2024 BMW X5

The X5 was BMW's first SUV way back in 2000, and it continues to be an influential, mold-breaking luxury vehicle more than two decades later. This year marks the fourth-generation X5's midcycle refresh, a thorough revision that includes mild hybrid powertrains, improved interior tech, better safety features, and an updated xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. Slotted between the BMW X3 and X7, the X5 competes with other midsize luxury SUVs including the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

What's New

• Significantly more power and range for the X5 xDrive50e (previously called the xDrive45e) plug-in hybrid, now with BMW IconicSounds Electric, which provides aural feedback when the accelerator is pressed
• Available illuminated kidney grille
• Updated front and rear styling
• New paint options: Marina Bay Blue, Brooklyn Grey, Blue Ridge Mountain, Skyscraper Grey, and Frozen Pure Grey
• New 14.9-inch curved touchscreen infotainment
• I-6 and V-8 engines gain mild hybrid tech
• M Sport model renamed M60i (previously M50i), gains standard rear steering
• Available new Highway Assistant hands-free driving capability
• Non-Competition X5 M has been retired

What We Think

There's little not to like about the current-generation X5, and we found even more appeal with this midcycle refresh. In the pre-refresh SUV, we found even the base inline-six variant plenty quick, and V-8 versions even more so; the X5 M was especially swift and agile for such a large vehicle, but its suspension was too firm, something improved with the new, though not quite equivalent, x5 M60i. That V-8 model impresses with its ability to feel quick and engaging even at reasonable speeds.

The 2024 model feels distinct in its mild hybrid integration, which makes invisible the clunky auto start-stop system as the electric motor immediately engages for takeoff or inching forward at a light. BMW's six-cylinder xDrive40i delivers adequate performance and just enough aural embellishment, and the xDrive50e PHEV integrates its heavier electric integration well.

We were impressed with the X5's big screens and exceptional audio system, and the 2024 tech update is an improvement. That said, it's disappointing that BMW still charges for adaptive cruise control, even if BMW's Highway Assistant is on par with more recognizable names like BlueCruise, Super Cruise, and Autopilot.

Performance and Efficiency

As part of the 2024 refresh, BMW adds mild hybrid functionality to all X5 powertrains. Only the base six-cylinder is available with RWD (the rest are AWD-only), and all X5s work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models except the X5 M see some fuel economy improvement this year compared to 2023. Entry sDrive40i and xDrive40i models are now rated at 23/28 mpg, improvements of 1 to 2 mpg each, while the M60i returns 17/22 mpg for 2024, 1 mpg more city mileage. The X5 M Competition’s 13/18 mpg is unchanged, and we’re still awaiting numbers for the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid.

2024 BMW X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i

• Drivetrain: RWD or AWD
• Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 mild hybrid
• Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/383 lb-ft
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.2 seconds (mfr est)

2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e

• Drivetrain: AWD
• Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 + elec motor
• Horsepower/Torque: 483 hp/516 lb-ft
• Electric-only range: 40 miles (est, up from 31 miles)
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.6 seconds (mfr est)

2024 BMW X5 M60i xDrive

• Drivetrain: AWD
• Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid
• Horsepower/Torque: 523 hp/553 lb-ft
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 seconds (mfr est)

2024 BMW X5 M Competition

• Drivetrain: AWD
• Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid
• Horsepower/Torque: 617 hp/553 lb-ft
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.7 seconds (mfr est)

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2024 BMW X5 AWD received a four-star overall safety rating (out of five) from NHTSA. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. There are more advanced features if you opt for the Driving Assistant Professional package and Highway Assistant.

Highway Assistant Self-Driving*

This year marks the debut of BMW's Highway Assistant semi-autonomous driving system in the X5. We had previously seen the system in the i7. Highway Assistant is a Level 2 semi-autonomous system, similar to GM's Super Cruise or Ford's BlueCruise, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the pedals while driving on the highway at speeds less than 85 mph. That said, buyers still need to be ready to take over at any time.

Cargo Space

The X5 is a sizable luxury SUV with plenty of cargo room at 33.9/72.3 cubic feet with the seats up/down. For reference, a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers 33.3/74.9 cubes, and the 2023 Porsche Cayenne is rated at 22.7-27.2/56.8-60.3 cubic feet.

Technology

The refreshed X5 boasts BMW's latest tech interface, which means a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both housed behind a single shared pane of curved glass. The integrated navigation system is available with an augmented reality feature.  There's also a new configurable ambient light bar ahead of the front passenger, and BMW has improved the functionality of its digital assistant.

The New and Improved X5 Plug-in Hybrid

BMW put in some serious engineering hours to improve the plug-in hybrid X5 as part of its 2024 face-lift. The turbo inline-six is revised, but the real news is the new 194-hp electric motor (up 83 horses over the old motor) and 25.7-kWh battery. Looking at total output, the new xDrive50e's 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque represent huge jumps over the pre-refresh model's 389 hp/443 lb-ft, and the bigger battery is expected to lend an additional nine miles of electric-only range.

Recommended Trim

As tempted as we are by the M60i's snarling twin-turbo V-8, we're most interested in the plug-in hybrid. Performance is way stronger than the base sDrive/xDrive40i version and not too far off the 523-hp M60i, plus it'll operate as an EV for journeys less than 40 miles. BMW fits the PHEV with its Hans Zimmer-composed IconicSounds this year, too, and standard air suspension is sure to keep things comfy.

Other Midsize Luxury SUVs:

• Porsche Cayenne
• Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
• Audi Q8