2025 BMW X5 Review – Powertrain, Interior, Safety, Pricing
The BMW X5 is in a league of its own. It’s like a family SUV that secretly wants to be a hot hatch. Driving it is genuinely fun—way more than you’d expect from a vehicle this size. Compared to something like the Audi Q7 or Mercedes GLE, it feels livelier, almost playful. If you want that same sporty vibe, you might look at a Porsche Cayenne, but that’s more like a track star: great for thrills, less practical for long family road trips. Maybe that’s why the X5 snagged the Adventurer’s Choice award at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
Inside, it’s all about luxury. You touch the dashboard or door panels, and it’s soft, high-quality materials everywhere—not a cheap plastic in sight. The design might lean a bit safe compared to the flashier Mercedes GLE, but I kind of like that understated vibe. A 2023 refresh gave it a sleeker, more modern look, so it doesn’t feel dated.
The dashboard has this slick twin-screen setup—curved displays that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. One shows your driving info, the other handles infotainment. The touchscreen is snappy, but I’ll be honest, the menus can feel like a maze sometimes. I found myself poking around longer than I’d like to adjust the AC.
Space and Practicality
Space-wise, the X5 doesn’t disappoint. Up front, you’ve got tons of room, and the driver’s seat adjusts every which way with electric controls and a memory function. I’m tall, and I had no trouble getting comfy. The back seats are just as roomy—two adults can stretch out, and even a third won’t be grumbling on a long drive.
The boot’s got 650 liters of space, which is solid for luggage or groceries, though it’s worth noting the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne offer a bit more. The Mercedes GLE, on the other hand, has slightly less. If you go for the plug-in hybrid, the boot shrinks to 500 liters because of the battery, but that’s still decent.
Engine Options
You’ve got four engines to pick from. The plug-in hybrid (50e) is a no-brainer if you can charge it regularly—it’s got a 66-mile electric range, which is great for zipping around town without burning gas. Plus, it’s a tax-saver for company car drivers. If you’re all about speed and don’t mind the fuel bill, the M60i’s 4.4-liter V8 pumps out 530 horsepower—sports car territory. For most folks, though, the diesel options (30d or 40d) strike a nice balance. I drove the 30d and got close to 39 mpg, better than the official numbers, which was a pleasant surprise.
Driving Experience
In town, the X5’s size doesn’t feel as intimidating as you’d think. You sit high with a clear view through big windows, and standard parking sensors make squeezing into spots easier. There’s even an optional Parking Assistant that’ll steer for you, though I found it a bit clunky in practice. If you add rear-wheel steering, low-speed turns feel almost nimble for a car this big.
On the highway, it’s a dream. The engines are quiet, and wind or road noise barely creeps in—except maybe a slight hum from the massive tires on the M50i or M Competition. The optional air suspension smooths out bumps like a magic carpet, though the M Competition’s firmer setup can feel a bit jarring on rough roads.
Take it to a twisty backroad, and the X5 shines. In sport mode, the steering gets heavier, the suspension tightens, and it corners with way more grip than a big SUV has any right to. The M60i and M Competition crank that up to supercar levels, but even the standard models are a blast. That said, the trade-off for that sporty edge is a less cushy ride in the top trims.
Pricing
The X5 isn’t cheap—starting just under £70,000 and climbing to nearly £130,000 for the M Competition. That’s pricier than an Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90 but in line with a Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes GLE. Used BMW X5s start at under £20,000 on Hilton Car Supermarket, which is worth a look if you’re not set on brand-new.
Inside the Cabin
Slide into the X5, and it’s clear where your money’s going. The vegan leather (standard) feels convincing enough that I didn’t miss the real stuff, though you can upgrade if you want. Everything you touch—dashboard, doors—feels soft and built to last. The Volvo XC90’s minimalist vibe might appeal to some, but the X5’s 2023 update keeps it looking sharp and modern.
Those curved screens are the star of the show, but navigating the menus can be a hassle. Climate controls live on the screen too, which is convenient but takes some getting used to. On the plus side, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly, so you can bypass BMW’s system if you want. The ConnectedDrive services, like the virtual assistant and over-the-air updates, are included for three years—after that, you’ll need to pay to keep them.
Safety and Reliability
The X5 is a safe bet, literally. It’s got a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with strong scores for adult and child protection. Standard features like active cruise control, lane departure warnings, and emergency braking add peace of mind. There’s also an alarm, immobiliser, and an emergency call system that can summon help if things go wrong.
Reliability? It’s too early to say for sure about this generation, but older X5s have been decent, if not class-leading. If you’re paranoid about breakdowns, a Lexus might be a safer pick, but I wouldn’t lose sleep over the X5.
What We Like
- Engines pack a punch but don’t guzzle gas like you’d expect.
- The interior feels like a high-end hotel—plush and well-crafted.
- Surprisingly fun to drive for something this big.
What Could Be Better
- Lumbar adjustment costs extra, which feels a bit stingy for the price.
- The M50d’s fake engine noise is trying too hard to sound sporty.
- Big alloy wheels make the ride a tad harsh on rough roads.
Final Thoughts
The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. It’s got the space, the tech, and the driving chops to stand out, even if it’s not perfect. The menus could be simpler, and I wish lumbar adjustment didn’t cost extra, but it’s hard to argue with how well-rounded this car is. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tearing up a country road, it’s got you covered.
Source: CarWoW
Images: BMW