The BMW X5 has been a staple in the luxury SUV world, and the xDrive40i model continues the tradition of blending performance, comfort, and everyday usability. Built at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the X5 xDrive40i has a starting price of €94,300 or CAD 87,100, offering a solid mix of luxury and capability. Here's how it stacks up after being put through its paces.
Fun Factor: 8/10
Under the hood, the X5 xDrive40i sports a 3.0L inline-6 engine with BMW's TwinPower turbo technology, backed by a 48V mild hybrid system. This combo pumps out 375 horsepower, allowing the X5 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission is a standout, making gear changes feel nearly effortless, like a well-conducted orchestra. We tested the X5 on the Autobahn, and while it tops out at 250 km/h, it feels at home cruising around 220 km/h. The size and weight of the X5 make it a bit slower to hit its top speed compared to smaller BMWs with the same engine, but it's more about the comfortable, stable ride at high speeds. The real surprise came when we took it up Austria's Grossglockner High Alpine Road. For a big SUV, the X5 is shockingly agile. It handles tight curves and sharp elevation changes without much performance drop, a testament to BMW's engineering. Even at over 2,500 meters of altitude, the engine kept delivering smoothly, and the X5 felt in control the whole time.
Can it Family: 8/10
Inside, the X5 is as comfortable as you'd expect from BMW. The standard Sensafin seats are comfortable and eco-friendly, though you can upgrade to the Full Merino leather for that extra luxury touch. The Black Merino Leather seats held up well during our road trip, offering excellent support even on longer drives. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are a nice practical touch, making it easy to transport larger items when needed.The trunk space is generous, and a hidden compartment gives you extra room for things you want to keep out of sight. For family road trips, the X5 proves versatile. One cool feature we discovered is the mild-hybrid system, which lets us plug in a small fridge to keep drinks cold—a handy feature for long days on the road.
Fuel-Friendly: 7/10
For a large SUV with this level of performance, the X5's fuel economy is alright. We averaged 10.2L/100 km over a 1,530 km trip, including high-speed Autobahn runs to more relaxed driving. BMW claims a combined fuel economy of 9.4L/100 km, with 8.7L/100 km on the highway and 10.1L/100 km in the city. We beat that highway figure on a 340 km stretch at a steady 130 km/h, hitting 8.4L/100 km. The mild-hybrid system plays a role here, allowing the X5 to "sail" with the engine off during highway cruising, helping to save fuel. For an SUV of this size, those numbers are pretty respectable.
Highway Warrior: 9/10
The X5 shines on long highway drives. With its 83L fuel tank, the X5 can cover up to 923 km on a single fill-up. In our real-world testing, with a mix of driving, we were closer to 830 km but still impressive. We could probably push close to 1,000 km on one tank on a pure highway stretch. The mild-hybrid system's ability to coast with the engine off adds to that range, making the X5 a solid choice for road trips.
Karaoke Friendly: 8/10
The optional Harman Kardon sound system is a treat for music lovers. It handles all types of music with ease, though the bass could use a little more punch. Still, the sound quality is rich and immersive. The latest version of BMW's iDrive system is impressive, too, with a sleek, curved display that houses both the 12.3-inch digital cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which keeps the cabin clean and free of cable clutter.
Baby-Friendly: 8/10
The X5 is family-friendly. The ISOFIX ports are cleverly hidden behind small latches that close when not in use, making the interior look neat and polished. The ports are easy to access, making it a breeze to install car seats. During our test, we installed two child seats and still had room for a booster seat in the middle, though space might be tight for an adult in that position. The wide-opening rear doors make it easy to load kids in and out, but younger children might need help with the vehicle's height and the doors. Once inside, the door sills are designed to help kids climb in, but the wide doors can be tough for little ones to close.
City Cruising: 7/10
Despite its size, the X5 is surprisingly capable around town. The mild-hybrid system kicks in during low-speed driving, allowing the X5 to run on electric power in stop-and-go traffic or when parking, which is a nice touch. The adaptive suspension, which comes standard, absorbs bumps and road imperfections well, keeping things smooth on uneven city streets. However, the X5's bulk can make tight city maneuvers a bit of a challenge, but it's nothing an experienced driver can't handle.
Final Thoughts
The BMW X5 xDrive40i is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a great mix of performance, comfort, and practicality. It handles long highway trips like a dream, and its fuel economy is surprisingly good for its size and power. While it's not the easiest vehicle to navigate in the city, it more than makes up for it with its highway prowess, family-friendly features, and overall driving experience. If you're looking for an SUV that can do it all—whether it's a road trip, a daily commute, or just running errands—the X5 xDrive40i is hard to beat.
Pros of Buying:
The 3.0L inline-6 with mild hybrid tech delivers strong acceleration and smooth, refined power, whether cruising on the highway or tackling mountain roads.
It is perfect for long-distance trips. It has a quiet cabin, excellent fuel efficiency for its size, and the ability to cover up to 1,000 km on a single tank.
Premium materials, comfortable seats, and a sleek, driver-focused infotainment system make the interior feel like a true luxury.
Cons of Buying:
While the base model is well-equipped, many desirable features like the Harman Kardon sound system and Full Merino leather seats come at a premium.
It's a large vehicle, so navigating tight city streets and parking spaces can be a bit tricky.
The mild hybrid system offers some fuel savings and electric driving at low speeds, but it's not a plug-in hybrid, so you won't get the full electric experience. Read our experience of the X5 xDrive50e here.
Should You Buy It?
If you're in the market for a luxury SUV that delivers on both performance and comfort, the BMW X5 xDrive40i is a strong contender. It's perfect for families or individuals who want a powerful yet refined driving experience, especially for long road trips or highway driving. The interior is top-notch, and the technology is cutting-edge, making it an enjoyable place to spend time.
That said, if you're mostly driving in the city or need something more compact and easy to maneuver, the X5 might feel large. Additionally, if you're after a fully electric or plug-in hybrid, there are other models in BMW's lineup that might be a better fit.
BMW has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with BMW Canada & Germany. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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