a revised front grille and bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and updated wheel designs. The top-spec M60i model wears gloss-black exterior accents, quad tailpipes, and an M logo in the grille. Both the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engines benefit from a new 48-volt hybrid system, and the six-cylinder has been massaged further to boost output to 375 horsepower. Despite changing its name from M50i to M60i, the performance-oriented model's horsepower stays the same at 523 ponies. Last year's xDrive45e plug-in hybrid variant has been replaced with a more powerful xDrive50e, which offers 94 more horsepower and 10 more miles of electric-only driving range, for 483 horsepower and 40 miles of EV driving. All X5s also receive a new curved infotainment display and BMW's latest iDrive 8 software interface, which is already scheduled for an update to iDrive 8.5 sometime in the summer of 2023. The X5 is also now available with the Highway Assistant hands-free driving feature that we first experienced in the new 7-series flagship luxury sedan.
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. 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, LED exterior lighting, remote engine-start capability, and Harman/Kardon stereo system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 X5 is offered with one of three distinct powertrains, each associated with a different model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badges are powered by a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six. The last time we tested an xDrive40i it made just 335 horsepower but still managed a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph, so we expect a little extra hustle from the more powerful version. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 483 horsepower. Last but not least, the M60i'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 hallmarks of this generation of BMW SUVs, as is its steering, which feels connected and direct. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The xDrive50e model comes standard with a 25.7-kWh battery pack that BMW says is good for up to 40 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
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 X5 yet, but last year's inline-six variant was as efficient as a four-cylinder Mercedes GLE-class and a tad stingier than a four-cylinder Q7. When we get a chance, we'll take the 2024 X5 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with its results. 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 rows, 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.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Upon entering the X5's cabin, you're met with a curved wall of display screens that span two-thirds of the dashboard. A 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel serves as a gauge display while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW's iDrive infotainment interface. The X5 originally launched with iDrive 8, but has since been offered a free over-the-air update to iDrive 8.5, coming sometime in the summer of 2023. Users can also control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a hands-free 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
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
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
