Overview
The 2022 BMW X5 is a versatile player in the mid-size luxury-SUV segment, combining a well-appointed interior and a pleasurable driving experience in one handsome package. Even the entry-level models are richly outfitted with modern technology and convenience features, not to mention a silky-smooth inline-six cylinder engine. Upgrading to the plug-in hybrid model gives the X5 the ability to drive solely on electric power for short trips while the optional twin-turbo V-8 engine delivers seriously punchy acceleration. It might not be as plush inside as the Genesis GV80, nor quite as athletic as the Porsche Cayenne, but when compared to SUVs such as the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class the X5's well-roundedness shines through and for that it wins an Editors' Choice award.
What's New for 2022?
The limited edition Black Vermilion model is new to the lineup for 2022. This black-and-red beauty features unique styling cues as well as a host of high-end features such as Merino Black leather upholstery with red piping, a glass shift knob, a faux-suede headliner, a leather-covered dashboard, and a Harman/Kardon stereo system, to name a few. It's based on the xDrive40i model and only 350 will be offered in the U.S., so if it strikes your fancy act quickly. Elsewhere in the lineup, the wireless smartphone charging pad is no longer offered and the Convenience package (remote start, four-zone automatic climate control, Wi-Fi hotspot) has been eliminated from the spec sheet for 40i models. Those entry-level models are no longer offered with the optional air suspension either. Two new colors are available
The 2022 X5
Engine, Transmission, and Performancewertrains, each associated with a different model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badge are powered by a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 389 horsepower. At our test track, that powertrain motivated an X5 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. (We've also tested the 40i—it managed a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph.) Last but not least, the M50i's 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 enables it to rush to 60 mph in less than four seconds. All three powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and none of them will leave drivers wanting for power in virtually any driving situation.
The X5's refined ride and stable handling are a big improvement compared with the previous-generation model, as is its steering, which feels more connected and direct but still not exactly what we'd consider sporting. The Q7 still has the X5 beat in this area, but it's a close match. Pitch the X5 into a fast corner, and it holds on reliably and rewards the driver with a predictability that's missing from the GLE-class. And if you need to tow, know that the X5's maximum towing capacity is a stout 7200 pounds no matter which engine it has.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the inline-six, the X5 is as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder-powered version of the GLE-class and a tad more fuel-stingy than the four-cylinder Q7, according to the EPA. With the V-8, its EPA ratings drop dramatically. However, during our real-world highway fuel-economy testing, only the 40i model outperformed its highway rating with a 28 mpg result; the M50i recorded 20 mpg, 2 fewer mpg than expected. The plug-in hybrid 45e delivered 46 MPGe in when running only on battery power and 26 mpg overall. For more information about the X5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Twin 12.3-inch displays add a contemporary look to the otherwise restrained cockpit. One serves as a digital gauge display—a feature that's becoming increasingly common among luxury automakers—and the other provides access to the infotainment system, which runs the latest version of BMW's iDrive software. Users can control the system using a variety of methods, including gesture controls, which are less intuitive than just touching the screen or using the center-console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.
Interior
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 of 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Is the BMW X5 a good car?
There aren’t many cars that can do what the BMW X5 can do: it’s like a roomy, comfortable hot hatch on stilts. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, much more so than alternatives such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE.
If you want to get something closer, you’ll need to head to a Porsche Cayenne, but that’s a bit like a 100-metre sprinter at a marathon – it isn’t quite as comfortable or practical for families over long distances.
The BMW X5 has most cars very much licked on the luxury front, though. Everywhere you prod there are luxurious materials and soft-touch plastic, from the top of the dashboard to the door tops. Sure, the overall design is slightly more conservative than that of a Mercedes GLE, but for some, that’ll be a good thing.
And in the centre of the dashboard sits one of the best infotainment systems available in any car. BMW’s iDrive continues to be a doddle to navigate and still comprises a rotary controller with menu shortcut buttons between the front seats and a 12.3-inch screen, which can be controlled using the controller, via touch or by voice.
But BMW isn’t done there – also standard is another 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel acting as the driver’s instruments. It’s clear, crisp and easily configurable. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are now available too.
In town
The X5 is a very big machine for town driving, but it’s not intimidating. You sit up high with a good view out, and although the rear windscreen is small the view over your shoulder isn’t too bad.
Front and rear parking sensors are standard on xLine models, so there’s no excuse for any parking scrapes. That goes double if you pick an M Sport, which has the BMW Parking Assistant system which will reverse the car into a space for you.
The X5 comes with a smooth-shifting automatic gearbox, which makes for easy and unflustered driving in city traffic. Even the least powerful X5 is a quick car, so you can nip into any gaps.
For town driving, the pick of the range has to be the plug-in hybrid 45e. The PHEV will go over 50 miles on battery power alone, according to BMW’s figures. That’s a lot further than most cars of this kind, and even if you struggle to match that in real-world conditions most urban journeys can be completed without burning a drop of petrol.
On the motorway
Every X5 makes an excellent motorway car. Strong performance is a given when even the least powerful diesel can hit 60mph in 6.1 seconds. What’s more important is the way the X5 behaves once up to speed. Engine noise stays in the background, and there’s not much in the way of wind or road noise either. Maybe there’s a bit of a rumble from the tyres but it’s not enough to be irritating.
Air suspension is standard, and with the car set to ‘comfort’ it delivers a silky but controlled ride that should keep car sickness at bay. Combine that with a roomy and luxurious cabin and the X5 is a pleasure to travel in on long journeys.
On a twisty road
This is where the X5 really scores over other big SUVs. It is a hoot to drive on a twisty country road.
Switch to ‘sport’ mode and there’s more weight to the steering, and sharper responses from the gearbox and throttle. The suspension firms up too to reduce body lean in bends. It’s the mode to choose for maximum fun with remarkable grip and poise for a car of this size.
The standard models are rewarding to drive, but the M50i and M Competition take things to another level. These deliver near-supercar levels of performance and handling, although the trade off is a less forgiving and comfortable ride. For most of us, the less expensive models are more than exciting enough.
Boot space
With the optional third-row seats in place, there’s enough boot space for a weekly shop rather than a family holiday. In the five-seat X5 or with the third row lowered, the boot is huge.
The capacity is 650 litres, which means give or take a few litres there’s as much room for bags in the back of the X5 as you’ll find in a large estate car. The exception is the plug-in hybrid, which has a lower 500-litre capacity. That’s still a reasonable size, though.
The X5 has a split tailgate, which means the lower portion folds down rather than up. It makes for a useful seat if you are changing in or out of wellies, for example.
A force for movement.
Unleash the power of the BMW X5 M Competition – a driving experience unlike any other SUV on the road. With an exceptionally powerful engine enhanced by the latest 48V mild-hybrid technology, engineering upgrades by BMW M, and sportier looks as standard, it's the most powerful member of the X5 family.
In touch at all times.
Every control is at your fingertips. The large BMW Curved Display, included as standard, is the perfect platform for interacting with the latest iDrive 8 Operating System. With standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and Remote Software Upgrades, you're always at the cutting edge of connection
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