it is known for its driver’s automotive mentality. From the common man’s 3 Series to BMW, BMW’s most memorable cars are small sports cars for those who truly love to drive. However, the X-series SUVs showed up and turned BMW’s fan base upside down. A family-friendly BMW SUV now lands perfectly in the middle ground between performance, comfort and utility. Leading the way for the Bavarians is the venerable BMW X5. The reviews are in and it continues to be a monster hit with critics.
What’s new for the BMW X5 2023?
explains that the only real changes affecting the 2023 BMW X5 are a number of packaging options. Some specific additions include a wireless phone charging pad and gesture controls for the Premium trim. The most elegant trim option, Vernasca leather, has been trimmed in accordance with BMW’s commitment to replacing animal products. Instead, BMW is using a new vegan faux leather option called Sensafin.
stands out.
While some models, like the , have luxury aplenty, others, like the , forgo most of their luxury elements for performance. Standing right in the middle of these two (and many more like them) is the X5. It offers a lot in the way of performance while maintaining a subtle luxury that feels balanced. Even Consumer Reports, despite two recalls, spoke of the agile SUV.
Consumer Reports had this simple compliment to offer the X5: “After putting the redesigned BMW X5 through our test program, there was no debate: It’s among the best SUVs we’ve tested. It is a luxurious, elegant and complete vehicle. The X5 has gotten more refined and comfortable with each new generation, but less of a good-handling SUV. We believe this redesign optimally balances comfort, agility, power delivery and interior quality.”
Is the 2023 BMW X5 fast?
The X5 comes with interesting powertrains, although the potent V8 has more optional tunes depending on trim. The sDrive40i and xDrive40i are equipped with a 335hp turbocharged inline-six. The xDrive45e gets a turbocharged inline-six and electric motor that combine for a snappy 389 hp. When you upgrade to the M50i, the friendly SUV gets a 523PS twin-turbo V8. In this configuration, the BMW X5 is capable of reaching 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. According to Consumer Reports, the V8 is available in multiple levels of tuning that ultimately round out to a 617-hp version.
How many miles per gallon does the BMW X5 get?
Car and Driver recorded the 40i version as performing with 28 mpg. However, the M50i V8 underperformed by two mpg to 20 mpg. The 45e plug-in hybrid delivered 46 MPGe while running on battery only and 26 mpg overall.
Considering the X5’s size and available performance, that’s killer gas mileage. It’s moments like this that really shed light on just how practical the X5 can be. The middle of the pack can be a difficult place to be and still be exciting. However, the BMW X5 gets stuck in the middle while still giving drivers and critics alike a buzz.
