Used 2022 BMW X5

The 2022 BMW X5 is a principal player in the premium midsize SUV/crossover class and an incredibly capable machine. It could even be described as the godfather of premium crossovers. The original X5 was a real trendsetter, and successive generations have seen it evolve to this lofty point.

Yet the X5 is still evolving and still setting trends. For example, the xDrive45e is a plug-in hybrid version able to achieve the equivalent of 50 miles per gallon. And BMW is sourcing tires using a blend of rubber from sustainable cultivation with rayon. Initially, these will be 22-inch tires for the larger optional wheels, but BMW is taking steps in the right direction.

Which generation is the 2022 X5? This is now the fourth generation, that debuted for the 2019 model year. Where is the X5 built? At BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Does the 2022 X5 have three seating rows? It does indeed offer that option in the sDrive40i and xDrive40i models. The Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX also bring some 3-row action.

There’s a good chance the all-wheel-drive X5 xDrive40i will please most people. Despite having the least amount of power in the X5 lineup, it’s nevertheless perfectly adequate in the real world, driving uphill, with a full complement of passengers and a trunkful of luggage. For those who prefer to lower their emissions, the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid is similarly talented.

Our main point is that a V8 in an X5 is more of an extravagance than a necessity. But what a wonderful extravagance. The M50i always seems to have more muscle just waiting to be called upon by a flex of the right foot. And the X5 M takes its suffix from BMW’s high-performance M division, but it might as well mean “monster.”

How fast is the 2022 X5 M? Standstill to 60 mph happens in a crazy 3.8 seconds. That’s according to BMW, a company known for conservative estimates. The X5 M has the acceleration and absolute composure of a top-bracket sports car, yet it’s an SUV weighing over 5,400 pounds.

Back behind the wheel of the more accessible and affordable xDrive40i, it still has the abilities and responses of a well-tuned sport sedan.

The regular front seats in versions below the M50i trim are fine. Better than fine. But the optional 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour versions (which are standard in the M50i) is $750 well spent. These are some of the best seats anywhere. A massaging function is also available.

It’s a plush and spacious cabin for four adults (but with five seats as standard). The materials are all high-quality. Even the simulated leather feels convincing.

The sDrive40i/xDrive40i models offer a third seating row (for $2,300), making the X5 a 7-seater and bringing an air suspension as well. Unsurprisingly, this third row is a kids-only space.

Behind the second seating row is a luggage area of 33.9 cubic feet, which increases to 72.3 cubic feet when those seats are folded. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid houses most of its lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seats, but does sacrifice a little cargo space — a maximum of 1.1 cubic feet.

We’ve all probably seen the X5 by now and formed an opinion or two. It may not attract any new admirers, but it’s reassuringly imposing for all the current fans.

Buyers can stipulate larger alloy wheels, going up to 22 inches in diameter with the higher trims. If they want blue or red brake calipers, those are available, too. The so-called base model, the sDrive40i, comes with satin aluminum roof rails. Once we get to the M50i, they’re black.

With the big grille, big wheels, and big everything else, it’s easy to overlook a much-appreciated feature at the back — the 2-piece tailgate, which comes with hands-free operation. The smaller lower section stops any cargo from falling out, and acts as a shelf for picnics when lowered.

Two metallic paint finishes are added for 2022 — Sparkling Brown (the X5 M is not eligible for this one) and, just for X5 M50i, Dravit Grey.

DRIVETRAINS
From the turbocharged inline-6 in the least fancy 2022 X5 to the wildly powerful twin-turbocharged V8 in the X5 M, every X5 drivetrain delivers thrilling power — even the plug-in hybrid version in the xDrive45e, which can reach 84 mph in electric-only mode.

LIVE COCKPIT PRO
That’s BMW-speak for the two standard 12.3-inch screens that add to the tech-rich aura of the 2022 X5. One is for driver information, the other for the infotainment system.

The only version of the 2022 X5 to come with rear-wheel drive, standard features in the sDrive40i also include full adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, keyless entry/ignition, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, self-dimming driver’s-side mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable steering column, heated/power-adjustable sport front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and ambient cabin lighting.

Driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, Active Blind Spot Detection, front/rear parking sensors, and lane-departure warning are also included.

The infotainment system has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation.

This inventory of standard equipment is the same in the X5 xDrive40i, except for the addition of all-wheel drive. The X5 xDrive45e swaps in its plug-in hybrid drivetrain and instrumentation, plus an adaptive air suspension.

As well as a turbocharged V8, the X5 M50i has a sport-tuned adaptive M suspension, plus M Sport brakes/differential/exhaust system, 20-inch alloy wheels, remote start, heated/ventilated/20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, Wi-Fi, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

The 2022 X5 M brings more power, an even more extreme M suspension, Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, heated front armrests/steering wheel, self-parking function, 360-degree camera system, head-up display, and gesture control for the infotainment system.

There are many ways to push up the price of a new BMW. All versions of the 2022 X5 are eligible for larger alloy wheels, real leather upholstery, rear side window shades, heated rear seats/steering wheel/front armrests, and the Driving Assistance Professional package (see the Safety Technology section below).

Non-M versions of the 2022 X5 buyers may choose an M Sport package with an adaptive suspension. These and the X5 M50i are also eligible for a Parking Assistance package, along with a head-up display, gesture control, LED roof panel, glass controls, Laserlight headlights, and quad-zone automatic climate control.

The M50i and X5 M qualify for massaging front seats and a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system. The X5 M can be further enhanced by soft-closing doors and the Competition package that boosts horsepower.

A few rivals, like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, put a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine into base models of their premium midsize crossovers. But the 2022 X5 sDrive40i comes straight in with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It helps the engine achieve its maximum output a little sooner, as well as smoothing out the fuel-conserving stop/restart action while idling.

This setup creates 335 horsepower from three liters of displacement. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, as it is across the 2022 X5 range, and the sDrive40i deploys rear-wheel drive (RWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with this engine, changing the vehicle’s name to the xDrive40i, but standard in all the higher versions.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 is paired with an electric motor in the 389-horsepower X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) figures for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In the combined cycle (a mix of city and highway driving), the xDrive45e is estimated to achieve 50 MPGe with the 31 miles of electric-only range taken into account. When operating as a regular hybrid, combined fuel economy is 20 mpg.

Going in the other direction, the X5 M50i has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 generating 523 horsepower. A similar engine in the X5 M develops 600 horsepower, or 617 horsepower in the X5 M Competition versions.

Premium gasoline is required throughout. Every X5, even the plug-in hybrid, can tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The EPA fuel economy figures are from 2021, but we expect the same in 2022.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (sDrive40i/xDrive40i)
335 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (RWD), 21/25 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 + electric motor (xDrive45e)
389 total horsepower
331 lb-ft total torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 20 mpg/50 MPGe
Electric-only range: 31 miles

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (M50i)
523 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (X5 M)
600 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
617 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (X5 M Competition)
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,860 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg