2019 BMW X5 Review

When the BMW X5 came out for the 2000 model year, it more resembled a lifted station wagon than anything that passed for an SUV in those days. Sure, it offered a commanding driving position, more ground clearance and useful cargo capacity, but BMW also made it fun and engaging to drive. Now, almost two decades later, the redesigned 2019 BMW X5 sticks to the same formula. It's larger and more tech-laden than ever before, but it can still make quick work of a twisty road.

Its bigger schnoz — BMW's classic double kidney grille — is the easiest way to identify this new model compared to the previous-generation X5. Behind the grille is a familiar engine lineup: a 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine or a 456-hp turbocharged V8. Inside is where you'll find more significant changes. There's more space now, particularly for the second-row and optional third-row seats.

The 2019 X5 also comes with BMW's newest iteration of its sophisticated iDrive infotainment system. It features twin 12.3-inch displays, which BMW calls Live Cockpit Professional. One serves as a customizable instrument panel while the other handles all of the functions controlled by iDrive. Overall, we're pleased with the way it works.

Within the luxury SUV class, you'll be able to find other models that are faster, more exclusive, roomier or more powerful. But finding one that's as good as the X5 in all of these categories is a tall order. The X5's improved interior, combined with sharp new technology and tidy road manners, help make it one of the top luxury SUVs you'll want to consider this year.

Notably, we picked the 2019 BMW X5 as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs and Best Luxury SUVs for this year

What It's Like to Live With

Want to know even more about the fourth-generation BMW X5? Our team of experts have tested a 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i as part of our long-term program, which is where we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own.

Read our long-term coverage to see what we've learned about various aspects of the BMW X5, such as its undeniable seat comfort, class-leading In-cabin technology, performance and reliability.

The 2019 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV available as the xDrive40i or the xDrive50i. Both models have standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Many of the same packages and options are available between the two trim levels, but a few are reserved solely for the V8-powered xDrive50i. Seating for five is standard, but you can order an optional third-row seat to boost passenger capacity to seven.

The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower, 330 pound-feet). Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and LED foglights, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive shock absorbers and a power liftgate.

Inside, there's a power-adjustable, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a configurable digital gauge cluster display, a 12.3-inch central display, two USB ports and a 10-speaker sound system.

You also get a full suite of driver aids that include pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

The xDrive50i replaces the turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (456 hp, 479 lb-ft). Inside, the 50i comes with upgraded multicontour front seats, leather upholstery, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and four-zone climate control.

You'll want to look out for three notable packages (BMW also calls them Tiers). The Convenience package is only available with the xDrive40i. Selecting this adds keyless entry, four-zone climate control and satellite radio.

The Premium package adds a head-up display, gesture control for the infotainment system, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and enhanced USB and Bluetooth connections. The Executive package, which requires the Premium package, comes with remote engine start, soft-close automatic doors, heated and cooled cupholders, rear passenger window shades, and adaptive LED headlights with laser light.

BMW also offers a few mechanical upgrades for the X5. These include the Comfort Handling package (rear-wheel steering and an adjustable air suspension), the Dynamic Handling package (rear-wheel steering, stronger brakes, and sportier suspension and differential tuning) and the Off-Road package (the air suspension, extra off-road drive modes and underbody skid plates).

Other optional features are two exterior trim packages (xLine Design or M Sport Design), ventilated and massaging seats, semiautomated low-speed driving assistance, parking assistance, a night-vision system, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.