2025 BMW X5

There are many great midsize luxury SUVs, and we put the BMW X5 squarely among the best. We appreciate the attention to detail in the cabin — how the tech works, how everything is put together, the sense of occasion every time we jump into one. We also love the drivetrains not only for their power, but also for their efficiency (when there’s a 6-cylinder unit under the hood, at least). A high number of our owner reviews say the same kinds of things. BMW has perfected this particular SUV art.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid seen here in Brooklyn Grey Metallic with an all-in sticker price of $87,745 (including about $14,000 worth of options).

After a mid-generation revamp last year, there are no major changes to the 2025 X5.

This classy corner of the automotive world is rich in choices. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is priced most like the X5. The Lexus RX and Genesis GV80 are substantially lower, while the Porsche Cayenne comes in considerably higher. Rivals with three seating rows as standard include the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90 — with prices ranging from the low-$50K to the low-$60K areas.

Before buying a new X5 midsize luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a little below average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The most popular X5, the xDrive40i, has a meaty 375 horsepower and can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. And that’s the least muscular X5. To get the same power and speed from a Mercedes-Benz GLE means skipping the entry-level model and going for the GLE 450 4Matic, which would be several thousand dollars more. It’s a similar story with the Genesis GV80.

The X5 has a well-tuned chassis with an agility that goes beyond the usual luxury midsize SUV fare. It rides a bit firmer than most as a result, but it’s not an unacceptable tradeoff.

The X5 xDrive50e’s 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor to create 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, enabling 60 mph to come up in just 4.6 seconds. Once we get to the M models, we’re looking at the extremely sporty side of driving that BMW does so well. The M60i makes 523 horsepower, while the X5 M Competition develops a mighty 617 horsepower. We’ve driven an X5 M on the track as well as public roads, and been absolutely blown away by its talents.

Fuel Economy

The xDrive40i achieves 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the same as the sDrive40i despite having two more driven wheels. This is on the good side of the class average.

Unsurprisingly, the M60i xDrive and X5 M Competition models use more gasoline to help attain their higher performance: 19 and 15 mpg combined, respectively.

The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid has an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles. After that, expect something like 26 mpg combined when operating as a regular hybrid.

The X5’s interior has always had this great way of mixing ideal driver ergonomics with exactly the right levels of luxury and tech. It’s an approach that’s typical BMW. Fit, finish, and materials are all top-notch, even at the relatively lower price range.

The dashboard is dominated by a large curved display spanning half the cabin. This unit houses a 12.3-inch digital driver information cluster next to a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen — both generous sizes for the class.

There’s ample room in the X5 for passengers and cargo alike. Rear legroom is an acceptable 37.4 inches (the GLE has 40.9, the Genesis GV80 has 38.7). The X5 also offers a third seating row that could work for the occasional transport of an extra kid or two. However, anyone who needs a third row on a regular basis will be better served by the longer and more accommodating BMW X7.

Behind the second row of seats is 33.9 cubic feet of luggage space, opening out to 72.3 cubic feet when those seats are folded. That compares well with the GLE, while the GV80 edges out both German contenders.

As BMW’s midsize luxury SUV, the X5 has been around for a quarter of a century. This fourth generation debuted for 2019. Over the years, the styling has changed in details, but the overall effect has been more or less constant. So we all know what an X5 looks like and no doubt formed opinions. We would just add that, to our eyes, the X5 looks every inch a luxury SUV — somewhat imposing and definitely prestigious. Should anyone be seeking a sleeker model, try the BMW X6.

Strong standard engine
The X5’s standard turbocharged engine makes 375 horsepower, while a mild-hybrid system enables it to operate at optimum efficiency as well as smooth out the fuel-saving stop-restart function. For this balance of power and fuel economy, it beats everything else in its class.

BMW Curved Display
The BMW Curved Display raises the tech-forward feel of the X5’s cabin with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in one spectacular unit. We also like the user-friendliness of the infotainment system.

M Sport packages
The optional M Sport package enhances the X5’s looks with special front and rear fascias, gloss black roof rails, and Shadowline trim. The M Sport Professional package adds more black exterior elements, red- or blue-painted calipers, and an M Sport exhaust system.

Driving Assistant Professional Package
This optional package adds more driving assistance technology, such as Traffic Jam Assistant, full-speed adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, and the Highway Assistant feature, which allows for hands-free driving on some highways. We think it’s worth the extra $2,500.

X5 xDrive50e
The plug-in hybrid X5 variant can travel up to 40 miles using just battery power and comes with a considerable 483 horsepower. Charging the battery on a 240-volt Level 2 supply takes 3.25 hours.

Magnificent M60i
The V8-powered M60i is a performance SUV that drives like a sport sedan. It makes a lot of muscle and comes with specialized equipment like an adaptive M suspension system, M Sport brakes, and an M steering wheel.

The main engine in the 2025 X5 lineup is a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder unit making 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The sDrive40i has a rear-wheel-drive configuration, all the other X5s have all-wheel drive — known as xDrive. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board.

A plug-in hybrid, the X5 xDrive50e makes a total of 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The X5 M60i and X5 M Competition both employ a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The M60i generates 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M Competition makes the same amount of torque, while developing 617 horsepower.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for German luxury car makers. Roadside assistance is included for that time (with unlimited mileage). Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles, which is less typical. Hybrid batteries have an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Safety Ratings

The X5 has taken top scores of Good in the main crash tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and earned four out of a maximum five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).