BMW 2021 X5

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BMW 2021 X5

In our eyes, a luxury mid-size SUV is at its best when it effortlessly blends the satisfaction of road driving with modern technology and a luxurious cabin – and that’s exactly what the 2021 BMW X5 does. Three different engines are offered – including a plug-in hybrid model and an engine A high-performance twin-turbo V-8 – and the X5’s road manners is definitely sporty. Its design is inviting without being overly flashy, and the interior treats occupants with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a plethora of comfort and luxury features. It faces stiff competition from the likes of the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, but the X5 is a well-appointed package well equipped for the task at hand.

For 2021, the xDrive50i from the X5 has been replaced by the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid. The new hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-liter and electric motor with a total output of 389 hp. The 24.0 kWh battery pack is said to provide up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range. Regular 40i models also receive some photovoltaic in the form of a 48-volt hybrid system, otherwise the X5 receives only minor changes, such as which now comes standard with SiriusXM satellite radio; The racier M50i model gains remote start and ventilated front seats.

And we love saving money almost as much as performance is great, which is reason to think the xDrive40i is the X5 to buy. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, it has the acceleration of a sports sedan and comes with all-wheel drive, which is a relative bargain in this price category. We recommend adding the Premium package for the head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Engine, transmission and performance

For 2021, there are now three different engine combinations, each associated with a different X5. X5s that wear the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badge are powered by an inline-six turbocharger with 335 hp. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid comes with an inline-six turbocharger and electric motor putting together 389 horsepower. (We tested the 40i—it ran 4.8 seconds at 60 mph.) Last but not least, the M50i’s 523-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-8 enables a rush to 60 mph in under four seconds. All three engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and none will leave drivers wanting power in almost any driving situation. The X5’s improved ride and stable handling are a huge improvement over the previous generation model, as is the steering, which feels more connected and direct but still isn’t exactly what we’d consider sporting. The Q7 still beats the X5 in this area, but it’s a close match. Put the X5 into a fast corner, it maintains reliable stability and rewards the driver with the predictability the GLE class lacks. And if you need towing, know that the X5 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds no matter what engine you have.

RANGE, CHARGING AND BATTERY LIFE

The xDrive45e model comes standard with a 24.0 kWh battery pack that BMW claims is good enough for up to 30 miles of electric-only driving. The X5 can use the battery to travel at up to 84 miles per hour without tapping into the gasoline engine. The battery pack can be charged at home on 110 or 220 volt outlets or at public charging stations.

fuel economy

With inline-six, the X5 is as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder version of the GLE and is more skimpy on fuel than the four-cylinder Q7, according to the EPA. With the V-8, EPA ratings drop significantly but still match the supercharged V-6 variant from Land Rover Discovery. However, during real-world highway fuel economy testing, the 40i only outperformed the highway rating by a score of 28 mpg; The M50i clocked 20 mpg, 2 mpg less than expected. We haven’t had a chance to test the new xDrive45e model, but when we do we’ll update this story with the results.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The interior is spacious for adults in both the first and second rows, but the optional third row in the X5 is for children only. Once settled inside, occupants are treated to a cabin lined with high-quality materials, plenty of charging points for hardware, and, depending on select options – countless luxury features. Electric adjustable front seats with driver memory are standard. All models come with power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers and customizable ambient lighting. Seat massaging, remote start, soft-closing doors, acoustic glass, leather dashboard, heated front armrests and steering wheel can make the X5 look like a high-end luxury SUV but add a lot of dough to the bottom line. Speaking of pricey options, buyers can add a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system that features diamond dome tweeters. X5 provides ample storage space. With the use of the rear seats, we were able to put 11 of our hand luggage behind the second row of seats. With the rear seats folded – an operation that can be performed from the side or the rear of an SUV – we found room for 26 identical Mercedes GLE Score X5s in this test case, but the rear seats aren’t easy to store.

Information, entertainment and communication

Dual 12.3-inch displays add a contemporary look to the restrained cockpit. One acts as the digital display – a feature that is becoming increasingly common among luxury carmakers – and the other provides access to the infotainment system, which runs the latest version of BMW’s iDrive software. Users can control the system using a variety of methods, including gesture controls, which are less intuitive than simply touching the screen or using a rotating knob installed in the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Safety and driver assistance features

The BMW X5 received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) top honors – Top Safety Pick + – but received only four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). BMW offers basic driver assistance features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a semi-autonomous driving mode are optional. Key safety features include:

Standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

Standard Lane Departure Warning

Standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Vehicle Type

Front-engine, 4-wheel drive, 5- or 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback

Engine types

Turbocharged and Intercooler DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 335 hp, 330 lb-ft; Twin-turbocharged, intercooled DOHC 4.4L V-8, 456 hp, 479 lb-ft

moving in

8-speed automatic with manual transmission mode

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 117.1 in

Length: 194.3 inches