2024 BMW X5: Business as Usual

The BMW X5 was launched in 1999 as the brands first ever entry into the SUV market. Back then the question was whether BMW could create a Sport Utility Vehicle that was not only luxurious but also one that could offer an engaging driving experience. BMW was able to successfully blend utility, strong performance and great handling in a high riding vehicle that met the requirements of the brand. The X5 has been so successful that it has become a benchmark of excellence when others try to recreate a sporty luxury midsize SUV. A quarter-century later, BMW now offers a full range of SUV’s and for the X5 its business as usual. For each generation, BMW keeps using a similar blueprint that continues to work well. The X5 remains a strong performer and continues to sell in high volume for the brand. Its position within its segment remains steady and if you’re looking for an SUV that focuses on driving dynamics, the X5 is usually the first one that comes to mind. For 2024, the midsized X5 receives a mid-cycle refresh that includes revised styling, upgraded engines and a reimagined interior.

Exterior Design: Thankfully playing it safe with the changes

In the last few years we have seen BMW go bold with their grille designs. They’ve been tinkering around by making changes to their classic double kidney grille. The results have been controversial and we have ended up with enlarged grilles that are needlessly longer and wider than they need to be. Nobody has asked for these changes and models such as the well-loved M3/M4 have fallen victim to this design cue, as well as some electric models like the iX. With that said, thankfully, BMW didn’t do anything too radical to the X5’s grille. It remains a respectable size and looks like a traditional BMW. That of course is a wonderful thing. It is accompanied by slender headlights and an all-new bumper design. A broad rising character line creates a muscular and athletic profile. Small air vents or in BMW terms “air breathers” are found on the lower front fenders and are functional rather than just a decoration. Apparently they channel the air moving through the wheel well area, allowing for better fuel consumption. In the rear the taillights are redone and BMW are now calling them 3D. The rear hatch splits which adds versatility and lowers the load floor making it slightly easier to get bulky items in or out. The X5 is still a handsome design and BMW wisely chose to play it safe with this update. If the grille was larger, BMW may alienate loyal buyers and that’s something they won’t let happen. The X5 is also sportier in appearance then say the Mercedes-Benz GLE or Audi Q7.

BMW “air breathers” on the lower front fenders

Interior Design: This is where the big changes are

Step into the 2024 BMW X5 and you will notice major changes when compared to the 2023 version. An expansive new curved display covers over half of the dashboard. This single panel includes a 12.3-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel and a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen that features the brands new iDrive 8 software. The screen is touch sensitive, but for those who don’t like touchscreens, BMW also decided to include a center-console mounted rotary knob that allows users to control the system. It is nice that BMW is offering occupants a choice when it comes to controlling the infotainment interface. I for one prefer using the rotary-knob and associated buttons as it is easier to use and helps me keep my eyes on the road, instead of being distracted with the touchscreen. Other conventional buttons and switches can also be found in the interior. Combine that with high tech features and the new X5 broadens its appeal to different age brackets, both young and old.

BMW’s new toggle shifter and rotary knob for the infotainment system in the X5

The X5’s most radical change includes the removal of a traditional tall stick shifter. This has been replaced by a new toggle design. This toggle shifter is a bit finicky as I had a difficult time getting used to it. When wanting to put the car in reverse, I’d end up in neutral, then Sport mode, before finally getting it right. For whatever reason BMW decided to keep buttons and knobs but chose to remove a standard stick shifter. Maybe it looks cleaner and more modern but it’s not as effective as other toggle or button shifters I have tried. After a day of usage, I’d say it’s alright but I would prefer a regular shifter in the X5.

Front seats are well bolstered and hold you in nicely when you go for a spirited drive. The steering wheel can be adjusted and feels great to the touch. High end materials can be found throughout the cabin and fit and finish couldn’t be better, as that’s a true strength of the brand. The interior of the X5 screams high-end luxury and plenty of available options can make your X5 unique. Space is generous for both driver and passenger as well as rear occupants. In the rear, there is plenty of room for people big and small. Rear seats fold flat, leaving ample room for cargo.

Generous rear leg and head room is available in the X5

Standard safety equipment includes Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collison Warning and Lane Departure warning. A great rear-view camera, parking assist and seat belt pretensioners are also available. Other features such as the Advanced Driver Assistant are available in packages that will increase the cost.

For the BMW X5 the trend of excellent interior design continues. The interior reflects both a sporty and premium vibe that accurately represents the heritage of BMW. It is attractive, technology friendly and comfortable. The 2024 update keeps the X5 fresh and in line with its main rivals from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover and Genesis for the time being.

How it drives: Still sporty but much more refined and comfortable

The 2024 BMW X5 is trying hard to appeal to the masses as it comes available in three distinct flavors. The X5 xDrive40i and U.S. only X5 sDrive40i come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 375 HP and 398 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M60i comes with a mighty 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 523 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engine choices are paired with a 48-volt hybrid system to give fuel efficiency a slight boost. The X5 also comes as a plug-in-hybrid that combines an electric motor with the 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. This combo delivers 483 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in is good for 40 miles (64 km) with its all electric range.

I ended up driving the X5 xDrive40i with the 3.0-liter inline-six. BMW is often known for having engaging driving dynamics and is often the brand of choice for car enthusiasts. Performance, power and handling are a part of BMW’s DNA and the X5 definitely lives up to that. The inline-six is silky smooth, offering good power off the line. You can feel its weight as you gain speed but the X5 never feels slow. All X5’s come with an 8-speed automatic transmission that works perfectly with this vehicle. The X5 handles well, feeling stable and balanced. There is some minor body roll but nothing to complain about when considering that this is a big and heavy vehicle. There are no real surprises with the X5 as its predictable around turns, creating a level of confidence and a desire to push it even harder. Steering feels precise, accurate and well connected to the road. The X5 has a refined ride and feels a little less sporty than I may have expected. While still having a sporty feel, the suspension has been tuned for a much softer ride than X5’s of old, making it more comfortable. A softer ride means that the X5 handles patchy roads effortlessly. While hardcore BMW enthusiasts may not be pleased, your average buyer probably will enjoy the added level of comfort.

The X5 has a sporty stance and this version produces 375 Horsepower!

The BMW X5 is still geared towards those who want a performance oriented luxury SUV. The Porsche Cayenne may have surpassed the X5 in performance and others are beginning to match BMW. With that said, BMW is aiming for a broader audience and comfort is a quality that many buyers are looking for. A more pleasant drive will likely bring in traditional Mercedes and Lexus buyers to the brand; and that suits BMW just fine. BMW has been able to create a vehicle that is very agreeable. The X5 is still a well-planted, good handling SUV that can still be engaging to drive. In many ways the X5 has grown up to become a very well-rounded SUV, better than before.

BMW M Sport wheels with blue brake calipers

Final Thoughts: Updates will attract an even larger audience

Its business as usual at BMW and the X5 is a major money maker for the company. This version feels more businesslike than before as BMW made sure the X5 carries out all expected tasks efficiently. Everything functions well in a smart and systematic way. It’s an icon for the brand and the X5 still exemplifies the expectations of what a BMW should be. It’s got style, luxury, tech and prestige. The X5 feels athletic on the road and comes in three distinct offerings to help cover all corners of the midsize luxury SUV segment. Even though the X5 may not stand out in the same way that it used to, it still is a fun to drive SUV that is more comfortable than ever before. By blending in sportiness and refinement, the X5 is a satisfying product that becomes more attractive to the masses. With the 2024 refresh, BMW puts in the work and gets to the point by creating a more complete product that will likely remain a favorite until the new generation arrives.

Pricing and Specifications:

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt hybrid system - 375 HP; 398 lb-ft torque (X5 xDrive40i and X5 sDrive40i)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six + electric motor - 483 HP; 516 lb-ft torque (Plug-in-hybrid)

4.4-lter twin-turbo V8 -523 HP; 553 lb-ft torque (X5 M60i)

Canada:

X5 xDrive40i - $86,000

X5 Plug-in-hybrid - $90,000

X5 M60i - $105,000

US:

X5 sDrive40i - $65,200

X5 xDrive40i - $67,500

X5 Plug-in-hybrid - $72,500

X5 M60i - $89,300

Main Competitors:

Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lexus RX, Lincoln Nautilus, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne

2023 Acura Integra: Riding the Wave of Nostalgia

2024 Volvo XC60: Designed to Make Life Easier