Being one of the most sought-after mid-size luxury SUVs currently on sale, BMW is back with the 2023 iteration of the coveted X5. Launched for a base selling price of $61,600 and going all the way to $108,900 for the most powerful X5 M trim, the 2023 BMW X5 comes with only a few changes from the older model. There are multiple feature additions to the optional premium package and some of the features have been removed from the list as well. All the trims now get vegan faux leather upholstery too.
Coming with multiple powertrain options depending on the trim that you go for, there is an X5 for everyone. The xDrive45e comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is an excellent daily driver owing to the impressive gas mileage and performance. Both the sDrive40i and xDrive40i retain the turbocharged inline-6 motor as well. The premium feeling cabin, intuitive infotainment system, and stylish design are unchanged too. Competing with the Genesis GV80, Volvo XC90, and Porsche Cayenne, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2023 BMW X5.
10/10 40i Trim Is Quite Powerful
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The 40i trim comes with the same 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-6 motor under the hood that did the duty in the older model years and produces 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with manual mode and multiple driving modes. Both AWD and RWD drivetrains are available too.
via BMW
The performance numbers punched out by this inline-6 motor turned out to be superior to the Volvo XC90 and that helped the X5 to be better in terms of 0-60 MPH time and quarter-mile time. The 2023 X5 did the 0-60 MPH run in 5.3 seconds, and it was identical to the time achieved by the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. However, the Q7 turned out to be slightly faster than both.
9/10 There Is A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
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The 2023 BMW X5 can be had in a single plug-in hybrid trim in the name of xDrive45e, and it is one of the best offerings out there if you want frugality without compromising on performance and luxury. This powertrain comes with the 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-6 engine mated to an electric motor. The transmission and xDrive AWD drivetrain remains identical to the gasoline variant.
Via: BMW
Producing a superior 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, the xDrive45i had a lower 0-60 MPH time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.4 seconds. Even with the added weight of the battery pack and an electric motor, the in-gear acceleration was also better than the 40i trims.
8/10 M50i Is One Of The Fastest SUVs Of The Segment
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Get the M50i trim which is retailed for an MSRP of $85,400 if you want a powerful daily driver that could also double up as a comfortable family cruiser. This trim comes with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 motor putting out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 MPH comes in 3.9 seconds and that makes it almost as fast as the pricier X5 M.
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Coming with the same powertrain as the X5 M, the towing capacity and payload capacity are also similar to it. Put your foot down from any gear and the 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission coupled with the capable xDrive AWD drivetrain helps to put the power down without any fuss. The performance numbers are superior to the likes of Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and Audi SQ7.
7/10 Cramped Cabin
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With an external length and wheelbase of 194.3" and 117.1", respectively, many would expect the 2023 BMW X5 to be as spacious as the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. However, the rear seat space is not the best out there as the headroom and legroom are lesser than most of the segment rivals.
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This makes the rear seat not the most accommodating for three tall passengers. However, like any other Bimmers out there, the front seats are very spacious and the features like heated and powered seats, soft Sensafin upholstery, and panoramic sunroof does add to the comfort factor. The cargo capacity of 33.9 cu ft adds to the versatility too.
6/10 Classy Interior Design
Via: BMW
Get into the front seat, and you are going to be wowed in terms of the design and opulence this interior has to offer. Offered in four Sensafin upholstery color combinations, namely Silverstone, cognac, coffee, and black, the seats feel very plush and offer unmatched comfort while doing those long road trips.
Via: BMW
The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accents and aluminum paddle shifters help the interior to feel very sporty. You would also love the aluminum or wooden trim accents on the dashboard and door cards. The large infotainment system is bright and vivid and the panoramic sunroof brings in quite a lot of light.
5/10 Sophisticated Exterior
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Ever since the launch of the fourth generation X5 back in 2019, many have already praised its sophisticated design language, especially when viewed from the rear. The beautifully crafted rear end gets stunning LED taillights, a dual exhaust system, a neatly integrated rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna.
Via: BMW
The nine exterior colors and multiple 19", 20", and 21" alloy wheels design help the 2023 BMW X5 stand out pretty well. The kidney grille coupled with LED headlights and chrome accents adds to the elegance when viewed from the front. The side profile is highlighted by fender vents, clean character lines, and roof rails. The M Sport trim, which is offered for an additional $3,300, gives the ride more character too.
4/10 iDrive Infotainment System Is Perfect
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The dual 12.3" displays are present in the 2023 BMW X5 and that does all the infotainment and digital gauge cluster duties. This is one of the sharpest displays present in a luxury mid-size SUV segment, and it also comes loaded to the brim with all the necessary connectivity and entertainment features.
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The standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, AUX, and USB connectivity. The 16-speaker audio system with a 464w regular amplifier takes care of the audio experience. However, the owners can also go for the optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
3/10 Most Of The Safety Features Are Standard
Via: BMW
Being a powerful and expensive BMW SUV, safety and driver-assistance features are must-have features. Thankfully, the 2023 BMW X5 doesn't miss out on many of these features. This includes automated emergency braking, forward collision monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert system, and blind-spot monitoring.
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The basic safety features like ABS, airbags, traction control, stability control, reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, and tire pressuring monitoring system are standard too. Even though the 2023 model hasn't been crash-tested yet, the 2022 model received an overall rating of 4 stars in the NHTSA crash test and the top safety pick title in the IIHS crash test.
2/10 Top-Notch Braking Performance
Via: BMW
The 4-wheel disc brake setup that comes with all the trims of the BMW X5 makes the braking quite easy. The 70-0 MPH braking distance of 158 feet done by the X5 40i turned out to be one of the best of the segment. Even the 156 feet of braking distance done by the plug-in hybrid trim is excellent too.
Via BMW Group
The braking features like ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, automated emergency braking, and ventilated rotors are standard for all the trims. If you get the X5 M trim, the braking hardware gets even beefier, owing to the top-notch performance it has.
1/10 Warranty Coverage Is Competitive
Via: BMW
Having the best warranty is a must-have for a car belonging to the luxury segment and the same also applies to the BMW X5. Similar to the outgoing 2022 model, the 2023 X5 gets a limited warranty and powertrain warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles.
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There is complimentary maintenance coverage for three years or 36,000 miles too. The warranty coverage offered by this Bimmer is similar to that of the Mercedes, Audi, and Volvo, however, most of the rivals miss out on the complimentary maintenance coverage. In comparison, the Genesis GV80 sets the benchmark for warranty coverage in the segment.