The luxury midsize SUV segment is a tough arena where prestige, performance, and tech truly battle it out, and for over two decades, the BMW X5 hasn’t just competed; it’s often set the standard for premium utility vehicles.
As we turn our attention to the 2025 BMW X5, a pivotal question arises amidst its blend of updated styling, advanced technology, and a variety of powertrains: does this latest iteration still command a premium price tag, and more importantly, is it truly worth it? Our deep dive aims to provide an objective and thorough evaluation, much like you’d expect from a CNET review, dissecting every aspect to help consumers make an informed decision. We’ll weigh its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it against both its own lineage and formidable rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Lexus RX, and Genesis GV80, to determine if the 2025 X5 continues to uphold BMW’s “ultimate driving machine” legacy in a luxurious SUV package.
1. **Diverse and Potent Powertrain Options**The heart of any BMW, especially one aiming to justify a premium, lies in its powertrain, and the 2025 X5 truly delivers a spectrum of choices, all carrying over from last year’s impressive refresh. For those seeking a balanced blend of power and efficiency, the popular xDrive40i is an excellent starting point, boasting a meaty 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 mild hybrid engine. This is the model that sells more than almost any other in the X5 lineup, a testament to its broad appeal, and it offers standard all-wheel drive, ensuring confident traction in various conditions. There’s also an sDrive40i, which is the only RWD model, essentially the same powertrain but for those who prefer the traditional rear-wheel drive feel.
Stepping up the ladder, the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid presents a compelling case for both performance and eco-consciousness. This variant combines a 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a robust 483 horsepower and a significant 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s a powertrain that doesn’t compromise, offering both substantial output and the flexibility of electric-only driving. This makes it a smart choice for urban commutes while retaining long-distance capability without range anxiety.
Performance enthusiasts, get ready: the M models are where BMW truly shines, with the M60i xDrive boasting a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid delivering 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, blurring the lines between SUV and sports car, while the X5 M Competition takes it to another level with a mighty 617 horsepower. Having personally experienced an X5 M on both track and road, the engineering prowess behind its power is astonishing, and all these potent engines are smoothly managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2. **Blazing Acceleration Across the Board**When it comes to proving its “ultimate driving machine” pedigree, the 2025 BMW X5 doesn’t shy away from showcasing serious speed, even in its “least muscular” configurations. The xDrive40i, the most popular variant, can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a very respectable 5.3 seconds. For comparison, achieving similar power and speed from a Mercedes-Benz GLE would mean opting for the GLE 450 4Matic, which typically comes at a higher cost. This highlights the X5’s inherent value proposition in delivering performance right from the entry-level.
The acceleration figures become even more impressive as you move up the trim levels. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, with its combined electric and gasoline power, rockets to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. This kind of velocity is on par with, or even rivals, the performance of the next model up, the M60i, especially considering the upgrades it received last year. It’s a testament to how effectively BMW integrates its electric motor to provide immediate torque and enhance overall responsiveness, making it feel incredibly potent in real-world driving scenarios.
If you crave sheer speed, the M models are undeniably impressive; BMW claims the M60i hits 60 mph in a swift 4.2 seconds, but for ultimate acceleration, the X5 M Competition is your champion, achieving 0-60 mph in an astonishing 3.7 seconds, a time that’s ‘silly quick for any SUV’ and highlights the X5’s dual nature of spirited daily driving and track-ready performance.
3. **Impressive Fuel Efficiency and the Plug-in Hybrid Advantage**In an era where efficiency is increasingly paramount, even for luxury SUVs, the 2025 BMW X5 manages to offer a respectable balance across its lineup, with some models truly standing out. The popular xDrive40i, equipped with its mild-hybrid system, achieves an commendable 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is the same impressive figure as the sDrive40i, despite the xDrive having two more driven wheels, placing it firmly on the good side of the class average when compared to its peers. It demonstrates that you don’t have to sacrifice practical fuel economy for robust power and all-wheel-drive capability in the X5.
As expected, the higher-performance M models, designed for exhilarating speed and power, naturally consume more fuel. The M60i xDrive, with its potent V-8 engine, delivers a combined 19 mpg. The range-topping X5 M Competition, built for maximum performance, records 15 mpg combined. While these figures are lower, they are a reasonable trade-off for the immense horsepower and thrilling driving experience these models provide, catering to a specific segment of buyers who prioritize raw power above all else.
The true highlight in terms of efficiency, however, is the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. This model offers an outstanding electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles, making it incredibly appealing for daily commutes or city driving where you can rely purely on electric power, reducing fuel consumption to zero for those shorter trips. Once the electric range is depleted, it transitions seamlessly into a regular hybrid, still delivering an estimated 26 mpg combined. This dual-nature capability, providing both significant power and exceptional fuel economy, is precisely why we’d be tempted to pick the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid trim, as it best balances the model’s sportiness and practicality, feeling like a win-win scenario for the discerning consumer.
4. **The Signature BMW Driving Experience: Agility and Refinement**The essence of BMW has always been the “ultimate driving machine,” and the 2025 X5 carries this torch, even as a midsize luxury SUV. Regardless of the powertrain selected, every 2025 X5 is engineered to deliver a sporty driving experience that benefits from smooth, seamless operation between gas and electric power in its hybrid forms. The chassis is exceptionally well-tuned, providing an agility that genuinely goes beyond what one might expect from the usual luxury midsize SUV fare. This means that whether you’re navigating urban streets or enjoying winding country roads, the X5 feels responsive and engaging.
While the X5’s agility and sporty character result in a ride that’s “a bit firmer than most” competitors, this is not an unacceptable tradeoff for enthusiasts who appreciate a more connected feel to the road. It strikes a fine balance, offering daily comfort with plenty of power, as noted by an owner who praised its engine and transmission as “powerful and smooth,” leading to a “very quiet ride.” The M60i, in particular, is described as “aggressively athletic like an M car should be but without a harsh edge to its ride,” suggesting BMW has masterfully tuned it to offer excitement without sacrificing comfort entirely.
Behind the wheel, the X5 consistently proves why it remains one of BMW’s best-selling models. The xDrive40i trim balances daily comfort with ample power, while the 50e offers a refined hybrid driving experience that feels both modern and efficient, putting a smile on one owner’s face every time they were behind the wheel. The ride is smooth and comfortable in most trims, even handling corners with an agility uncommon in SUVs of its size. While it might not be as sharp as a Porsche Cayenne, nor as cushy as a Genesis GV80, it definitely still delivers fun when blasting around town, retaining that unmistakable BMW luxe flavor and driving dynamism.
5. For those keen on staying updated, understanding year-over-year changes is key, and for the 2025 BMW X5, the focus is on subtle yet significant refinements, building upon the comprehensive 2024 midcycle refresh that already brought updated styling, improved powertrains, and enhanced tech content.
The most notable specific updates for 2025 concern the sDrive40i, xDrive40i, and xDrive50e models, which now gain standard full LED lights with cornering lights. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; these curve-adapting cornering lights enhance visibility and safety, particularly when navigating turns at night, adding practical value to the driving experience. This attention to detail in standard features underscores BMW’s commitment to continuous improvement, even if the changes aren’t revolutionary.
It’s also important to note that the high-performance X5 M carries over unchanged for 2025. This consistency implies that BMW stands by the already exceptional capabilities of its top-tier performance SUV, having optimized it sufficiently in previous iterations. Overall, while the 2025 X5 doesn’t present a ground-up redesign, its strategic updates, particularly the enhanced lighting, contribute to a more refined and feature-rich offering that solidifies its competitive stance in the luxury midsize SUV market.
6. **Exterior Styling: Familiar Elegance with Modern Touches**The aesthetic appeal of a luxury SUV is undeniably a key factor for many buyers, and the 2025 BMW X5 presents a design that is both immediately recognizable and subtly contemporary. Building on the 2024 refresh, the xDrive40i, for instance, doesn’t “scream for attention,” but it remains “quite handsome,” projecting an aura of understated elegance. This design philosophy embraces the familiar BMW identity while integrating modern elements to keep it fresh and appealing.
Visually, the 2025 X5 features the signature BMW kidney grille now paired with sleeker LED headlights, including standard full LED lights with cornering for this model year, all on a body sculpted for a balanced, strong, yet fluid profile, with a slightly squared-off rear for a confident stance, rolling on standard 20-inch alloys that can be upgraded to 22-inch wheels for a more imposing presence.
While “nothing about the look is groundbreaking at this point,” and the overall styling—both exterior and interior—”doesn’t offer much in the way of personality” to some critics, it certainly “doesn’t feel dated either.” An owner comparing it to the Mercedes GLE 450 noted that the “GLE body style looked a bit dated and stodgy,” whereas the BMW’s changes “further enhance the beauty of the car,” and felt “hands down more luxurious and up to date looking.” This suggests that despite its familiar presence, the X5’s design language resonates positively with its target audience, providing a refined and attractive package that holds its own in the competitive luxury segment.
