BMW has launched the newly facelifted X5 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which was also facelifted a few days ago. The G05 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) follows in the footsteps of the latest 3 Series, with a more refined design and some tech updates to keep the mid-size SUV competitive.
Immediately striking styling changes include redesigned headlights, which BMW says are 35mm narrower than before. The LED daytime running light emblem is also new here, ditching its semi-hexagonal look in favor of outward-pointing arrows.
The kidney grille, meanwhile, isn’t getting any bigger, but it is illuminated with cascading lighting when specified with the Iconic Glow package on specific variants. Said grille features surround and restyled pearl-effect chrome slats, while in the lower apron the air curtain is now freestanding and vertically aligned with the bumper.
Said bumper has also been tweaked a bit, with prominent creases pointing towards the rectangular lower air intakes, highlighted by black and chrome trim. Looking down from the side, the air vents on the front fenders now feature a new design with three horizontal vanes on the rear edge.
Roof rails are now standard, while the rear lower guards now feature a Glacier Silver finish to match the revised bumper. Still at the rear of the SUV, the taillights feature a new lighting signature in the shape of a double L (one inverted), forming what BMW calls an “unmistakable X pattern”.
The X5 can also be ordered with the M Sport package with more aggressive bumpers, and the further Pro version adds lots of black trim for a more intimidating look. The latter option also adds M Sport brakes with red calipers, an M Sport exhaust system and M seat belts.
It is worth mentioning that the interior of the new X5 features BMW Curved Displays (including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) and iDrive 8, powered by BMW Operating System 8. Like the 3 Series LCI, most of the vehicle controls are integrated into the 14.9-inch touchscreen, thus omitting the physical climate controls and programmable favorites row.
The new infotainment system includes a digital voice assistant that can control various functions if you don’t feel like tapping the screen, and the ambiance in addition to 5G, My BMW app, smartphone integration, Digital Key Plus and many other connected features Modes to choose from, BMW Maps Navigation with Enhanced View.
BMW is also keen to highlight its leather-like Sensafin dashboard and seat upholstery (now standard on the X5), as well as the ambient light bar with its crystal surface structure and LED backlighting – the latter also used to illuminate the model letters .
Another familiar change comes in the center console, which still houses the iDrive controller but omits the traditional gear lever in favor of a toggle switch. This area can be further embellished with the Crafted Clarity option, which applies glass to the start/stop button and controller dials.
BMW has also revised its trim architecture, and the xLine now comes standard with electric power steering adjustment, 2.5-zone climate control, power-folding mirrors, a hi-fi speaker system and a DAB digital radio tuner.
There is no shortage of options, including a comfort package (heating), a panoramic glass sunroof or a Sky Lounge system and either a Harman Kardon surround sound system (16 speakers, 415 watts of amplification) or a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system (20 speakers, 1,500 watts of loudspeaker).
In terms of driving assistance, BMW comes standard with forward collision warning, avoidance assistance and intersection warning, and the optional driving assistance system also provides lane departure warning and lane change warning. With the specified Driving Assistant Professional package, more features are added, such as Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.
The German automaker also offers a professional parking assistant that helps the driver park in a parallel or perpendicular space, and also records steering movements up to 200 meters away with the reversing assistant. And if that wasn’t enough, owners can also use their smartphones to remotely control their vehicles when dealing with tight parking spaces. Meanwhile, Maneuver Assistant uses GPS data and trajectory data of steering movements to store more complex maneuvers.
Finally, let’s talk about the powertrain. The range includes the X5 xDrive50e, a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm It develops 450 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm.
The unit also includes an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with a total energy capacity of 25.7 kWh (out of 29.5 kWh gross), which powers an electric motor rated at 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 280 Nm.
The more powerful combustion engine and electric motor contribute 490 PS (483 horsepower or 360 kW) and 700 Nm to the total system output, an increase of 96 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 100 Nm over the previous X5 xDrive45e. The electric-only range has also increased from around 77 kilometers to between 94 and 110 kilometers.
Next up is the X5 xDrive40i, also powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six but with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This integrates an electric motor rated at 12 PS (12 hp or 9 kW) and 200 Nm into the gearbox, enabling low-speed pure electric propulsion and smooth operation of the start/stop function. The electric motor draws power from a 48-volt battery located in the engine compartment, which is charged through regenerative braking. The mild-hybrid petrol engine delivers 380 PS (375 hp or 280 kW) and 520 Nm, up 47 PS (47 hp or 35 kW) and 70 Nm from before.
The final petrol option is the performance-minded X5 M60i xDrive, which replaces the previous X5 M50i xDrive. Equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 530 PS (523 horsepower or 390 kilowatts) and 750 Nm of torque, the new model also features a 48-volt system for better response and power delivery under acceleration.
On the diesel front, the only option mentioned is the X5 xDrive30d, with a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six making 286 PS (282 hp or 210 kW) and 650 Nm. All engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Other driving-related features that can be fitted to the X5 include Adaptive Suspension, which can also be equipped with two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering), Adaptive M Suspension Professional with Active Roll Stabilization and Integrated braking system. BMW also offers new wheel designs ranging in size from 19 to 22 inches.
The performance data of the new X5 is as follows:
- X5 xDrive50e – 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds; 250 km/h top speed; 140 km/h top speed (electric only)
- X5 xDrive40i – 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds; 250 km/h top speed
- X5 M60i xDrive – 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds; 250 km/h top speed
- X5 xDrive30d – 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds; top speed of 233 km/h