2020 BMW X5 Review

　　

2020 BMW X5 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　It's easy to see why the 2020 BMW X5 is one of the more appealing midsize luxury SUVs on the market. The X5 comes standard with two rows of seating but is available with a third row if you want to increase its flexibility for occasionally taking along a couple of extra kids. Regardless of which X5 model you choose, you'll have a long list of upscale options to pick from, including features such as massaging front seats and an adjustable suspension that you can lower to help make getting in easier.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$203/mo  for X5 sDrive40i

　　X5 sDrive40i

　　sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $58,900 MSRPxDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $61,200 MSRPxDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $76,150 MSRPM50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $82,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The X5 can also be pretty sporty if you want it to be. Three different engine choices are offered: a base turbocharged six-cylinder and two versions of a turbocharged V8. The base six-cylinder is impressive, but the 4.4-liter V8 is the real powerhouse in the X5 lineup, putting out 456 horsepower in the standard xDrive50i and a whopping 523 hp in the new-for-2020 M50i trim. Just because you need a family hauler doesn't mean you can't have a little fun while you're at it.

　　There are some more mundane drawbacks to the X5, however. The previously mentioned third row is optional, and it's not very large — buyers who are constantly using the third row will likely want something larger. Other issues include an infotainment system that has a steep learning curve and a lack of interior storage for small items such as smartphones and water bottles.

　　These are small complaints, however, and not ones that would keep us from test-driving a new 2020 BMW X5. If you're in the market for a luxurious family SUV, the X5 is certainly worth a close look.

　　

What It's Like to Live With The X5

Want to know even more about the BMW X5? Our team of experts have tested a 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i as part of our long-term program, which is where we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own.

　　Read our long-term coverage to see what we've learned about various aspects of the BMW X5, such as its undeniable seat comfort, class-leading In-cabin technology, performance and reliability.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the X5 drive? We tested the xDrive40i. The six-cylinder engine is suitably powerful and responsive enough for the daily commute. Whether you pick this engine or the V8, the X5 is one of the quickest of the non-performance-oriented SUVs available. BMW also offers an optional off-road package that enhances the X5's capability to take on dirt roads and trails.

　　Handling and steering are less impressive, however. The steering doesn't give you much feel for the road, and the X5 can feel overly soft and floaty when driving around turns unless you engage Sport mode. In more casual driving, the X5 is easy to drive, and its eight-speed transmission makes smooth and quick gearshifts.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X5? Fitted with its optional air suspension, the X5 rides fairly smoothly, but harsher impacts and pavement seams can still be felt in the cabin. Sport mode is stiffer and transmits more of the road surface into the cabin, but thankfully the X5 isn't ever uncomfortably harsh. At highway speeds, road and wind noise is minimal.

　　The front seats are firm and supportive and have a broad range of adjustability to contour to different body types. Lumbar and upper bolsters are adjustable for cruising or sporty driving. The rear seats are softer and designed for long stints, but they're flat and don't have enough bolstering.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The seats are set in from the door, and occupants will have to shimmy to get in. We'd recommend taller drivers avoid the optional running boards for easier entry. But once you're in, there's ample room for the front passengers and good headroom, knee room and shoulder room for the rear passengers. The X5 has a technologically advanced interior, but the mass of buttons on the center console and the fiddly climate controls are difficult to learn.

　　Visibility is a problem. The X5's surround-view camera system is excellent when parking, and views out the front and sides are commanding. Direct views to the back are adequate if your seat is adjusted properly. The side mirrors and the door frame can hide pedestrians and other road users from view. Get the optional surround-view camera system to help out with parking maneuvers.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? BMW's latest iDrive system is the most advanced yet, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Helping you are its combination of menus, handwriting recognition, and voice and gesture control. Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard, but Android Auto isn't available. The X5's native navigation and voice commands work well.

　　Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are excellent, but the operation of the active lane centering and auto high beams is only average. Auto parking and 3D surround-view mode are clunky to operate.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The X5 has a roomy cargo area and a useful power tailgate/liftgate system that's great for loading bulky cargo. The armrest bin can hold a few standard water bottles, and that's about it. There's a shallow but deep pocket with an induction charger in front of the shifter, but access to this area is restricted once you use the cupholders.

　　In standard configuration, the xDrive40i can tow up to 6,603 pounds. It can tow up to 7,200 pounds when equipped with an optional factory-installed hitch.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the xDrive40i version we tested is 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. On our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, we netted 21.3 mpg, which is average for the segment.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the X5 a good value? The X5 is priced on the high side of the segment, and that's before loading it up with options and features. But we feel the build quality and capability to be worthy of the price. The durable leather, excellent use of soft-touch materials, tight gaps in all interior panels, and a general feeling of solidity have been consistent BMW hallmarks. It also comes with significant towing and hauling capability.

　　BMW gives new owners a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty, which is on par with the rest of the segment. There's also four years of roadside assistance, with no mileage limitation.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　If you're looking for the ultimate all-rounder, the X5 is the SUV you should be looking at. It's expensive, and finding the perfect one may be hard due to the bevy of options and packages, but the X5 will do what you need it to. The base 40i versions will give you sufficient driving entertainment, and the high-horsepower xDrive50i and M50i will definitely raise your pulse even higher.

　　

Which X5 does zzdcar recommend?

Who wouldn't want an M50i model with its super-buff 523 horsepower? But in the world of college tuition funds and mortgage payments, most buyers will still find the more affordable xDrive40i plenty satisfying. Just above the base sDrive40i, the xDrive40i comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and you can equip it with all sorts of plush optional amenities. The xDrive40i is also available with the M Sport package for some extra sporty appeal.

　　

2020 BMW X5 models

The 2020 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV available in four trim levels: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i and M50i. The sDrive40i uses rear-wheel drive, and the remaining three models have standard all-wheel drive. All four use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Seating for five is standard, but you can order an optional third-row seat to boost passenger capacity to seven.

　　The sDrive40i and the xDrive40i are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower, 330 lb-ft). Standard feature highlights include adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension dampers, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch central display, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a 10-speaker sound system.

　　Safety-oriented driver aids include lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.

　　The xDrive50i uses a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (456 hp, 479 lb-ft), and it is equipped with upgraded front seats, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and four-zone climate control. The M50i is motivated by a more powerful version of the 4.4-liter V8 that puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It also adds bigger brakes and sportier suspension and differential tuning.

　　Most equipment that's standard on upper trim levels can be added via options to lower trim levels. But two packages worth noting include the Driving Assistance Professional (a variety of enhanced driver assist features such as stop-and-go cruise control and automatic lane changing) and the Executive package (remote engine start, heated and cooled cupholders, and adaptive LED headlights with laser light).

　　Other optional features include ventilated and massaging seats, semi-automated low-speed driving assistance, parking assistance, a night-vision system, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

　　

2020 X5 Highlights

Type: SUVM50iSUV

　　Trim: sDrive40ixDrive40ixDrive50iM50isDrive40i

　　

Base MSRP	$58,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles