2021 BMW X5 Review

　　

2021 BMW X5 Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The original X5 was one of the first luxury SUVs to hit the market, and each subsequent generation has only improved on that successful formula. This 2021 X5, which is part of the fourth generation that debuted just a couple of years ago, is an impressively luxurious and capable SUV. Whether you're looking for performance, a premium cabin design or the latest in technology features, the X5's got it. There's even a new plug-in hybrid X5 this year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,400 MSRPxDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $61,700 MSRPxDrive45e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $65,400 MSRPM50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $82,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Unlike those early days of the X5, however, there's plenty of competition when it comes to midsize luxury SUVs for 2021. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one the X5's most direct rivals. It offers many of the same features as well as a range of trims and performance variants that line up about evenly with what you'll see on the X5. There's also the Porsche Cayenne to consider if you're willing to spend more for the best-driving vehicle in its class. And if you need even more space, the BMW X7 is essentially an X5 with more rear passenger and cargo space. But if you like the X5, check out our X5 Expert Rating to see our in-depth evaluation.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Thinking about buying an X5? You'll want to read what our experts' take on what it's like to drive an xDrive40i every day. We're testing it for a year and reporting on qualities such as comfort, fuel economy and reliability. Check out our 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i long-term test for our in-depth coverage.

　　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, however, are less impressive. 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, though. Get the optional surround-view camera system to help with parking maneuvers.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? BMW's latest iDrive system is advanced, 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 smartphone compatibility is standard, as is Android Auto. 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. Automatic 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

7.5/10

　　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 think the build quality and capability are 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 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 might 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?

As much fun as the turbocharged V8 can be, we suggest saving some money and sticking with the X5 xDrive40i. Its turbocharged six-cylinder engine is still plenty potent, and the list of standard and optional features generally mirrors those on the more expensive models.

　　

2021 BMW X5 models

The 2021 BMW X5 is offered in four trim levels: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e and X5 M50i. (The high-performance X5 M is reviewed separately.) All but the base sDrive40i come standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. Seating for five is standard, and an optional third row increases capacity to seven.

　　sDrive40i and xDrive40i

　　The only significant difference between the two trims is that the xDrive40i comes with all-wheel drive while the sDrive40i uses rear-wheel drive. Standard features include:

　　Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower, 330 lb-ft) Eight-speed automatic transmission Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) 19-inch wheels Adaptive suspension dampers Panoramic sunroof Simulated leather upholstery Power-adjustable and heated front seats Keyless entry with push-button start Digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 10-speaker audio systemStandard safety features and driver aids include:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)Options on these trims include:

　　Individual options Front and rear heated seats Heated front armrests and steering wheel Third-row seating Adjustable air suspension (can adjust the vehicle's ride height) Upgraded M Sport brakes M Sport package 20-inch wheels M Sport steering wheel M Sport exterior trim Convenience package Remote start Four-zone automatic climate control Wireless charging Wi-Fi hotspot Premium package

　　Includes Convenience package features, adding: Gesture control for the infotainment system (can use hand gestures to control certain vehicle features) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Executive package

　　Includes Premium package features plus: Adaptive laser headlights Panoramic glass roof with embedded LEDs Glass-trimmed shifter and infotainment knob Rear window shades Driving Assistance package Upgraded cruise control with stop-and-go traffic assist and steering assist on the highway Luxury Seating package 20-way power-adjustable, ventilated and massaging front seats Leather upholstery xDrive45e

　　The xDrive45e is new for 2021. It's a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has a small battery pack that can be plugged in and charged, allowing for an estimated 30 miles of all-electric driving, more than twice the estimated range of the last X5 plug-in hybrid. It uses a turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired with electric motors. Total system output is 389 hp.

　　Features and options broadly match those on the sDrive40i and xDrive40i, although you can't get the third-row seat on the xDrive45e.

　　M50i

　　The M50i represents a middle tier between the regular X5 and the bonkers X5 M. It's powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lb-ft) and has a number of performance features, though it's not as hardcore as the full M model. Feature include those on the lower models, but it adds or replaces some features, including:

　　M Sport brakes M Sport-tuned adaptive suspension and all-wheel-drive system M Sport steering wheel 20-inch wheels Leather upholstery 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Standard 20-way power-adjustable front seats Four-zone automatic climate control Wireless charging Optional Premium package Optional Executive package

　　

2021 X5 Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridM50iSUV

　　Trim: sDrive40ixDrive40ixDrive45eM50isDrive40i

　　

Base MSRP	$59,400
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
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