The BMW X5 defines the luxurious SUV genre.
Sure, you could possibly argue it was the Range Rover, and Mercedes-Benz beat it to the punch with the unique ML in 1997. But since 1999, the X5 has set the usual for the kind of road-oriented SUVs that dominate private school carparks around the globe.
The badge has come a good distance. The primary-generation model that debuted in 1999 borrowed heavily from the 5 Series and was topped with a sprinkling of Land Rover DNA; the fourth-generation automotive here’s a road-biased luxury family staple sitting as a part of a seven-strong BMW SUV range.
In comparison with the last X5 we drove, the 2025 model you see here has been treated to a big update.
Outside, it has a massaged look that brings it into line with newer models just like the X3, while the cabin encompasses a recent dual-screen infotainment setup. The range of engines pack more power and use less fuel than before, too.
Locally, the brand new X5 goes head-to-head with an overhauled Audi Q7 and updated Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Is it still the daddy?
How does the BMW X5 compare?
View an in depth breakdown of the BMW X5 against similarly sized vehicles.
BMW
X5
How much does the BMW X5 cost?
Prices were hiked for the 2025 model 12 months, consistent with an update to the broader X5 range.
| Model | Pricing before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| BMW X5 xDrive30d | $134,900 |
| BMW X5 xDrive40i | $138,900 |
| BMW X5 xDrive50e | $149,900 |
| BMW X5 M60i | $172,900 |
To see how the BMW X5 stacks up against it rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s the BMW X5 like on the within?
Every recent BMW is a technology showcase, and the brand new X5 isn’t any different. The curved, dual-screen setup dominating the dashboard looks box office, backed by some recent dashboard finishes and ambient lighting.
Front passengers sit in well-stuffed, supportive seats with electric adjustment, and every little thing you touch feels top quality.
Our tester was fitted with beautiful BMW Individual Merino leather seat trim and Luxury front seats ($4000), but even the usual finish feels suitably expensive.
The view over the bonnet is suitably commanding, and tall or short drivers won’t struggle to get comfortable.
It’s brilliantly functional. There’s heaps of storage up front for bottles, together with a wireless charger, a wallet-sized slot beneath the dashboard, and a useful space beneath the split-opening central armrest.
Gone are the physical climate controls though. They’ve been absorbed into the dual-screen infotainment setup, consistent with the remaining of the BMW range.
Once we first used it, the brand new touchscreen tech in BMWs had too many layers. Turning on the heated seats took three button presses – now it takes two. It’s a step in the fitting direction; although using buttons within the last 4er was easier again.
When you’re dialled into how the touchscreen is ready up, the tech on this BMW is superb. All of the animations look lifted from the silver screen, and the basics just like the wireless Apple CarPlay connection work as they need to.
Hey BMW voice prompts work well, allowing you to fiddle with every little thing from the sunroof to the air con, but there’s still something odd about talking to your automotive with others on board as passengers.
BMW has improved on its digital instruments, ditching the busy look of the old X5 in favour of a cleaner and more modern layout.
There are many customisation options, from mapping to your media details, but there’s no clean analogue-look option that harks back to the brand’s sensible orange-lit dials of old.
Rear seat space is solid, although the X5 is shaded by the marginally larger (similarly priced) Audi Q7 within the second row. Headroom is superb back there, even with the panoramic sunroof fitted, and there’s loads of legroom for tall teenagers.
The tall windows mean it feels vibrant within the second row, and all of the amenities you’d expect feature. There’s a fold-down central armrest, air vents with their very own temperature controls, and decent door bins for road trip snacks.
There’s also 4 USB ports back there. Together with the 2 USB-C ports at the bottom of the transmission tunnel, there are two on the front seat back alongside a tablet mount for the youngsters on long road trips.
ISOFIX points feature on the outboard rear seats, and there’s a trio of top tethers back there for child seats. It’s a shame integrated window shades are hidden in an options package.
BMW deserves points for sticking with its split tailgate, which makes it easier to slip heavy things into the boot – or works as a seat whenever you’re watching your kids play sport.
| Dimensions | BMW X5 xDrive40i |
|---|---|
| Length | 4935mm |
| Width | 2004mm |
| Height | 1765mm |
| Wheelbase | 2975mm |
| Cargo capability | 650L (rear seats up) 1870L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the BMW X5 stacks up against it rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
BMW offers a alternative of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid power within the X5. Our tester had a classic BMW engine, in the shape of a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol.
| Specifications | BMW X5 xDrive40i |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L i6 turbo MHEV |
| Power | 280kW |
| Torque | 520Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Driven wheels | AWD |
| Weight | 2165kg (kerb) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 11.1L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 83 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 95 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 211g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2700kg |
To see how the BMW X5 stacks up against it rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the BMW X5 drive?
BMW is thought for its silky smooth inline-six engines, and the three.0-litre engine within the X5 40i carries on that tradition in style.
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Overseas model shown
It was already an easy engine, with a great deal of performance low within the rev range and an aesthetic growl at the highest end, however the 48V system has made it much more impressive.
The automated start/stop kicks in imperceptibly as you coast as much as a set of traffic lights, shutting down the engine without a lot as a cough, and there’s no awkward jerk when you ought to speed up away in a rush.
Although the lazier power delivery of a diesel suits a family bus just like the X5 nicely, this inline-six petrol is an exquisite engine for anyone who’s giving up their sports automotive dreams to hold a family around.
BMW hasn’t made much noise about its hybrid technology nevertheless it’s exceptional, and comes without the awkwardness you get from the brakes in some rival mild-hybrid systems as they harvest energy to feed the battery pack.
Combined with light steering, a snug ride, and decent vision out the front, the buttery smooth petrol engine makes the X5 easy to drive in town. BMW does the perfect surround-view camera within the business, so there’s no excuse for scraped wheels or bumpers whenever you’re parking in tight spaces.
You’d need to watch out, since the 22-inch wheels fitted to our tester look very easy to scrape. In addition they undermine comfort relative to smaller options, because they’re wrapped in liquorice-thin tyres that just can’t take in pimply city streets like alternatives with taller sidewalls.
The X5 is fundamentally pretty comfortable, with a relaxed ride that feels more luxurious than sporty. You possibly can flick the adaptive dampers into Sport for a firmer ride, but unless you’re attempting to make the youngsters sick on the varsity run it’s best to depart things in Comfort.
That is an easy cruiser when the road opens up. It’s near silent on the highway, and the ride stays excellent at 100km/h. Put your foot right down to overtake and the three.0-litre engine has power in reserve, making open road overtakes effortless.
Noise suppression is superb – as you’d expect of a $140k luxury SUV – at 100km/h on coarse country highways, and the engine is silent unless you’re pushing on.
The adaptive cruise control easily maintains a spot to the automotive in front, the lane-keep only intervenes when it really must, and the blind-spot monitor doesn’t jump at shadows.
It’s a shame BMW has made it harder to fiddle with those driver assists, though. Want to vary the next distance in your adaptive cruise control?
It’s worthwhile to dive into the touchscreen for that, somewhat than simply using the buttons on the steering wheel which have been blanked out as a part of the update. We’ve said it before, but why not say it again… The move away from buttons makes every little thing harder.
What do you get?
On test here is the X5 xDrive40i which is essentially the most reasonably priced petrol variant within the range.
BMW X5 xDrive30d and xDrive40i highlights:
- Interior
- Tri-zone climate control
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Connected Drive package
- DAB digital radio
- Electric seat adjustment
- Heated front seats
- Head-up display
- Panoramic sunroof
- Verino leather seat, dashboard trim
- Anthracite headliner
- Wireless phone charging
- M Leather steering wheel
- Exterior
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry and begin
- LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist
- BMW glowing kidney grille
- Gloss black roof rails
- Other
- Adaptive M suspension
- M Sport brakes
- Parking Assistant Skilled with Reversing Assist
- Drive recorder
- Alarm
- Automatic tailgate
Is the BMW X5 protected?
The X5 wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating with 2018 date stamp, based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP. This rating only covers 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models, with plug-in hybrid and V8 variants remaining unrated.
| Category | BMW X5 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 75 per cent |
| Safety assist | 71 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Driving Assistant Skilled
- Adaptive cruise with stop/go
- Front, rear cross-traffic alert
- Steering & Lane Control Assistant
- Lane keep assist
- Side Collision Warning
- Lane Change Assistant
- Crossroads warning
- Evasion Aid
- High beam assist
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Energetic Park Distance Control rear (sensors)
- Reversing Assistant
- Surround View (360 cameras)
- Panorama View
- 3D View
- Speed Limiter
- Speed Limit Info
How much does the BMW X5 cost to run?
Just like the broader BMW range, the X5 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Running costs | BMW X5 xDrive40i |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3450 (service package) |
CarExpert’s Tackle BMW X5
The BMW X5 continues to be inconceivable to disregard when you’re trying to find an opulent family hauler.
Its mix of luxury and practicality stays excellent, and BMW has dragged it into 2024 with its cutting-edge recent dual-screen setup.
There are still few things nicer within the motoring world than a smooth inline-six engine, although anyone spending long stints on the highway can be well served taking a look at the cheaper turbo-diesel alternative.
The one real knock on the X5 stays its rear seat space, which is appropriate… but not standout alongside similarly priced rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Provided you’re not planning on having a family of basketball players it’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
Fascinated about buying a BMW X5? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
