2024 BMW X5 First Drive: The Lineup is Now Fully Electric
Upgraded standard equipment is combined with some of the smoothest hybrid powertrains on the market.
The 2024 BMW X5's mid-cycle refresh brings some serious updates. While the exterior and interior of BMW's mid-size SUV received significant revisions, the most notable changes come to the three re-engineered powertrains across the range, with the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid setup gaining greater range and improved efficiency and drivability for the vehicle—other electricity. Between the new engine and the new technology available, the X5 experience is smoother than ever.
Electrified, If Not Electrified
Now that the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 benefits from 48-volt mild hybrid technology, all three available engines, including the entry-level I-6 and the aforementioned plug-in hybrid, have some electrification. The mild hybrid setup makes the auto start/stop feature almost invisible, and that's a big win. The electric motor engages immediately for initial takeoff, and it's hard to tell when the engine has started again after blinking at low speeds or when stopping at bright lights. Inching forward in traffic is as natural as if the engine had never stopped. Having the motor mounted inline with the engine and the eight-speed transmission makes the X5 feel smoother in operation than competitive belt-drive systems like those found in Mercedes-Benz and Genesis products.
The six-cylinder xDrive40i, plug-in xDrive50e, and V-8-powered M60i have different characteristics to suit different customers, but they all deliver the sporty BMW driving experience we expect. The only X5 we didn't get to drive during BMW's Test Fest media event was the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i, but it has the same options as the (more common) all-wheel-drive xDrive40i.The interior has been updated and now has a cleverly hidden central air vent, but it's all in keeping with BMW's quality and design language. The upgrade to a 14.9-inch center screen makes good use of the improved iDrive 8.5 layout. The early 2024 X5 on the way will ship with iDrive 8.0, but an over-the-air update could bring it up to the latest and greatest version with that extra 0.5. The biggest change in the new software involves the home screen, where previously horizontally scrollable tiles are combined on the left side and can now be vertically scrolled, leaving room for a large full-time map that doubles as a direct shortcut to the paired phone.
XDrive40i
Compared to the PHEV and performance-oriented XDriveM60i variants, the xDrive40i delivers average performance, but that's its appeal. Even with the M Sport exhaust and boost to 375 hp, the I-6 won't offend anyone. With the performance exhaust turned off, the engine is quiet and unobtrusive. When started, the engine is decorated just enough so that passengers can appreciate the triumphant sound of the boosted BMW straight-six. The xDrive40i has a balanced mix of luxury and power that allows you to drive comfortably without getting into trouble.
XDrive50e
With power and acceleration that rivals the M60i and sophisticated aural tuning provided by composer Hans Zimmer, the xDrive50e is a bit of a change in shape sonically. In normal driving, the sound of Zimmer's choice of the new electric motor complements and blends with the Miller cycle twin-turbo I-6 engine in a symphony of efficiency that makes it difficult to tell whether gas, electricity, or both are working.
This kind of hassle-free experience is what we expect from a luxury hybrid SUV. The only obvious cue is the blue color scheme on the gauge cluster during electric-only driving in hybrid mode, or up to 39 miles on battery alone. On the other hand, the expected zero to 60 mph time isn't too slow at 4.6 seconds. That's a big improvement over the previous xDrive45e and comes courtesy of a power increase that raises output to a combined 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.M60i
The M60i has all the goodness of a powerful V-8 engine, but none of the harsh ride quality that the M and M Performance models have been criticized for. (By the way, there is no longer a regular-class 2024 X5 M, only the hardcore X5 M Competition ). In Sport Plus mode, the light steering gets a welcome tightening, and the M Sport suspension gives the M60i a commanding feel on the road without being harsh. The exhaust note is so present in the cabin that we forget all about the Harmon-Kardon premium stereo upgrade. Gear shifting is smooth as usual, but the strategy remains aggressive, selecting the lowest possible gear and letting the engine rev follow the red line without stopping.
Driving at 45 mph through the twisty roads of Paris Mountain in South Carolina feels like a triple-digit run on Pike's Peak, proving that the "Best Driving Machine" doesn't have to be the fastest machine; You'll check your rearview mirror for red and blue flashing lights only to realize you're wasting the time of your life at the recommended speed.
All X5 variants cater to different needs, but the best one is the PHEV xDrive50e. Priced initially between the xDrive 40i and the M60i, it's the most fuel-efficient, has impressive performance, and has the highest gross vehicle weight rating of the group. Adaptive air suspension comes as standard, and while it may not be as sporty as the M Sport, it's more versatile, with adjustable ride height and load leveling. But if we were forced to choose, it would be hard to resist a twin-turbo V-8 in a luxury SUV.
2024 BMW X5 specifications
Base price $66,195-$90,295
Layout Front engine/front engine + elec motor, RWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4 door SUV
3.0L/375-hp/383-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6 48-volt mild hybrid; Miller cycle twin-turbo 3.0L/308-hp/331-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus 194-hp/280-lb-ft electric motor, 483-hp/516 lb-ft comb; 4.4L/523-hp/553-lb-ft twin-turbo 32-valve 48-volt mild hybrid V-8
8-speed automatic transmission
Limit Weight 4,900-5,600 pounds (mfr)
The wheelbase is 117.1 inches
L x W x H 194.2 x 78.9 x 69.1-69.5 inches
0-60 MPH 4.2-5.2 seconds (estimated mfr)
EPA City/HWY/COMB Fuel ECON 17-23/19-27/22-25mpg; 58 mpg-e (PHEV)
EPA range, COMB 416 miles (V-8), 401-548 miles (I-6); 39 miles (elec), 440 miles (elec + gas)
On sale now
