Facelift BMW X5: More Expensive and More Electric Range
X5 (and X6) have been on the market for five years now: Usually, a car is built for seven years, so a facelift is due after three, at the latest, four years. However, next to the X5 is the iX and it could be that BMW merges both models in the next generation as the multi-powertrain model iX5, along with a new iX6 and iX7 – all of which could still be released with combustion engines for one last time. After Audi facelifted the Q8 and now Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz did the same with the GLE, and with BYD Tang and Nio EL7 as upcoming competitors, BMW thoroughly facelifted its medium-sized SUVs, just as it did with the X7.
Here too, BMW moves to OS8 – meaning: Curved Display with 12.3-inch displays and a 17.9-inch central display. As part of this new instrumentation, the design of the instrument panel was completely revamped. This is known from the X7, as is the new center console, which omits the gear lever. Nevertheless, BMW retains the iDrive rotary/push controller here as well. Especially important for the USA and China: The X5 can also be optionally equipped with a third row of seats as the xDrive40i and X5 xDrive30d (the battery is housed there in the plug-in).
The plug-in hybrid becomes dramatically stronger
But more important is the plug-in, which is elevated from 45e to 50e and received the biggest powertrain updates: System power increased by almost 100 to 490 hp (360 kW), and the maximum system torque also by 100 to 700 Newton meters! Additionally, BMW integrated a 145 kW electric motor into the Steptronic transmission (equivalent to 197 hp in old terms – exactly the same as the first 733i) with a maximum torque of 280 Nm. With integrated gearing, BMW increases this to 450 Newton meters. Purely electrically, you can drive up to 140 km/h, and combined, both engines should be able to accelerate the 2,420-kilo X5 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds if needed; the new top speed is now limited to 250 km/h.
More battery capacity ensures up to 110 kilometers of purely electric range
BMW also increased the battery capacity by a generous 25 percent to 29.5 kWh gross/25.7 kWh net. This now allows up to 110 kilometers of range, and realistically, even under the least favorable conditions, 70 km plus or minus x should be achievable. To avoid excessive charging times, the onboard charger now handles 7.4 instead of 3.7 kW, meaning the X5 50e should be charged at a wall box within four and a half hours.
All other model variants receive 48-volt mild hybrid technology, with a starter generator integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission providing hybridization. This delivers 9 kW/12 hp and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, and the 40i variants of the X5 and X6 are said to be able to travel a few meters purely electrically at very low speeds. The top models, like the X7 as the M60i xDrive, retain the revised V8, which here delivers 390 kW/530 hp and is likely to actually consume less than 13l/100 km (in the X7 we didn't manage below 15). The performance of the six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines has also increased: In the xDrive40i, the maximum output rises by 35 kW/47 hp compared to its predecessor to a total of 380 hp, while in the xDrive30d the combustion engine remains unchanged at 210 kW, but thanks to the starter generator the total output rises to 219 kW/298 hp. The question is how long BMW will continue to ratchet up this performance spiral... given that the previous X5 and X6 models were already well-endowed without criticism.
Optionally, you can now use an app to park the X5 (and X6)
BMW has also made significant improvements to the assistance systems: The standard front collision warning now detects oncoming traffic when turning left and pedestrians and cyclists when turning right. Additionally, there is an Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Route Monitoring, Active Navigation Guidance, Traffic Light Recognition, Emergency Stop, Lane Change and Merging Assist. Given the size, an advantage is the new Parking Assistant Professional, which can control automated parking and unparking maneuvers, as well as complete maneuvers up to 200 meters in length, outside the vehicle via the My BMW App with an Apple iPhone.
The prices increased massively
Visually, they sharpened the lights a bit; at the front, they were even made a tad lower, while the air intakes were positioned vertically. Inside, the models were adjusted to match the X7 and 7 Series. The market launch is scheduled for April 2023, but orders can be placed immediately: After the affordable base variant xDrive25d for 73,200 euros was dropped, the base price increased massively – especially because BMW also raised the prices significantly. The X5 xDrive 30d now starts at 86,300 euros (which is 72,521 euros net and thus a substantial 7,395 euros net or 8,800 euros more expensive than its predecessor). The xDrive40i now costs 89,300 euros (a good 75,042 euros net, which is nearly 8,656 euros net or 10,300 euros more than before), and the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e starts at 92,300 euros (77,563 euros net), which is a solid 10,336 euros net or 12,300 euros more.
What does that mean?
BMW has significantly upgraded and made the X5 and X6 fit for the second half of their life. In doing so, they have also massively increased the assistance, performance, and unfortunately, the price. This raises the question of how large, powerful, and expensive the upper mid-range SUVs still need to become. Because, as with the new 7 Series, there is a lot more of everything, but the truly smart, intelligent idea is missing – and: Despite the new technology, the vehicles aren't becoming much more fuel-efficient either.
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