I sometimes wonder about pop stars or movie stars who are at the top of their game. Yes, they’ve had tremendous success, and they’re lauded for their skills and their list of accomplishments.
But there’s a different kind of pressure on stars who have made it big. Each new individual piece of work is scrutinized and held up in comparison to their body of work. Can they live up to their own reputation?
The same thing probably applies to vehicles that have been anointed through the years as the best in their class. With each new iteration—in this case, each new model year—critics not only compare them to other vehicles in their class, but to the vehicle’s own sparkling past.
I know, cry me a river. But it’s a form of pressure, nonetheless. If you’ve ever been at the top, you know what it’s like.
And with that, here comes the 2025 BMW X-5, a mid-sized luxury SUV that has ridden a wave of success and glowing reviews ever since it was first introduced in 1999. While most manufacturers use the term SUV to indicate off-road capabilities, BMW prefers SAV, a sports activity vehicle. This places the emphasis more on how their machine operates ON the road. It’s a minor distinction, perhaps, but with major implications.
Because let’s face it: the average SUV buyer isn’t using it to climb over boulders and splash through mountain streams, regardless of what the TV commercials show. People drive their shiny SUVs to go shopping, take the kids to school, and show off at the valet parking stand.
And over the past quarter of a century, few sport utility/activity vehicles have scored as high as the BMW X line.
Today’s X5 is part of the fourth generation that was first unveiled in 2018. Since then, there have been tweaks, including tech updates for 2025, but nothing major. Word has it the next gen is in development and will include an electric version and possibly even a hydrogen-powered model before 2030.
The Basics
In years past, the X5 had an option of a third row of seats, but not anymore. Speaking personally, that’s no great loss. Not every vehicle can—or should—compete with every other beast out there, and limiting this beauty to a five-person seating capacity is just fine.
The X5 is available in five trim choices, ranging from the entry-level sDrive40i (prepare yourself for a veritable soup of numbers and letters) to the xDrive40i that I tooled around in, all the way up to the X5 M Competition, which essentially is there to blow your hair back.
That entry choice is rear-wheel drive, but you move up to AWD as you progress through the trims.
The xDrive40i comes with a turbocharged inline six that pumps out 375 horses, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Inside
You can’t really call yourself a luxury SUV if you’re not coming to the party with a nice bottle of wine. BMW shows up with the Silver Oak, my friend.
Finely crafted seats, accessories, and even the dashboard layout all scream top-of-the-line. Yes, some makers have slightly better materials, but if so, it ain’t by much. If you seriously quibble over anything you touch and feel, we’ll think you’re joking.
The seats—heated at all trim levels—are spacious and comfy, and the panoramic moonroof removes any chance of claustrophobia. I enjoyed that every single day.
There are plenty of options that boost your sense of luxury even more, including massaging seats, a leather dashboard, and ambient lighting that you can customize.
The large screens that occupy the bulk of the dash—and which I’ll address in the Tech section—capture your eyes the moment you slide in.
Rear seat passengers will find plenty of room. I’m six feet tall, and I didn’t feel like a sardine back there at all. It’s yet another reason to be thankful they’re no longer stuffing in a third row.
Let’s face it, a BMW will wrap you in style and comfort. It’s one reason you buy it.
The Drive
And here’s the other reason you buy it.
BMW knows it’s competing with some damned good carmakers, so they will always aim to deliver a remarkably smooth—and yet powerful—ride. They get solid marks with the X5.
That powerful engine gets you off the starting blocks with ease. There’s something intangible about just knowing you’ve got the juice when you need it, even if you don’t need it that often. It’s like a simmering beast beneath your right foot, always ready.
Yet there’s nothing monstrous about the feel. The X5 graciously accelerates through all eight speeds, and with very little noise. It’s a nice, quiet cockpit.
Handling? It’s terrific. Same with cornering, steering, and braking. Again, high marks all around.
The Tech
As stated, this is where BMW made a few minor adjustments to this generation of X5s, hoping to remain current and relevant until the next substantial update.
The dual screens on the dash not only pop, but they blend in beautifully with the rest of the design. For the driver, you get a 12-inch screen to display the gauges, and the center screen is more than 14 inches of curved delight.
There’s a phone charging pad, but here’s where we have one of the two minor issues I encountered. If you’re using the cup holders, it’s a tricky little dance accessing the pad. My guess is they’ll address this in future designs.
The other minor complaint is about the lack of simple controls. BMW has had a jones for showing off their tech skills, but it comes at a cost. In this case, convenience. There’s a learning curve to figure out some of the simple climate controls, because heaven forbid we give drivers a simple knob or button to adjust the fans. Instead, like with several manufacturers, you must jump through some hoops for even the most basic functions.
It’s unnecessary and not what any driver really wants. Please, just give me a simple knob to adjust the fans. It would never stop me from purchasing the SUV, but I also didn’t want to pretend everything was perfect.
The rest of the tech is solid. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those worked fine for me, with just one brief connectivity incident.
The Bottom Line
I’ve driven several luxury SUVs through the years, but every time I get behind the wheel of a BMW X—whether it’s the 3, the 5, or the 7—I know I’m getting quality and fun.
Some carmakers put the emphasis on high-end materials, while others focus on performance. With the X5, you get the best of both worlds.
The Details
2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i
Turbocharged in-line six, 375 horsepower
8-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 23/27/25 combined
MSRP: $68,000
As tested: $81,075
Reviewed by Dom Testa
Vehicle provided by manufacturer