2019 BMW X5 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Strong performance from both models
- Luxurious and comfortable cabin that lives up to its price tag
- Spacious cabin and cargo area
Cons
- Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
- Limited interior storage
- Wide door sills inhibit entry and exit
What's new
- Redesigned for 2019
- More interior room and comfort
- Broader capability with advanced suspension and interior technology
- Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.96 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$218/mo
X5 xDrive40i
vs
$243/mo
Avg. Large SUV
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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.9 / 10Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the BMW X5 xDrive40i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.9 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 8.0 |
| Technology | 8.0 |
Driving
8.0The X5's six-cylinder engine has enough power, and its smooth shifting and responsiveness work well for the daily commute. And while its brakes are up to the task of slowing things down, handling can be a mixed bag. Depending on drive mode, the suspension can feel either a little too floaty or a little too stiff.
Comfort
8.0The X5 is a comfortable SUV for long-distance driving. And with a few adjustments to the seat bolsters and drive modes, it's competent and safe on a twisty mountain road. The climate control system is powerful enough to just set it and forget it, which is good because it's tricky to operate.
Interior
8.0Once you're in the X5, you're presented with a technologically advanced interior that focuses on the driver. Aside from the lackluster visibility out of the front corners, our only other complaint arose from the optional running boards, which make it harder to get in and out of the cabin.
Utility
8.0The X5 has a roomy cargo area and a useful power tailgate system that's great for loading bulky cargo. The rear seatbacks fold in a 40/20/40 split for flexibility, and you can lower the suspension for reduced liftover height. We found the interior storage compartments and pockets on the small side.
Technology
8.0BMW's latest iDrive system is the most advanced yet, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Helping you are its combination of menus, handwriting recognition, and voice and gesture control. iDrive gives you tons of features such as traffic and weather information and extras including parking availability.
Which X5 does Edmunds recommend?
Go with the xDrive40i. It provides an agreeable amount of performance, and it serves as a more affordable starting point than the 50i to add packages and options. Of course, there is a myriad of them. An easy way to add a bunch of luxury-grade extras is to get the Executive package, which automatically requires a couple less expensive packages as well.
2019 BMW X5 models
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.
Jump to:Related 2019 X5 articles