~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Since its introduction in the United States in the late 1950s, BMW has steadily upped the ante in its shimmering pot of high performance, luxurious automobiles of the sedan and sport utility orientation. The 2024 X5 xDrive 40i is a prime example.

The early days treated U.S. buyers to the likes of BMW’s famed 1600-2 and 2002 two-door sport sedans. Now the German manufacturer—BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, or Bavarian Motor Works—sells 35 different models of SUVs, sedans, coupes, convertibles and roadsters. Given their heritage and content, they don’t come cheap. But they offer value for the bucks. The X5 tested for this review came with a base price of $68,495, including the destination charge, and a bottom-line price, with options, of $80,145.

That’s a hefty nut by most people’s standards. But it covers a fully realized modern crossover SUV that excels at quality, performance and comfort. In its 2024 Auto Issue, Consumer Reports chose the X5 as one of its Top 10 picks, while at the same time crowning BMW as the No. 1 brand that makes the best cars among 34 automakers.

Given Consumer Reports’ expertise and independence, that’s no small accomplishment. But spending some time in the X5 xDrive 40i tested here validates the choice.

This nifty machine is powerful, quiet, capable, precise, luxurious and comfortable in every mode of driving. There are a few minor drawbacks, including an optional third-row seat that should be reserved for youngsters, but overall this is the complete performance SUV package.

Start with the tested xDrive (the designation denotes all-wheel drive). The 40i informs that the X5 is powered by BMW’s M-performance, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. With twin turbochargers mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system for a bit of extra boost, the system makes 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The Environmental Protection Agency rates its city/highway/combined fuel economy at 23/27/25 miles to the gallon—on premium gasoline.

Though it has off-road capabilities, the X5 xDrive 40i is most at home in modern urban, suburban and rural traffic, where it can duel with and outmaneuver some of the best other automakers offer. BMW rates its 0-60 miles an hour acceleration at 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 130 miles an hour.

That’s because the 375 horses under the hood get substantial help from BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and launch control.

The 2024 X5 xDrive40i arrives as a fully equipped car with equipment that would be optional on many other vehicles. That includes a $4,450 Executive Package with remote engine start, full LED exterior lights, Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and gesture control. Also included: Driving and Parking Assistance packages valued at $2,100 and $900.

A $1,350 Climate Comfort Package adds heated front and rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, as well as heated front armrests and the steering wheel. Other items listed as part of the 40i’s standard equipment include 21-inch alloy wheels, an illuminated grille, power rear liftgate and supportive bolstered seats.

Fundamental safety equipment is standard, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode.

At 16 feet 2 inches long, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing nearly 5,000 pounds, the 40i is a substantial road-going critter. That includes a roomy interior with 108 cubic feet of space for passengers and 34 cubic feet of stash space for cargo.

Front and second-row seats were well shaped and comfortable for spirited driving. The interior also featured a curving information display for instruments as well as a touch screen that included navigation and other functions, which also could be operated by voice or BMW’s iDrive controller.

The EPA lists this X5 as a “standard” sport utility vehicle, one of just two classifications, the other being “small.” With its total of 140 cubic feet of interior room, this “standard” machine would be listed as “large” if it were a sedan.

However, on the road, the tester acted way more like a sports sedan than a middling-size SUV. It displayed a solid, planted feel on straight-line and curving roads, with responsive steering for maneuverability. There was no shortage of power despite the smooth ride and silent running.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 3.0-liter BMW M six-cylinder; twin turbochargers; with 48-volt mild hybrid system; 375 hp, 398 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual and sport shift modes, launch control and all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet 2 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 10 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 108/34 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4.998 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 7,200 pounds properly equipped.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 23/27/35 MPG. Premium gasoline.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $68,495.
  • Price as tested: $80,145.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©BMW