BMW has churned out the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle for over 20 years, and most of them have come from their Spartanburg, SC, plant right in the US of A. It’s now one of the brand’s best-selling models and is a stand-out choice in a sea of mediocre “luxury” SUVs, thanks to its dynamic handling characteristics, intuitive technology, and overall versatility. A mighty V8 engine is also still available for those who crave high performance. So, too, is a hybrid xDrive45e variant, though there isn’t anything particularly lacking in the standard six-cylinder engine. Overall, the 2023 BMW X5 continues to live up to its hard-earned reputation for quality and value.
Buyers can choose from all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive in the X5 xDrive40i and X5 sDrive40i trim levels, respectively. Both receive the same turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 2023 BMW X5 M50i receives a twin-turbo V8 that makes 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, but it’s almost $20,000 more than the base model. Whether or not that’s worth it is up to you, but a four-second zero to 60 mph time does sometimes come in handy. Finally, the 2023 X5 xDrive45e gets the same inline six but pairs it to an electric battery and motors.
Output comes up to 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. All models receive the smooth-shifting and responsive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission found elsewhere in the BMW lineup. The 2023 BMW X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds when equipped with the factory tow hitch. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to a still-impressive 6,600 pounds.
Shocking no one, the least efficient 2023 BMW X5 is the V8-powered X5 M50i. Its 21.9-gallon fuel tank is shared among all vehicle versions save the plug-in hybrid, and it returns 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined. On the other end…
