The 2025 BMW X5 boasts a classy-looking cabin, plenty of upscale features and pleasing performance. A variety of engines are also available to appeal to the power-hungry and fuel-conscious alike. There are some drawbacks, such as controls that are difficult to use, but overall the X5 is one of the most appealing midsize luxury SUVs on the market.Read full review
Luxurious, comfortable cabin lives up to its price tag
Spacious interior and cargo area
Cons
Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
Limited interior storage
Wide doorsills inhibit entry and exit
What's new
Hands-free Highway Assistant adds an autonomous lane change function
Minor equipment and packaging revisions
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
3/18/2025
If we had to summarize the 2025 BMW X5 in three words, they would be performance, poise and practicality. This midsize luxury SUV is quick and rewarding to drive, is assembled with care using quality materials, and has a roomy interior with available seating for up to five people or more than 70 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. It impresses in standard specification. However, you can upgrade to the efficient xDrive50e plug-in hybrid or maximize performance with the M60i's turbocharged V8 engine. No matter which X5 you choose, it will likely satisfy your luxury SUV cravings.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 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 $4.11 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Edmunds spotlight: Is the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid worth it?
With the X5 xDrive50e, BMW offers a plug-in hybrid version of the SUV that can travel about 40 miles running only on electricity. After that, the gasoline engine turns on, and the xDrive50e will reportedly return 22-23 mpg. BMW charges a $5,100 premium for this powertrain compared to a standard X5 xDrive40i, but you get more than just electric-only driving. The X5 xDrive50e boasts 108 more horsepower, contributing to a claimed 4.6-second acceleration run to 60 mph compared to 5.3 seconds for the more fuel-efficient 375-hp xDrive40i. Is the X5 plug-in hybrid worth the added cost? Plug it in each night and charge the battery, and in the long run, the answer might be yes. But it will take a while to make the numbers pencil.
Competitors to consider
This midsize SUV competes with a range of two-row and three-row rivals that include the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90, and all except the Audi are available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. From this quartet, the BMW most closely matches the Mercedes in price, size, performance and available configurations.
What’s it like to live with?
We conducted a long-term test of a 2020 BMW X5 and found living with the SUV to be a rewarding experience. Since then, BMW has made many changes to the X5, but the newest models remain part of the same generation as our long-term test vehicle, meaning many of our observations still apply to the 2025 model.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Great
8.1
out of 10
We drove the 2025 BMW X5 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds 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.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the X5 drive? We tested the X5 xDrive 50e, which is the plug-in hybrid X5. The hybrid powertrain makes a mountain of smooth torque. It's enough to push you back in your seat. At our test track, our test X5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. You'll also get almost preternatural handling for something so massive. It's all very impressive and, in routine driving, the quiet torque adds to the luxury feel. The brakes are strong for when you need to stop quickly.
BMW has also paired this hybrid system with a silky smooth inline-six engine, and that means when you ask for full power, all you get is smooth, easy acceleration. It isn't rattly or clunky. In fact, the engine sounds rather pleasant.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the X5? It might be class-leading in its performance metrics, but that doesn't come at the expense of comfort. The X5 is so composed, quiet and comfortable it almost surprises you on the road. Think of the X5 as your palace from the outside world. The wheels are large and perhaps that's this SUV's main fault. They tend to transmit bigger road imperfections into the cabin, and we think smaller wheels with cushier sidewalls would iron out almost everything the road can throw at them.
The seats are covered in lovely synthetic or real leather upholstery and are very adjustable. But we do think the climate control system could be better. Aside from the system being fussy to use, the fans are too weak and too loud for a car this pricey.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The X5's interior has one major issue: the difficult-to-use controls. Most of them are buried in the infotainment display menus, and it demands you tap around a seemingly endless number of apps and pages to get to where you want to go. The learning curve will be too steep for some, but those who put the work in to figure it out get to reap the goodness of the rest of this cabin.
The seats are very comfortable and there's plenty of headroom and legroom. Visibility out of all sides and windows is good, and there is ample room for five passengers. Plus, BMW has done a great job of making the X5's cabin look classy and special with high-quality materials and LED ambient lighting.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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How’s the tech? Though somewhat difficult to navigate through, there's very little faulting this tech suite's features. The screen reacts quickly and looks great thanks to deep blacks and great, bright colors. The sound system will be more than acceptable to most — hardcore audiophiles will want the optional Bowers & Wilkins, which our test car didn't have equipped. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both connect wirelessly and work faultlessly; our time with the X5 didn't have a single errant disconnect.
BMW's voice control system is one of the best around, and while it might still feel weird to talk to your car, the system works well enough that you'll want to use it. It can process commands like opening the sunroof, changing the temperature, turning on and off the head-up display, and more. Given how many of these functions are buried in a screen menu, this is a welcome feature.
The driver aids in the X5 remain some of the best in the industry. The lane keeping assistance works well and is primarily active on the highway, meaning it doesn't try to wrench your hands from the steering wheel on city streets. The adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are all excellent too. Our lone gripe is that, with the Driving Assistant Professional package, there's very little warning supplied for when you can no longer use hands-free driving; it only works at up to 40 mph.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? A big, flat storage area and clever clamshell trunk opening make for a useful cargo area. We tested the plug-in hybrid X5 and found that its battery pack doesn't reduce cargo volume much. In terms of cargo space, the X5 xDrive50e is a winner.
Unfortunately, the big cabin doesn't have many places to stash your smaller personal items. The cellphone tray is handy, but it's obstructed if you're using the cupholders, and the center console box is relatively small. The door pockets are moderately sized but don't do much to help you organize your small items. For such a luxury family-oriented vehicle like the X5, it's unfortunate there's not more cabin storage.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Hybrids are typically linked with efficiency, but the xDrive50e we tested yielded a similar average mpg as the last non-hybrid six-cylinder X5 we tested. The EPA says the X5 xDrive50e, which is what we tested, will get 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We achieved 23 mpg on average in our time with our test vehicle. The EPA also says it will go 39 miles in EV-only mode on a full charge. This is pretty impressive considering the X5's size and weight. But if you can't regularly take advantage of the EV range, the standard X5 with the six-cylinder engine will serve you just as well in terms of fuel efficiency.
Value
8/10
Is the X5 a good value? It's hard to say that anything that costs as much as an X5 is a good value, but you are certainly getting what you pay for. The build quality is superb, the interior is covered in high-quality materials, and there are never any random squeaks from the interior panels. BMW offers a warranty that's on par with competitors. Buyers will get four years/50,000 miles of basic and drivetrain coverage. You also get four years of roadside assistance regardless of mileage and three years/36,000 miles of complementary maintenance.
Wildcard
8/10
The X5 will make you smile because of the silent knowledge that you're in one of the best-built, well-thought-out SUVs on the market. The plug-in hybrid version is ideal for those who live with a place to charge and make a lot of short drives. You'll see a lot of X5s on the road, but there's a reason for this.
Which X5 does Edmunds recommend?
Our favorite version of the BMW X5 is the xDrive40i. It offers plenty of power from its silky smooth inline six-cylinder engine, has all-wheel drive for traveling in lousy weather, and supplies commendable fuel economy for an SUV of this size. It also has plenty of standard features and optional upgrades.
2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Bought a 2024 BMW X5 m40i about a month ago. Totally impressed! Exterior styling changes further enhance the beauty of the car. Interior is clean, simple, and elegant. Engine and transmission powerful and smooth. Very quiet ride! I carefully compared to Mercedes GLE 450 before purchase. GLE body style looked a bit dated and stodgy to me. Reviews of GLE touted interior luxury, but to … me, the BMW is hands down more luxurious and up to date looking. During driving test, the GLE was not as tight and nimble, and I felt some roll in curves. BMW driving performance was superb and superior. For me, the choice was easy. BMW X5 delivers an excellent blend of luxury and performance that is best in class.
An Impressive vehicle
5 out of 5 stars
X5 Driver, 01/20/2024
2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I have owned the X5 for four months now, and I am extremely pleased with it. The base engine is powerful and smooth, and I’m glad I didn’t get the 50i. The interior is beautiful and very comfortable. The technology package is also well worth it, for the self-driving feature. Multiple times now, I’ve been able to engage it on a highway, let it drive for 30 miles or more at a time. It does … an nice job. My only complaint is about the lags and glitches with iDrive 8. But I just bypass it and use CarPlay.
Luxurious and fast, but not without faults
3 out of 5 stars
PThomas, 03/15/2024
2024 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
It has only 200 miles on it so time will tell how reliable it is, but everything works fine. We did buy the maintenance plan because the car has a lot of expensive maintenance which takes time and trips to the dealer. It’s my wife’s car and she looked at many of the competitors and chose the BMW. First the good things. It’s very smooth, quiet, fast, and luxurious. The interior has pretty … wood and soft surfaces, a very nice wide screen, color changeable ambient lighting, lots of features and capabilities, etc. The sport seats are very comfortable and the front legroom and headroom are excellent. The start/stop function, which you can only turn off by putting the transmission in sport mode, is hardly noticeable. BMW has done a good job with the mild hybrid function and it gets good gas mileage, especially considering the power and weight. The transmission engages and shifts very smoothly. The infotainment/technology is very good and fast. It’s almost overwhelming. The car can do so many things from voice and gesture control, park itself, to lane changes. We’re still trying to figure out how to do certain functions that change with the different key fobs. That’ll come, but the class on all the features is almost a necessity. Utube has been helpful. The standard in line six turbo has all the power you need. Do you really need to go from zero to sixty in less than 5 seconds and go around a corner at warp speed? If so, get a sports car. The inline 6 has a very reliable reputation, which can’t be said about the V8s. It’s very fast. It’s a good thing the speed limit sign is displayed because it’s easy to go much faster without realizing it. The car is extremely comfortable and the run flat tires are very smooth. The vehicle feels a bit heavy, but it handles well. IMHO, you don’t buy an X5 to race. It handles well, but I would not say that it has sports car handling.
Now for the not so good. The back seat legroom is tight and it’s a challenge to get in and out, especially since there isn’t a third row. There are no buttons in the cargo area to fold down the rear seats. For the life of me I don’t know why BMW didn’t include them, especially since many other OEM’s do and BMW includes so many nice features elsewhere. The “clamshell” rear hatch is good, and I like the little truck like tailgate, which protects the rear painted area. Don’t accidentally hit the close button with your torso when you’re putting something in the cargo area because the tailgate will close and send whatever is on the tailgate flying, not to mention surprising you. They could have put the button in many other out of the way places. The car does not come with a spare. The interior storage is limited. There is no sunglass holder and no storage under the front stack like most OEMs. The electronic shifter takes some getting used to. The wireless charger barely charges, but that’s what you get with most wireless chargers. You have the run flat tires, but where do you drive to in 50 miles, unless you have a spare, especially if you’re on the road? It REQUIRES premium gas which costs 20% more than regular so it’s like cutting the mpg by 20%. Consumer Reports terms it the most expensive car to own over 10 years and second most after 5 years. More than a Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, etc. Yikes! The depreciation really increases precipitously when the warranty runs out. It doesn’t come with leather unless you pay $2k extra. It comes with “Sensafin” which is a fancy term for vinyl. It does look and feel good and is supposed to hold up and look better than leather. It’s the first vinyl interior we’ve had in 25+ years and we’ve never had a problem with leather.
BMW screwed up the selling process. Everything was fine on the first ordered car when we went to pick it up, until they went to finalize the sale on the computer. The trade title had already been signed, the paperwork done etc. It wouldn’t go through because there was a recall. This was on a car made days before. Some sort of software/sensor problem. Really? So she ordered an identical one, but that meant driving the trade home, picking up the signed title, etc. and waiting again. There were no recalls on the second ordered car so she drove it home, but they forgot to order the all weather mat in the cargo area on the second car, which necessitated another trip to the dealer an hour away. BMW’s high end sales process was good, but they glossed over the nuts and bolts of the basic sales process. That doesn’t bode well for the rest of the experience, but I hope it’s much better. She had to order another car and they still couldn’t get it right on the second try. We did order a spare from BMW, which costs $250, so the car has a spare. You can get a spare in an ordered car, but they don’t normally come on a car on the lot.
I’ll update later on the ownership, which I hope goes
much better. The software did hiccup. When the car had 250 miles on it all a sudden it starting saying lots of maintenance was past due. My wife figured out the car’s calendar thought it was 2035. Two attempts to put the real date in finally worked. Hopefully that issue won’t come back. On a side note I had the car ceramic coated at our house for 1/5th what the dealer would have charged. The car really looks good and it sheds water nicely from all surfaces.
The car market has gone from 800k cars two years ago to 2.8 million today so the market has normalized and BMW is right at the average market days to sell so supply has caught up with demand. Dealers like to act like it was 2 years ago, but you can negotiate and every OEM has incentives like the 2.99% financing on the X5s. It’s going to get even better for buyers as the supply continues to go up and the dealers acknowledge it’s not yesterday.
Great car, if it doesn’t die on you
1 out of 5 stars
Kevin C, 02/01/2024
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
1st BMW for us. X5 50e. Great, loved the car. 3 months after purchase, 3003 miles, suffered “drivetrain malfunction” while going over the Grapevine in California. Towed to dealership in SoCal where the car sits to this day. Day 32 now. Service advisor said “Germany is making all the decisions”. Took 3 wks to figure out what is wrong. Need to replace the high voltage battery and … some battery control module or something. No ETA on when parts will be available for repairs. No end in sight. BMW North America - talk about NOT being helpful! First and LAST BMW for this family. I’ve driven Hondas all my life, all my kids now drive Hondas… BMW lost a repeat customer for the next 30 yrs because of the poor service, not the crappy lemon they sold me. Was more than willing to give them a second/third chance, but not with poor customer service I experienced.
Starting process to have BMW buy it back and get my money back. We’ll see how that goes…
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 BMW X5, so we've included reviews for other years of the X5 since its last redesign.
BMW's X5 has been around for more than two decades and throughout that time has offered a satisfying blend of performance, luxury and cutting-edge technology. With seating for five (the X5 used to offer an optional third row) and a choice of powerful six- and eight-cylinder engines as well as a plug-in hybrid version, the X5 can be tailored to suit almost any SUV buyer's needs. Having just received a mild styling refresh and interior updates for the 2024 model year, we don't think BMW is likely to change anything substantial on the X5 for 2025.
Edmunds spotlight: Powerful powertrains
No matter which level of X5 you choose, you won't be lacking for horsepower. In its entry-level forms, the sDrive40i and all-wheel-drive xDrive40i, the X5 uses a twin-turbocharged three-liter inline six-cylinder engine churning out a healthy 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, adds an electric motor, boosting power to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and provides an EPA-estimated 40 miles of electric-only range. At the top of the model line is the M60i and its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Of course if you require even more power, there's the potent X5 M, which we review separately.
Competitors to consider
Most every luxury manufacturer offers an SUV in the midsize segment so the X5 has a fair bit of competition. The strongest rivals come from Germany in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Porsche Cayenne. Other midsize luxury SUVs include the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the Genesis GV80 and the Maserati Levante. If the X5 doesn't quite fit your lifestyle, BMW offers the smaller and versatile X3 and the larger three-row X7 SUV.
Edmunds says
On the heels of a styling refresh and interior update, we don't think the BMW X5 will arrive with any significant updates for the 2025 model year. We expect the X5 to remain a strong option in its segment thanks to its well-rounded performance and well-integrated technology.
FAQ
Is the BMW X5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 X5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 X5 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the X5 ranges from 31.1 to 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW X5. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 BMW X5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 BMW X5:
Hands-free Highway Assistant adds an autonomous lane change function
Minor equipment and packaging revisions
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the BMW X5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the X5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the X5's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 BMW X5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 BMW X5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 X5 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 X5 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 X5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 BMW X5?
The least-expensive 2025 BMW X5 is the 2025 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $66,300.
Other versions include:
sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $66,300
xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $68,600
xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,800
M60i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $90,850
If you're interested in the BMW X5, the next question is, which X5 model is right for you? X5 variants include sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), and M60i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of X5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more