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2024 BMW X5 First Drive: The Lineup’s Now Entirely Electrified
Elevated standard equipment pairs with some of the smoothest hybrid powertrains on the market.
The midcycle refresh of the 2024 BMW X5 brings some serious updates. While the midsize BMW SUV's exterior and interior receive meaningful revisions, the most notable changes belong to the three reengineered powertrains across the lineup, with the xDrive50e's plug-in hybrid setup gaining more EV-only range and efficiency and drivability improvements for the rest. Between the new engines and newly available tech, the X5 experience is more refined than ever before.
Electrified, if Not Electrifying
Now that the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 benefits from 48-volt mild hybrid technology, all three available engines, including the entry-level I-6 and the aforementioned plug-in hybrid, have some form of electrification. The mild hybrid setup makes the automatic start/stop feature virtually imperceptible, and that's a big win. The electric motor engages instantly for initial take-off, and it's hard to tell when the engine has restarted after winking off at low speed or when stopped at a light. Inching forward at a traffic stop is as natural as if the engine never shut down. Having the motor mounted in-line with the engine and eight-speed transmission gives the X5 noticeably smoother operation than competitive belt-driven systems like those in Mercedes-Benz and Genesis products.
The six-cylinder xDrive40i, plug-in xDrive50e, and V-8-powered M60i have distinct characteristics that suit different customers, but all deliver the sporty BMW driving experience we expect. The only X5 we didn't get to drive during BMW's Test Fest media event was the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i, but it has the same options available as the (more common) all-wheel-drive xDrive40i.
The interior has been updated and now enjoys cleverly hidden center air vents, but it all fits with the quality and design language BMW has been rolling out. The increase to a 14.9-inch center display makes good use of the improved layout of iDrive 8.5. Early 2024 X5s on the road would have shipped with iDrive 8.0, but an over-the-air update can bring them up to the latest-and-greatest with that extra 0.5. The biggest change in the new software involves the home screen, where the formerly horizontal scrolling tiles are consolidated on the left side and now scroll vertically, leaving room for a large, full-time map that doubles as a direct shortcut to a paired phone.
Lane centering is finally standard on the X5, but adaptive cruise must be added to the upgraded Driving Assistance Professional package. Now available with Highway Assistant, drivers can experience hands-free driving up to 85 mph on approved expressways. After using it in the X5, and extensively through our time with various members of the 7 Series, we can say that Highway Assistant is every bit as good as, if not better than, more recognizable names like Blue Cruise, Super Cruise, and Autopilot.
xDrive40i
Compared to the PHEV and performance-oriented XDriveM60i variants, the xDrive40i delivers decidedly average performance, but that is its charm. Even with the M Sport exhaust and an increase to 375 hp, the I-6 isn't going to offend anyone. With the performance exhaust turned off, the engine is quiet and unobtrusive. With it on, the engine is embellished just enough to let occupants appreciate the triumphant sound of a boosted BMW straight-six. The xDrive40i has a balanced mix of luxury and power that allows you to drive in comfort without getting into trouble.
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