The X5 Series is one of BMWs best feet forward into a crowded automotive segment filled with top-class SUVs. And for the X5 xDrive40i, a long list of positives makes the car worth owning and driving. It has the right amount of firepower, poise, and tech features to excite anyone without making them break the bank. And when you compare the X5 xDrive40i with some of its competitors, it lives up to expectations and is on par with the competitors. In this review, we shared our thoughts and highlighted what BMW offered for the 2023 model year.
The journey of the BMW X5 has been steady since it debuted as the E53 model and was available with manual and automatic transmissions. Over the years, we've seen the X5 go from the humble and simple designs of 1999 to the powerful hybrid powertrains of today. The 2023 model year saw BMW roll out the X5 series in xDrive40i and sDrive40i models, along with the xDrive45e and the M50i. Our review car, the X5 xDrive40i, is not the star of the cast - it's not even the coolest car in its class; the GLE-Class has better stakes to this claim. There are a few updates to the exterior design of the X5 xDrive40i and the interior.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i is no slouch under the hood, and the numbers are there to back it up. It calls on the powers of a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six complemented by the eBoost 48V mild hybrid technology. What you get from this powertrain is an impressive 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This engine output slightly trails the xDrive45e's 389 hp but trails farther than the X5 M50i, which has 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Yet, whenever you call upon the X5 xDrive, it will answer and even give its competitors a run for their money. For the 0-60mph dash, the xDrive posts a decent 5.3 seconds, the fastest from a pool that contains the Genesis GV80 and the Mercedes GLE 450. The 8-speed automatic transmission deserves special mention for its excellent smooth shifts. And even the xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures the car can handle different driving conditions well.
One foot inside the 2023 X5 xDrive40i's interior will make you feel the car's luxurious side, just like other cars in the 2023 X5 series lineup. BMW settled for that sweet spot between luxury and functionality. The driver gets a 16-way power-adjustable seat, replete with manual cushion extensions, memory settings, and a heating function. The choice of synthetic leather (BMW's Sensatec), as opposed to the more premium options used in the Mercedes GLE Class and the GV80, is very evident. But it doesn't reduce the premium feel of the X5 xDrive40i's interior. Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and customizable ambient lighting provisions are available to ensure your comfort. The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i specifications show careful attention to BMW's proper space utilization across the board. There's 40.7" of headroom and 39.4" of legroom at the front so you can stretch those tired legs freely during long rides. It slightly reduces for the rear passengers but doesn't impact their comfort and legroom. For your storage needs, there's ample cargo space to haul all you want. You can also fold down the second-row seats to increase your seating space. If you opt for the optional third-row seats, the storage space is reduced significantly.
In the looks department, the BMW X5 series opts for an exterior design that spots sharp looks while walking the fine line between aggressive and elegant. The iconic kidney grille cuts out an imposing sight at the front, where LED headlights flank it. This SUV stands 68.7" tall and gets 8.7" of ground clearance to give you a commanding presence on the road. There are various color choices, with the metallic frame going in Dark Graphite, Carbon, black, and black sapphire, among the most notable ones. The wheel wells are home to standard 19-inch wheels that fill in securely over standard alloy wheels for a sturdy and sporty stance.
Integration and usability are the prevailing themes in X5 xDrive40i's story. Inside, you'll notice two 12.3" screens, one behind the steering as the gauge cluster and the other for infotainment. BMW's iDrive system is available and offers excellent user control via touch or a rotary slob that is very well within view. This system also provides a sizable suite of connectivity capabilities for all your in-car entertainment needs–Bluetooth, USB, and Satellite radio, among others. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard - good news for many users as some 2023 BMW SUVs were missing Android Auto. You can add automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings to a raft of well-positioned airbags, driver attention alerts, and collision warnings.
BMW's X5 line features various premium-priced SUVs, including our review model, the xDrive40i, which sits snugly in the middle row when it comes to pricing and features. At $68,000, this car will undoubtedly feel overly expensive and might even make you consider other options. And if you upgrade it with a suite of premium packages and options, that price can go upwards of $85,000.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive does not claim to be perfect - no SUV is anyway. It doesn't have the improved performance of its M-badged siblings or the plushness of some of its competitors. But you'll undoubtedly enjoy its refinement, decent power, features, optional third-row seating, and maneuverability. If you're looking to experience this vehicle, or any other luxury car, yourself, you can check out our well-curated selection of X5 models and other BMW vehicles at Exotic Car Trader. Our platform offers a premium car buying experience, and there's room for sellers. Browse through our extensive inventory to find the car that suits you best.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
