Famed for its contribution towards the automotive fraternity, BMW is regarded as one of the finest luxury automakers in the world. BMW has been known for making ultimate driving machines, icons like the E30 and E46 M3s are considered to be coveted pieces of machinery. The emphasis on driving and performance even runs to the brand’s tagline. As fitting as it may sound, modern-day BMWs have strayed away from the idea and became yet another mass-market churner.

BMW was always ahead in terms of performance and innovation but the idea of them coming up with an SUV raised many eyebrows. In 1997, BMW came out with the X5 and paved its entry to the world of SUVs. The BMW X5 is currently in its fourth generation and is regarded as one of the most successful models of the Bavarian marque. 

The BWW X5 is a familiar name for families across the states. Regarded as one of the best utilitarians among the German marques, the X5 has grown a lot in terms of proportions as well as sophistication.

For the 2021 model year, BMW has polished the X5 with minor tweaks to further refine their $60,000 midsize offering.

Engine And Performance

The 2021 BMW X5 uses a B58 turbocharge inline 6
Via: wikipedia

According to Car and Driver, BMW has diversified the X5’s portfolio for 2021 with the introduction of a hybrid powertrain in addition to gasoline motors. As standard, the X5 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (internally called B58) producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Although the power is made higher up in the rev range, torque kicks in from as low as 1500 rpm.

Apart from the standard B58, an uprated X5 M50i churns 523 horsepower from a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (internally called N63). The torque figure stands at 553 lb-ft and is available from 1800 rpm helping the M50i reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds- Impressive for a near 5000-pound SUV.

If you find this plebeian, BMW has handed the X5 over to their infamous M division. The X5 M uses a tuned 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (internally called S63) to pump out a staggering 600 horsepower. For the more environmentally conscious, BMW offers an X5 PHEV- Managing 54 mpg of combined efficiency whilst pumping a modest 389 horsepower from the motor-assisted inline-6. Transmission options are limited to an 8-speed automatic unit across the lineup with xDrive being standard on all but the base X5.

RELATED: The 10 Greatest BMW M Cars Ever Made

Exterior Styling

2021 BMW X5 has impressive front fascia
Via: carconnection

The BMW X5 is rather plain to the eye which somewhat fits the intent. Most midsize SUVs are not designed to be flashy and the X5 is no exception. BMW chose a minimalistic design to kept things classy yet feel upmarket.

The front of the X5 houses the signature grille which keeps getting bigger as the years go by. The multi-beam LED headlights and grille combination portrays a commanding front end. Moving to the sides, BMW has incorporated a scaled-up Hoffmeister kink into to rear quarter keeping in line with the Bavarian’s design ethos.

Moving towards the rear, styling seems rather conservative. BMW has favored a much classier approach as opposed to fancy LED light strips that run along the width of the car. One of the unique aspects of the BMW X5 is its split-open tailgate- opening as two separate parts akin to say a Range Rover or Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Interior Design

2021 BMW X5 cockpit
Via: Carfacion

The interior of the BMW X5 is finished in high-quality materials that look and feel great to the touch. In this day and age of screens dominating the interiors, BMW has strayed away from the notion and decided to go old-school.

Everything from climate control switches to heated seat controls aren't part of any screen but are physical buttons that have a tactile feel. However, the interior is not entirely devoid of screens as a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment unit sits on top of the dash.

Interior space is quite generous but if you option the third row, it’s best left for children. Everything from the dashboard to the door pockets is lined with soft-touch materials that enhance the richness inside the cabin. Moreover, the extensive use of leather further adds to the opulence on offer.

Seats are wide and offer good amounts of support. BMW has spent considerable time in tweaking the second-row comfort as they reckon most X5 owners prefer to be driven in. However, that doesn’t mean the rest of the seats are anything less than comfortable- if anything, they’re equally good.

RELATED: 15 Reasons Why You Should Buy The BMW X5

Equipment On Board

The 2021 BMW X5 has latst I-Drive system
Via: bmwblog.com

The X5 comes loaded with all the electronic gadgetry you’d expect from a vehicle at this price point. As mentioned, the 12.3-inch infotainments boast BMW’s latest iDrive system which is on par if not better than Audi’s MMI. BMW offers gesture controls for commands like changing the stereo volume or answering a call which is rather intriguing.

Other amenities include a panoramic sunroof, a power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and customizable ambient lighting. BMW offers several convenience features like massaging seats, remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, and heated front armrests. The icing on the cake would be the optional Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system which would definitely entice the audiophile in you.

Sources: wikipedia.org, youtube.com, edmunds.com

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