BMW’s name tends to conjure up images of fast-moving, sleek sports vehicles and cutting-edge car technology. However, the company has proved they can make an exciting and responsible SUV in the form of the X5, and this year’s model is no different. Is it worth the hefty price tag, though? Let’s see how the 2019 BMW X5 stacks up.
2019 BMW X5 xDrive 50i
Styling
This is unmistakably a BMW, from the petal-style front grille to the smooth body lines that run along the side. The headlights are long and narrow, and the SUV cuts a handsome figure in profile. It’s not easy to sit in an SUV and not look kind of lame, but the X5 has a way of just looking cool that other SUVs don’t.
Inside the cabin, it’s as luxurious and spacious as you would expect for a luxury SUV. BMW knows how to make their cabins both comfortable and stylish, and the X5 does not disappoint. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the sound system leaves little to be desired, putting out ample bass and a full sound. The huge infotainment system makes it easy to navigate through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, putting your music on quickly and handling your calls and texts.
Performance
It’s more than just the looks that scream “BMW” on this car. It drives and handles in a way you wouldn’t expect from a luxury crossover: it’s responsive, accelerating and turning with power and precision not unlike a coupe or sedan. There’s 335 horses under the hood, and the wheels can put out 330 pound-feet of torque.
The xDrive50i, a sportier trim, offers even more power from its twin-turbocharged V8. That beast puts out 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, making it a direct competitor to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne. All of that entails a 0-60 of 4.6 seconds, a ridiculous number for an SUV to hit.
Pricing
While it may sound like a great car across the board, the X5 carries a hefty price tag. The base trim starts at a whopping $75,750 and that number climbs fast if you want a few bonus features. For instance, if you want the higher xDrive50i trim, for instance, that’ll set you back $79,550. All said, though, if you’re in the market for a stellar luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong with BMW’s X5.