Test-Driving The 2025 BMW X5

Forbes

23-05-2025

The tried-and-true X5 has aimed itself more into comfort and tech in recent years, but depending on trim choice, you'll still have fun blasting it around town. Their xDrive40i provided a plush, zippy, infatuation-inducing week's test. Let's have a look.
2025 BMW X5
BMW
BMW gave the X5 a refresh last year (2024), and the 2025 model carries that over with minimal changes. The big update is the introduction of BMW's new iDrive 8.5 system, which replaces the previous software and aims to make the touchscreen more intuitive and less menu-heavy. A few trims and packages have been reshuffled, but the song remains the same.
The xDrive40i doesn't scream for attention, but it's still quite handsome. You get the familiar BMW kidney grille, slimmer LED headlights, finely sculpted body panels and a slightly squared-off rear. Standard wheels are 20-inch alloys, but BMW offers up to 22s. Nothing about the look is groundbreaking at this point, but it doesn't feel dated either.
2025 BMW X5
BMW
Inside, it's clean and tech-heavy. The dashboard is dominated by a single curved display—one part 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, one part 14.9-inch touchscreen. There are very few physical buttons. Materials are upscale in the base version, with synthetic leather and brushed metal, and you can option in fancier wood trims and Merino leather. Cargo space is reasonable at 3.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and up to 72.3 with them folded.
2025 BMW X5
BMW
Standard tech includes the aforementioned iDrive 8.5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and over-the-air updates. Voice control is standard and works well, and there's a customizable digital gauge cluster. Optional features include a head-up display, gesture controls, a 360-degree camera and a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
The base price for the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i is $68,600. That gets you all-wheel drive, the turbo inline-six, panoramic sunroof, navigation, and synthetic leather. A fully loaded version with the luxury seating package, premium sound, adaptive air suspension, and the full suite of driver aids can push the price close to $85,000.
The xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, making 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic. 0–60 mph takes just over 5 seconds, according to press materials. EPA mileage is 23 mpg city, 27 highway, 25 combined. That's better than most rivals with similar power and standard AWD.
It's smooth and quick - that's the very first thing you feel. Away we go! The turbo inline-six punches well off the line and the mild-hybrid system smooths out the otherwise distracting stop-start mechanism. Steering is light but suitably accurate, and visibility is good for this type of ride. Seats are firm but never harsh, especially with the optional air suspension. It's not a sports car, but it doesn't feel like a couch either. You always know it's a BMW. It was a lot of fun to get in and out of over the week's test - the X5 almost felt like a dog. 'Let's go! Let's go!' Or maybe I was the dog.
One thing I loved was the ability to lower the rear gate vertically at the push of a button once you have it open, assisting with anything you're trying to jam in there and you need all the room you can get.
2025 BMW X5 dash
BMW
The 2025 X5 xDrive40i earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ - their highest rating. It arrives with nearly all major safety features as standard but BMW offers additional driver-assist upgrades for those who want more automation. Driver aid safety features are generous - forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and (optionally) BMW's Highway Assistant, which allows hands-free driving at certain speeds.
Conclusion: It blasts off and handles well but isn't as sharp as a Cayenne or as cushy as a Genesis GV80. Where it shines is in its modern tech, its sleek curved display and its BMW luxe flavor.