The X5 comes in one of four different configurations, each with their own drivetrain. Powering base models is a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine making 335 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic. The next trim level up uses the same engine, but instead sends power to all-four wheels. For those wanting a little more power, two V8 models are also available, each with a twin-turbocharged 4.4L engine. The xDrive50i makes 456 hp, while a more powerful version of this engine, making 523 hp powers the top-of-the-line M50i. Both V8 powered X5's send power to all-four wheels via an 8-speed auto.
The base X5 sDrive40i may be at the bottom of the lineup, but it's far from sparsely equipped. It comes standard with 19-inch wheels, power folding and heated mirrors, a wood trimmed interior, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, two 12.3-inch displays, multiple USB ports, dynamic cruise control, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof with a 2-piece glass panel, rain sensing wipers, a power liftgate, heated front seats and ambient lighting. The xDrive40i adds all-wheel drive for around $2,300.
The V8 powered X5 xDrive50i also comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also gets nicer Vernasca leather upholstery, high-gloss wood trim, velour carpeting in the cargo area, a 16-speaker 464-watt harman/kardon sound system, 20-way power adjustable front seats and 4-zone climate control.
The X5 M50i has a more aggressive exterior, with body colored side skirts and wheel arches along with a more aggressive front fascia. It looks far more aggressive and sportier on the outside to go along with its more serious performance goods. In addition to the bigger engine, it also gets sportier suspension, 20-inch wheels and a rear limited slip differential tuned by BMW's M division. Handling is improved over other versions of the X5, and the M50i should be able to hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Options on the X5 are plentiful including both 20 and 21-inch wheels, a Merino leather-lined interior and fine wood ash paneling on the dashboard. A Premium package adds a heads-up display, gesture control for the infotainment system and a remote engine starter that can be activated via a phone app. The Executive package includes everything in the Premium package but also adds laser-light headlights, soft-close automatic doors, heated and cooled cup holders, rear window shades, a 3D parking view, parking assist and an upgraded Panoramic Sky Lounge sunroof.
The M is the ultimate X5 trim and it delivers performance in a way unexpected in an SUV this size. The X5 M comes with the same twin-turbo 4.4L V8 as the M50i but tuned to make a blistering 567 horsepower and 553 lb-feet of torque. Massive 21-inch wheels are wrapped around big 15-inch brake rotors with driver-selectable brake-pedal settings. On the outside, the M stands apart from other X5 models with quad tailpipes with driver-selectable exhaust note, larger air intakes and M badges galore. Options are few but show off the latest BMW tech, including a Bowers & Wilkins surround audio system, a night vision system and an Executive package that adds ventilated massage seats, heated and cooled cupholders, rear heated seats and adaptive LED headlights. Prices for the X5 M start at around $105,000 and go up from there.
Roomy And Practical
Powerful Engine Options
Great Handling For An SUV
Smart Styling
Luxurious Features And Technology
Available All-wheel Drive
The BMW X5 is now in its fourth generation after being introduced to the American market in 1999. The 2020 X5 comes with a choice of powerful turbocharged engines, while still providing the kind of luxury that buyers would expect at this price point. The X5 has always been about versatility and having a balanced vehicle that can do it all, from going off-road, to transporting people in supreme luxury, to hunkering down and tackling a twisty road. This latest generation accomplishes all that in a smoother, more comfortable and more capable manner than ever before.
With a starting price of just below $59,000, the X5 is in direct competition with the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes GLE. The Audi, while providing lots of space, hasn't been redesigned since 2015 and is starting to show its age. Meanwhile the Mercedes GLE is, like the X5 a relatively new vehicle. However, the GLE is a far less sporty driving experience than the X5 and doesn't entertain the driver in the same way. The BMW X5 can provide true driving enjoyment in a class that usually doesn't facilitate fun driving, placing it pretty close company at this price point.
