2022 BMW X5

　　

2022 BMW X5 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　BMW's extensive SUV roster started with just one vehicle: the original BMW X5. Now in its third decade of production, the BMW X5 is currently one of the most compelling choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Every version offers impressive acceleration, a wealth of technology features, and a spacious, comfortable cabin. You can even add a third-row seat to the X5. It's good in a pinch, but if you consistently require seven-passenger capacity, we recommend getting the larger BMW X7.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $60,600 MSRPxDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $62,900 MSRPxDrive45e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $63,700 MSRPM50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $82,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　This year, the 2022 BMW X5 carries over with minimal changes beyond the arrival of an opulent Black Vermilion version of the xDrive40i. Available for just one year, the X5 Black Vermilion pairs plush equipment with flashy styling inside and out. Overall the X5 is a solid choice for a luxury SUV among rivals such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Be sure to read our Expert Rating of the BMW X5 to learn more about this appealing SUV.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Seriously considering the BMW X5? Our experts evaluated an xDrive40i for an extended period of time. Read our 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i long-term road test to learn about our experiences owning and driving this SUV. Note that while we tested a 2020 model the 2022 X5 is of the same generation and our observations still apply.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below