The BMW X5 is a Hit With the Critics
BMW is known for its driver’s car mentality. From the everyman’s 3-Series to the fire-breathing M cars, BMW’s most memorable cars are small sporty cars for people who truly love driving. However, the X-series SUVs showed up and turned the BMW fan base on its head. A family-friendly BMW SUV now lands perfectly in the middle ground between performance, comfort, and utility. Leading the way for the Bavarians is the venerable BMW X5. The reviews are in, and the 2023 BMW X5 continues to be a monster hit with the critics.
What’s new for the 2023 BMW X5?
Car and Driver explains that the only real changes hitting the 2023 BMW X5 are a series of packaging options. Some specific additions include a wireless phone charging pad and gesture controls for the Premium trim. The fanciest upholstery option, the Vernasca leather, has been cut as per BMW’s commitment to replacing animal products. Instead, BMW uses a new vegan faux-leather option called Sensafin.
Is the 2023 BMW X5 a good SUV?
There surely is no shortage of luxury mid-size SUVs. Frankly, the roads are lousy with them. Not only are there plenty of them, but there are also plenty of good ones. It makes one model standing out quite the feat. Even still, the 2023 BMW X5 stands out.
While some models, like the Genesis GV80, have luxury in spades, others, like the Porsche Cayenne, forfeit most of their luxury elements for performance. Standing right in the middle of these two (and many more like them) is the X5. It offers plenty in the way of performance while still maintaining a subtle luxury that feels balanced. Even Consumer Reports, despite two recalls, gushed about the nimble SUV.
Consumer Reports had this simple compliment to offer the X5: “After we put the redesigned BMW X5 through our test program, there was no debate: it’s among the best SUVs we’ve tested. It is a luxurious, slick, and well-rounded vehicle. The X5 has become more refined and comfortable with each new generation but less of a crisp-handling SUV. We think this redesign optimally balances comfort, agility, power delivery, and interior quality.”
Is the 2023 BMW X5 fast?
The X5 comes with interesting powertrains, although the powerhouse V8 has multiple optional tunes depending on trim. The sDrive40i and xDrive40i come with a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e gets a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for a snappy 389 hp. When you step up to the M50i, the friendly SUV gets a 523-hp Twin-turbocharged V8. In this configuration, the BMW X5 is capable of hitting 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. According to Consumer Reports, the V8 is available with multiple levels of tune that eventually top out with a 617-hp version.
How many miles per gallon does the BMW X5 get?
Car and Driver recorded the 40i version as outperforming with 28 mpg. However, the V8 M50i underperformed by two mpg at 20 mpg. The plug-in hybrid 45e delivered 46 MPGe while running only on battery power and 26 mpg overall.
Considering the size of the X5 and the performance available, this is killer gas mileage. It’s moments like this that really shine a light on how practical the X5 can be. The middle of the pack can be a tough place to be and still be exciting. However, the BMW X5 hangs in the middle while still giving drivers and critics a buzz.
