The third generation of the X5 started production in 2013. Five years later and without even a mid-cycle refresh, BMW unveiled the fourth, and it’s a lot better than the preceding model. But how is the G05 as a mid-size luxury crossover utility vehicle?
Doug DeMuro took up the challenge to answer that question, starting with the $62,000 retail price (including shipping). Even though it’s built in the United States, the MSRP is so high because the entry-level configuration is the xDrive40i with the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine.
The xDrive50i levels up to $77,000, featuring a twin-turbo V8 that serves as the building block for the engine in the X5 M coming in 2019 for the 2020 model year. In addition to the opulent proportions and attention-grabbing design, the G05 is tons more luxurious than the F15.
While that’s all swell and stuff, Doug is most delighted with the handling dynamics of the X5. “An excellent new SUV with a sporty flair,” the secret to this light-footedness is the CLAR (CLuster ARchitecture) that BMW uses in everything ranging from the 3 Series to the X7 and 8 Series.
There’s no doubt things can get out of control if too many options boxes are ticked off the list, and for that matter, the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 are more practical than the X5. The gesture controls are a gimmick at best, and models equipped with the comfort seats could use more bolstering.
Even though cabin design gets minimal (e.g., Tesla Model 3), the instrument panel is so cluttered that it can be distracting to some people. Nevertheless, all of these cons pale in comparison to what a difference the G05 makes compared to the F15 before it.
And with a Dougscore of 62 points, the X5 ranks between the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic (64) and Audi Q8 (also 62). The best crossovers on the Dougscore chart are the Jaguar I-Pace and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, although it must be highlighted those two are different in a lot of areas compared to the mid-size luxury crossover from BMW.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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