There are numerous, primarily excellent, options in the mid-size luxury SUV sector, but the 2023 BMW X5 stands out for a combination of performance and refinement lacking in many crossovers. The X5’s trio of powertrains, which begin with a quiet, 335-horsepower turbocharged inline-six, contribute to its widespread appeal. With 523 horsepower, twin-turbo V-8 cranks the heat, and a green plug-in hybrid system allows up to 30 miles of electric-only driving. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-class and the Genesis GV80 may be more luxurious than the BMW X5, but the BMW’s elegant, well-tailored interior nevertheless exudes a strong high quality. Additionally, the 2023 BMW X5 handles better than those alternatives, even though it isn’t nearly as sporty as the BMWs of the recent past that we miss. Driving fanatics would choose to pursue a real performance player like the Porsche Cayenne, but the swift, well-rounded X5 ranks close to the top of the class due to its all-around excellence.
What’s New in 2023 BMW X5
There are only a few packaging modifications for 2023. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now part of the X5’s optional Premium package. However, gesture controls for the iDrive infotainment system are not included. The Executive package also does without gesture controls. A new vegan faux-leather option dubbed Sensafin has replaced the upscale optional Vernasca leather upholstery and BMW’s SensaTec animal-free faux-leather.
Pricing
We think the xDrive40i is the X5 to buy since cost efficiency is something we value almost as highly as outstanding performance. With all-wheel drive and sports sedan quickness, it is a relative bargain in this pricey class, reaching 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. We’d advise purchasing the Premium package for its head-up display, four-zone automatic temperature control, remote engine-start functionality, and Harman/Kardon radio system.
Engine of 2023 BMW X5
Three alternative powertrains, each connected with a different model, are available for the 2023 X5. A 335-hp inline-six turbocharger is included with X5s with the sDrive40i or xdrive40i badge. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e’s inline-six turbocharger and electric motor produce 389 horsepower. On our test track, that engine took an X5 from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.7 seconds. (We also tried the 40i, which clocked in at 4.8 seconds for the dash to 60 mph.) Last but not least, the M50i’s 523 horsepower twin-turbo V-8 allows BMW to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Each of the three powertrains is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission so drivers won’t experience any acceleration issues under any conditions.
The X5 is a significant improvement over the previous generation model in terms of a smooth ride, safe handling, and enhanced steering—which feels more connected and direct but is still not exactly what we’d call sports. Although it’s a tight race, the Audi Q7 still beats the X5 in this department. The X5 rewards the driver with a level of predictability absent in the GLE class when you fling it into a tight corner while easily maintaining its grip. Regardless of the engine, the X5 can tow a maximum of 7200 pounds, so keep that in mind if you need to.
Range of 2023 BMW X5
According to BMW, the basic 24.0-kWh battery pack for the xDrive45e model can enable up to 30 miles of all-electric drive. The X5 can go up to 84 mph using its batteries and no gas engine. The battery pack may be recharged at home or at public charging stations at 110- or 220-volt outlets.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, the inline-six-powered X5 is slightly less fuel-efficient than the four-cylinder Q7 and as fuel-efficient as the GLE class’s equivalent with four cylinders. With the V-8, its EPA ratings significantly decline. However, only the 40i model beat its highway rating during real-world highway fuel-economy testing with a 28 mpg result; the M50i earned 20 mpg, 2 fewer mpg than anticipated. The plug-in hybrid 45e achieved 26 mpg overall and 46 mpge when exclusively using battery power.
Interior
The first and second rows of the 2023 BMW X5 offer plenty of room for adults, while the third row is solely available for children. Once inside, passengers are welcomed with a cabin adorned with premium materials, several devices, charging ports, and a wide range of luxury features depending on selected choices. Power-adjustable, memory-equipped front seats designed specifically for drivers are standard. All variants come standard with heated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a motorised rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and programmable ambient lighting. The X5 may feel like a high-end luxury SUV but add a lot of money to the bottom line with features like heated front armrests and the steering wheel, remote start, soft-close doors, soundproof glass, and a leather dashboard. Adding a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system with diamond-domed tweeters is another pricey option for purchasers. The X5 has a lot of cargo space. We could stow 11 carry-on baggage behind the second row of seats while the back seats were occupied. We discovered space for 26 cases after folding the back seats, which can be done from either the side or the back of the SUV. In our test, the GLE-class matched the X5’s performance case for case, although its rear seats are more difficult to stow.
Infotainment
The conservative cockpit is given a modern flair with twin 12.3-inch monitors. One acts as a digital gauge display, a feature that luxury manufacturers are increasingly including, and the other offers users access to the infotainment system, which uses the most recent version of BMW’s iDrive software. Users may operate the system via the touchscreen or the rotary knob positioned in the middle of the console. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard.
Conclusion
The hybrid X5’s weight is its one drawback. The pure gasoline-powered BMW X5 xDrive40i weighs less than half as much as the hybrid X5 xDrive45e. At the BMW Group factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the X5, including the X5 M, is manufactured for global distribution. Stay tuned to Auto Tech Portal for more automobile-related content.
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