Being one of the most sought-after midsize luxury SUVs currently on sale, BMW is back with the 2023 iteration of the coveted X5. Launched for a base selling price of $61,600 that reaches $108,900 for the more potent X5 M trim, the 2023 BMW X5 comes with only a few changes from the older model. There are multiple feature additions to the optional premium package, and some features were also removed from the list. All trims now get vegan faux leather upholstery too.

Updated February 2023: The BMW X5 is still one of the most popular SUVs in its segment, and BMW keeps improving on the model year after year. If you've set your sights on the 2023 model, we’ve updated the content of this list with more information to help present all the facts you need to make an informed buying decision.

Equipped with multiple powertrain options depending on the trim you choose, there is an X5 for everyone. The xDrive45e has a plug-in hybrid powertrain with impressive gas mileage and strong performance, making it an excellent daily driver. Both the sDrive40i and xDrive40i retain the turbocharged inline-6 engine. And as you'd expect, the premium feeling cabin, intuitive infotainment system, and stylish design are present too. The BMW X5 competes for market share against the likes of the Genesis GV80, Volvo XC90, and Porsche Cayenne. To help you see how it stacks up against the competition, we run through ten things you should know before buying the 2023 BMW X5.

10 The Base 40i Trim Has Got A Punch

2019 BMW X5 Front Profile
Via: BMW

Like last year, there are various engines underhood the 2023 BMW X5, as each trim gets a distinct powertrain. Hence, the base 40i trim has the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that motivated the older models and produces 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with manual mode and multiple driving modes. Both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive drivetrains are available too.

The performance numbers punched out by this inline-6 motor turned out to be superior to the Volvo XC90, and that helped the X5 to be better in terms of 0-60 MPH time and quarter-mile time. Speaking of which, the 2023 X5 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds – similar to the 0-60 mph time achieved by the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450.

9 There Is A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e powertrain
BMW

Shoppers can also buy the 2023 BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid trim in the guise of xDrive45e, and it is one of the best offerings out there if you want excellent fuel economy without compromising on performance and luxury. This powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-6 engine mated to an electric motor. The transmission and xDrive AWD drivetrain remain identical to the gasoline variant.

Producing a superior 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, the xDrive45i has a faster 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.4 seconds. Even with the added weight of the battery pack and an electric motor, the in-gear acceleration is also better than the 40i trims.

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8 The M50i Is One Of The Fastest SUVs In The Luxury Midsize SUV Segment

2022 BMW X5 M50i trim
Youtube/RaceSportMedia

Want an X5 for bragging rights? Consider the M50i, which starts at $85,400. This vehicle is a powerful daily driver that could also double up as a comfortable family cruiser. It features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. With so much power on tap, owners can expect to reach 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds – making the M50i almost as fast as the pricier X5 M, which takes only 3.8 seconds to go from a standstill to 60 mph.

Equipped with the same powertrain as the X5 M, the M50i's towing capacity and payload capacity are similar to those of its more expensive sibling, which tows up to 7,200 pounds. Put your foot down from any gear and the 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission coupled with the capable xDrive AWD drivetrain helps to put the power down without any fuss. The M50i's performance numbers are superior to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and Audi SQ7.

7 The X5 Has A Cramped Cabin

2023 BMW X5 M Competition Seat
Via: BMW

With an external length and wheelbase of 194.3 and 117.1 inches, many would expect the 2023 BMW X5 to be as spacious as the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. However, while the X5 is spacious up front, it is less so in the back, where head- and legroom are scant, especially in models equipped with the optional third row.

This makes the rear seats less appropriate for accommodating tall passengers. However, as mentioned, the X5 makes of for this with generous front seats, which come heated and powered, with soft Sensafin upholstery to cosset the driver and front passenger in supreme comfort. Not to mention, the panoramic sunroof does add to the comfort factor, while the cargo capacity of 33.9 cu ft adds to the versatility of this exceptional luxury SUV.

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6 Classy Interior Design

2022 BMW X5 Interior
BMW

Get into the BMW X5, and you'll find an interior with a striking and eye-catching design that fits seamlessly with BMW's design language. As with the previous year, that means touches of opulence and state-of-the-art technology. Offered in four Sensafin upholstery color combinations (Silverstone, cognac, coffee, and black), the seats feel very plush and provide unmatched comfort even on long road trips.

Meanwhile, the chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accents and aluminum paddle shifters help make the interior very sporty. You would also love the aluminum or wooden trim accents on the dashboard and door cards, which add to the feeling of luxury and abundance. The large, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is bright and vivid, and the panoramic sunroof lets in quite a lot of light.

5 Sophisticated Exterior

2023 BMW X5 M Competition Front Three Quarter On Road
BMW

Since the launch of the fourth generation X5 in 2019, many have already praised its sophisticated design language, especially when viewed from the rear. The beautifully crafted rear end features stunning LED taillights, a dual exhaust system, a neatly integrated rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna.

The nine exterior colors and multiple 19, 20, and 21-inch alloy wheels design help the 2023 BMW X5 stand out pretty well. Similarly, the kidney grille coupled with LED headlights and chrome accents adds to the elegance when viewed from the front. And for its part, the side profile features fender vents, clean lines, and roof rails that add to the X5’s charm.

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4 Crisp iDrive Infotainment System

2023 BMW X5 M Competition Driver Cockpit
BMW

BMW offers the X5 with dual 12.3-inch displays, with one providing access to the infotainment services while the other serves as the digital gauge cluster. Inarguably, this is one of the sharpest displays you can find in a luxury midsize SUV. It also comes loaded with all the necessary connectivity and entertainment features.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, five USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system. If that still doesn't satisfy your entertainment needs, BMW also offers optional amenities such as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a 20-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system. Other optional features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charger, and hand gesture recognition.

3 Wide Range Of Standard Safety Features

2023 BMW X4 M Competition Front Three Quarter Driving On Road
BMW

With the X5 being a powerful and expensive BMW SUV, one would expect it to feature advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Thankfully, the 2023 BMW X5 doesn't miss out on many of these features. These include automated emergency braking, forward collision monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert system, and blind-spot monitoring.

Basic safety features like ABS, airbags, traction control, stability control, reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, and tire pressuring monitoring system are standard too. Although the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has yet to crash-test the 2023 BMW X5, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 BMW X5 AWD an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, including five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. For its part, the RWD X5 got four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test; it did not receive an overall safety score.

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2 Top-Notch Braking Performance

2023 BMW X5
Via: BMW

The 4-wheel disc brake setup that comes with all the trims of the BMW X5 makes braking relatively easy, with the X5 40i capable of a 70-0 mph braking distance of 158 feet – enough to make it one of the shortest stopping vehicles in the luxury midsize SUV class. Even the 156 feet of braking distance achieved by the plug-in hybrid trim is excellent too.

The X5's exceptional performance is thanks to braking features like ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, automated emergency braking, and ventilated rotors being standard in all trims. The BMW X5 M has beefier high-performance brakes that allow it to stop in the shortest distance, as it can go from 60 to 0 mph in just 106 feet.

1 Competitive Warranty Coverage

White  BMW X5 off-roading
via BMW

Luxury cars should have excellent warranty coverage, and the 2023 BMW X5 does not disappoint. Similar to the outgoing 2022 model, the 2023 X5 gets a limited warranty and powertrain warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles.

BMW also offers complimentary maintenance coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty coverage provided by this Bimmer is similar to that of the Mercedes, Audi, and Volvo. However, most rivals miss out on the complimentary maintenance coverage. In comparison, the Genesis GV80 sets the benchmark for warranty coverage in the segment.