BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport (2023 - )

BMW’s family-focused X5 still remains one of the best premium SUVs on the market and, after 26 years on sale, it still carries the same level of appeal as the day it was launched.
These days, customers can select from two diesel-powered models called the xDrive 30d and xDrive40d, a petrol-driven version called the X5 M60i xDrive or a single plug-in hybrid model called xDrive50e. And just in case you’re wondering, xDrive is the name BMW gives its intelligent all-wheel drive system.
Prices range from £75,780 for the entry-level diesel model and increase to £100,910 for the mighty M60i vehicle. But we opted for the plug-in hybrid X5 which started out with an £82,255 price-tag, before a raft of options were factored in.
It delivers an EV-only range of 62 miles, while the low carbon emissions figure of just 21g/km make it an attractive option for business drivers out there.

Powering the all-wheel drive BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport test car was a straight-six, 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 25.7kWh battery. The total output of 483hp along with 700Nm of torque result in some interesting performance figures with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, dropping to 87mph in EV mode.
That instant power makes light work of overtaking and the acceleration through the eight-speed automatic gearbox is both smooth and responsive. It’s a vehicle that quickly reaches the national speed limit on motorways and will sit comfortably at 70mph eating away at the miles.
Then, when faced with more testing winding country lanes, the X5 is nicely balanced and well-grounded with minimal sign of any body roll. There are steering wheel paddles to manually take control of the gear changes, along with drive modes called Electric, Hybrid and Sport, that alter the driving characteristics of the vehicle, with Sport bringing an added edge to the mix.
The EV range of 62 miles is good enough to cope with the average daily commute and there is the force of that V6 engine as and when required.
We couldn’t fault the refinement levels with the excellent suspension set-up smoothing out all but the most severe bumps and dips, while the highly-effective insulation helps protect occupants from any noise intrusion.
 

The BMW X5 is a full-sized, five-door family SUV that boasts a strong road presence. The front face is dominated by the now-traditional, larger-than-life kidney grille (that still splits opinion) and this is flanked by sweeping light clusters. There is a sculpted bonnet, muscular lines, black pillars, twin tailpipes, smoke-effect tail lamp covers, plenty of M Sport styling cues, along with 22-inch alloy wheels. It looks muscular and dynamic without appearing overly aggressive in the process.
Moving inside, the interior is classy, high-end and has a premium feel with upmarket upholstery crafted from the finest leather, plus plenty of soft touch surfaces.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable and are powered, can be heated, ventilated and even have a massage function, which is very much appreciated on longer journeys.
The 14.9-inch multimedia infotainment touchscreen merges into the 12.3-inch driver display where all the vital numbers such as speed, drive mode and existing EV range, are clearly shown.
But, it’s not without its issues as far as we are concerned. The infotainment system is far too complicated and that started to really niggle me during my week-long loan. The practical rotary dial is excellent, but simple features such as de-misting the front screen seemed to take an age to work out. You can use the AI personal assistant, but a simple button would make life much easier on a cold and miserable morning instead of two prods on a touchscreen simply to turn on the seat heaters.
That aside; the on-board technology really impresses. It’s easy enough to connect a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and there is built-in navigation, a pitch perfect Harman Kardon sound system, DAB radio, Bluetooth, ambient lighting and plenty more besides.
 

Practicality is an area any family-based SUV needs to cover well and the X5 does exactly that. It stretches 4,935mm in length, is 2,218mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,755mm tall. There is bundles of space for two taller adults up front and another couple can easily fit in the back. Add a third grown-up and it gets a little cosy, but it would be perfect for a trio of youngsters.
The front seats are powered so finding a perfect driving position is easy enough, and with the elevated seating, the all-round driver visibility also impresses.
The boot is accessed via a powered split-tailgate, which makes loading heavy or awkwardly-shaped items that much simpler. With its capacity of 500 litres, there is enough room for suitcases or golfclubs and, when extra space is required, drop the split-folding rear seats and the limit increases to 1,720 litres.
Elsewhere, throughout the cabin, you will find a number of handy storage compartments, including a lockable glovebox, deep central cubby, door bins with room for water bottles, front and rear cup holders, seat back pockets, a wireless smartphone charger and some trays.
Charging the X5’s 25.7kWh battery via 7.4kW home wallbox takes 4 hours, 15 minutes from zero to 100 per cent.
And with family getaways in mind, this vehicle can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 2.7 tonnes.
 

While the entry-level BMW X5, powered by a diesel engine, costs from £75,780, our plug-in hybrid model was slightly more expensive at £82,255. 
However, like all premium car makers, owners can customise their vehicle thanks to a range of optional extras and packs. Our test car featured a panoramic sunroof, a Technology Plus Pack that added a Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and an advanced parking assistant set-up, amongst other features. There was a Comfort Plus Pack that introduced soft-close doors, rear window blinds, heated and cooled front cup holders, ventilated front seats, front massage seats and a number of other items. In fact, by the time all the add-ons had been accounted for, the final price had grown to £99,813.
The day-to-day running costs should be rewarding though, especially for business drivers. The low 21g/km carbon emissions figure sees an attractive Benefit in Kind tax rating of three per cent. But don’t expect to get even close to the official fuel efficiency figure of 280mpg – that would only be possible if the car was driven almost constantly in EV mode and the battery charge regularly topped up.
The first-year road tax bill is low though at £110, increasing to the standard fee of £195 after 12 months. But, as the X5 PHEV exceeds the government’s Expensive Car Supplement threshold of £40,000, owners will need to pay an extra £425 annually from years two to six.
The car, as tested, sits in insurance group 49.
 

BMW designers and engineers struck gold when they launched the X5 SUV back in 1999 as it covered so many bases really well. Now it has been brought bang up to date with powerful looks and boasts performance figures to match the dynamic styling.
It is also really practical to meet all the needs of any active family and the PHEV technology brings with it a number of financial rewards.
Admittedly, it’s not perfect and that infotainment system could be simplified with the addition of a few physical controls, but that aside, it’s quite the all-rounder.