2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i First Test: Making a Great Case

The BMW X5 is a mainstay in the luxury SUV space, but it wasn’t always that way. When it arrived a quarter-century ago, such machines were rare, and BMW was largely seen as copying its Mercedes ML-Class (now GLE) competitor in the never-ending arms race between the two German manufacturers.

But that first X5 proved to be excellent, as has pretty much every other version since. The latest model received a midcycle refresh last year, and we’ve just tested the result in its Silver Anniversary Edition spec. Limited to roughly 1,000 copies, it’s a unique blend of various options and features from across the X5 line, though one package is exclusive to the anniversary rig for now. But save that Off-Road package and some special badging, you can order one pretty much identical to our test vehicle (which is good, because it’s basically impossible to find a Silver Anniversary Edition at this point).

The anniversary model uses the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i as its base; there are also rear-drive sDrive40i and AWD hybrid xDrive50e models in the stable. X5 40i SUVs are powered solely by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that’s simply one of the smoothest, most refined, and most aurally satisfying powerplants on the market. Choosing the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i with some options is a fine way to get a really good SUV and save a little money—even if the power and useful all-electric range of the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid are really tempting.

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As for the xDrive40i, while 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque may not sound like a lot these days, the engine punches way above its class, hustling the X5 to 60 mph in a snappy 4.5 seconds. In the real world, this translates to an ability to easily merge onto the freeway at speed or quickly pop into gaps in traffic, lending it a general sense of athleticism.

It also helps that the X5 is one of the more agile SUVs on the market. The steering is maybe a touch too light and numb for our tastes in Comfort mode—Sport mode isn’t a ton better—but it is accurate, making it easy to place within its lane or on a curving road. And you’ll want to hit the curves, as the X5 moves like a much lower and lighter vehicle, especially when you’re really on it. It’s planted and handles predictably, good for having fun and great for things like emergency maneuvers. The Off-Road pack’s M Sport rear differential surely helps here, as well.

As for the Off-Road pack, almost any other X5 would likely handle even better than our test vehicle given the Anniversary Edition’s standard knobbier set of General Grabber AT3s, though in this case that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Besides the obvious gains they provide off-road, the knobbies and the pack’s roof crossbars impart a kinda badass stance you don’t often see from BMW’s midsize SUV.

All X5s have a ride quality that’s comfortable and controlled, but those fitted with the air suspension go above and beyond to keep occupants placated. It’s a positive then that the Anniversary includes this setup in the Off-Road pack goodies, and the softer tires add an additional smear of butter to the way this BMW shrugs off bumps. The air suspension also enables adjustable ride height for off-roading, easier ingress and egress, or improved aerodynamics and efficiency on the freeway.

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Inside, the X5 now features a 14.9-inch curved infotainment screen running the latest iDrive system. It’s gorgeously high-res and very easy to operate in daily use, and it features snappy responses, but BMW’s attempt to flatten the menu structure makes for an extremely crowded functions/app screen that makes occasional-use items difficult to find at a glance or on the move. Thankfully, you rarely need to dive in there for lesser-used features and settings, and the most common ones are usually front and center. The audio system is superb, as usual.

Otherwise, while some shapes, materials, and colors have changed, the cabin remains typical BMW, which is to say well-assembled and ergonomically friendly. The cargo area also continues to be accessed via a split, clamshell-style hatch, where the bottom portion drops like a tailgate. It’s useful for keeping items from rolling out when parked on a hill or conversely as a tailgate for sitting while parked without muddying your pant legs on the bumper.

Regardless of powertrain, the X5 is as good as it ever was, and the recent refresh only helped enhance its inherent excellence. It’s a vehicle we’d happily park in our driveway, even if this desirable Silver Anniversary model is just about history.