The mechanical specs of the BMW X5 trims differ substantially, with three powertrain configurations available, all with upgraded performance specifications this year and improved efficiency. There are three trim levels in the regular gas X5 range: the sDrive40i and xDrive40i trims have a 375-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and they are identical save for the xDrive AWD system fitted to the latter, while the M60i is a 523-hp 4.4-liter V8. There is also a 483-hp plug-in hybrid, the eDrive50e, which we review separately. Baseline features include automatic LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, keyless go, a power panoramic sunroof, Sensafin leatherette upholstery with heated and 16-way power front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The brand-new infotainment system has dual displays behind a curved glass panel - a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with wireless phone integration, SiriusXM, cloud navigation, and a ten-speaker audio system. Driver assists comprise forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot detection, parking sensors front and rear, and lane assistance. Higher trims get more power, improved seats, and access to different package options and extras, of which there are many, optionally adding many more driver assists, as well as features such as heated rear seats, air suspension, a trailer hitch, four-zone climate control, and upgraded audio.
The 40i trims have access to the Premium package that includes gesture controls, a head-up display, remote engine start, a ten-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and upgraded adaptive LED headlights for $2,550. The $4,450 Executive package contains all of these but adds automatic soft-close doors, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, diamond-cut glass controls for the start/stop button, iDrive controller, and gear selector, and manual rear-window sunshades.
The Climate Comfort package adds front-seat ventilation, heating for the steering wheel, front armrests, and rear seats, and four-zone climate control to the 40i trims for $1,350. It's $1,000 on the M60i. The M Sport Professional package adds M Sport brakes with a choice of blue or red calipers, and equips an illuminated kidney grille, M Shadowline headlights with extended Shadowline trim, and an M Sport exhaust. It costs $1,650 on the 40i trims but $650 on the M60i. Some of the M60i's features, such as its $950 upgraded adaptive LED headlights, $750 Multi-contour front seats, and $300 remote engine start, are available as standalone extras on the 40i trims.
Some packages are available on all the trims, such as the Driving Assistance Professional package for $2,100. It adds radar and cameras that enable partly automated driver assists, such as an evasion aid, steering and lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, emergency-stop assist, pedestrian detection, and a hands-free highway-driving assistant. The Parking Assistance package costs $900 and adds a surround-view camera, a dashcam, parking sensors with automatic low-speed braking, and fully automated parking. Some of the many standalone options not fitted as standard on any of the trims are optionally available, including an illuminated kidney grille for $500, a trailer hitch for $650, and massaging front seats for $1,000.
The optional $2,200 Dynamic Handling package is exclusive to the M60i and adds lowered Adaptive M Suspension Professional and active roll stabilization. The M60i is also the only one with access to the $1,000 two-axle air suspension option.