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2024 BMW X5
Starting at $66.195
Highs Three good powertrain options, high-end cabin materials, cutting-edge infotainment tech.
Lows Not as athletic as expected from a BMW, twin-turbo V-8 is desirable but expensive, available third-row seats aren't suitable for adults.
Verdict The X5 is swift and swanky, with enough driving enjoyment to entertain on an occasional mountain pass.
What's New for 2024?
BMW has sharpened the X5's exterior for 2024, including a revised front grille and bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and updated wheel designs. The top-spec M60i model wears gloss-black exterior accents, quad tailpipes, and an M logo in the grille. Both the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engines benefit from a new 48-volt hybrid system, and the six-cylinder has been massaged further to boost output to 375 horsepower. Despite changing its name from M50i to M60i, the performance-oriented model's horsepower stays the same at 523 ponies. Last year's xDrive45e plug-in hybrid variant has been replaced with a more powerful xDrive50e, which offers 94 more horsepower and 10 more miles of electric-only driving range, for 483 horsepower and 40 miles of EV driving. All X5s also receive a new curved infotainment display and BMW's latest iDrive 8 software interface, which is already scheduled for an update to iDrive 8.5 sometime in the summer of 2023. The X5 is also now available with the Highway Assistant hands-free driving feature that we first experienced in the new 7-series flagship luxury sedan.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
sDrive40i: $66,195
xDrive40i: $68,495
xDrive50e: $73,495
xDrive M60i: $90,295
The 2024 BMW X5 starts at $66,195 and goes up to $90,295. The base trim sDrive40i level is rear-wheel drive, but the xDrive40i, xDrive50e, and xDrive M60i models all have all-wheel drive as standard. We love saving money almost as much as we love great performance, and that's why we think the xDrive40i is the X5 to buy. It's got sports-sedan acceleration, comes with all-wheel drive, and is a relative bargain in this pricey class. We'd recommend adding the Premium package for its head-up display, LED exterior lighting, remote engine-start capability, and Harman/Kardon stereo system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 X5 is offered with one of three distinct powertrains, each associated with a different model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badges are powered by a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six. The last time we tested an xDrive40i it made just 335 horsepower but still managed a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph, so we expect a little extra hustle from the more powerful version. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 483 horsepower. Last but not least, the M60i's 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 enables it to rush to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. All three powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and none of them will leave drivers wanting for power in virtually any driving situation. The X5's refined ride and stable handling are hallmarks of this generation of BMW SUVs, as is its steering, which feels connected and direct. The Audi Q7 still has the X5 beat in this area, but it's a close match. Pitch the X5 into a fast corner, and it holds on reliably and rewards the driver with a predictability that's missing from the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Interior space is generous for adults in both the first and second rows, but the X5's optional third row is for kids only. Once settled inside, occupants are treated to a cabin lined with high-quality materials, plenty of charging points for devices, and-depending on the options chosen-myriad luxury features. Power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver are standard. All models come with a power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and customizable ambient lighting. Massaging seats, remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, a leather dashboard, and heated front armrests and steering wheel can make the X5 feel like a high-end luxury SUV but add a lot of dough to the bottom line. Speaking of expensive options, buyers can add a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system that features diamond-domed tweeters. The X5 offers plentiful cargo space. With the rear seats in use, we managed to fit 11 of our carry-on suitcases behind the second row of seats. With the rear seats folded-an operation that can be done from either the side or the rear of the SUV-we found room for 26 cases. The GLE-class matched the X5's result in this test, case for case, but its rear seats aren't as easy to stow.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/bmw/x5