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2023 BMW X5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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BMW X5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Strong performance regardless of engine choice
  • Plush and comfortable cabin lives up to its price tag
  • Roomy interior and cargo area

Cons

  • Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
  • Limited interior storage
  • Wide doorsills inhibit entry and exit

Mileage (EPA estimate)

13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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The 2023 BMW X5 is a jack of all trades

The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that sits in between the smaller X3 and the larger X7. Yes, there are even-numbered BMW X models in between, but those are sportier variants with tapered rooflines that are more for looks than utility. The X5 competes with German rivals, such as the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE, plus up-and-coming challengers like the Genesis GV80.

The X5 has a few engines to choose from, depending on your needs. The sDrive40i and xDrive40i come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, and the M50i is the sportier option that features a powerful V8 engine. A plug-in hybrid version, the xDrive45e, is covered separately.

Changes were minor for the 2023 X5, with only a few features shuffled around. One notable change was the removal of gesture controls from the Premium package and the addition of a wireless phone charger instead. Overall, the X5 is a well-rounded SUV that is comfortable and enjoyable to drive and that offers great utility.

All BMW X5 years

What is new for the 2023 BMW X5?

  • X5 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment this year.
  • The M50i trim now comes with Leatherette Seats and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
  • The xDrive40i trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
  • The M trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.

2023 BMW X5 trims

Curious how BMW X5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive40i:

  • 335-hp, 330-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our BMW X5 sDrive40i inventory

xDrive40i:

  • Includes all features available on the sDrive40i
  • 4WD/AWD

M50i:

  • Includes all features available on the xDrive40i
  • 523-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Seat Massagers
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Remote Start
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Harman Kardon Sound

M:

  • Includes all features available on the M50i
  • 600-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • View our BMW X5 M inventory

BMW X5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 BMW X5

What We Like

Comfort on any road: The X5 is equally comfortable on a long road trip, on a winding mountain road, and in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The front seats are supportive and offer an impressive range of adjustability. The standard suspension works well over a variety of surfaces and we actually prefer it to the adaptive suspension.

Flexible cargo area: The X5 has rear seats that fold 40/20/40 for accommodating differently sized items, and while its clever power-clamshell tailgate lengthens the reach to the very back, it does make the loading and unloading of cargo easier. And while the X5's cargo area is on par with its competitors, we found the interior storage compartments and pockets to be a tad on the small side.

Impressive infotainment technology: BMW's iDrive system is advanced but can be daunting at first. But the ability to choose from a touchscreen, control knob, and numerous buttons helps. The voice assistant responds well to natural commands and can control a wide range of vehicle functions. iDrive also gives you access to traffic and weather information and extras like parking availability.

What Needs Improvement

Rear visibility: Direct views to the back are adequate if your seat is adjusted properly, but the side mirrors and door frames can hide pedestrians and other road users from view. Without the 360-degree camera, you start to realize how many little blind spots and hard-to-judge distances there are. We recommend getting the full parking sensor suite.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

2
1
2
Average

RepairPal gave the BMW X5 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X5 12th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X5

BMW X5 features and specs

sDrive40i 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

330

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

21.9

Wheelbase

117.1"

Overall length

194.3"

Width

78.9"

Height

68.7"

Leg room

F 39.8"/R 37.4"

Head room

F 40.8"/R 38.7"

Front tires

P265/50HR19

Rear tires

P265/50HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 BMW X5 FAQ

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