BMW’s refresh of the X5 brings a sharper exterior with reimagined LED headlights, redesigned taillights, and updated wheel options. Inside, the cabin remains largely the same but continues to showcase BMW’s signature curved display, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen powered by iDrive 8.5. Powertrains carry over unchanged, including the 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist (375 hp, 383 lb-ft, momentarily up to 398 lb-ft) and the 4.4-liter V8 in the M60i (523 hp, 553 lb-ft).
The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e also returns, offering 483 hp and about 40 miles of pure electric range. On the safety front, a new hands-free Highway Assistant with autonomous lane-change capability joins BMW’s Active Driving Assistant suite. Pricing nudges upward, with the sDrive40i now starting near $66,300 and the xDrive40i around $68,600. Finally, BMW is gearing up to launch a fully electric iX5 in 2026 as part of its broader electrification roadmap.
Imagine an X5 that’s familiar yet unmistakably fresher—where every LED strip and wheel spoke has been meticulously tweaked to catch your eye without losing the silhouette you know and love. Slide inside, and you’ll find BMW’s iconic curved display uninterrupted, pairing a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen, all driven by the latest iDrive 8.5 interface. Beneath the hood, power is peace of mind: the proven 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid boost (375 hp/383 lb-ft, surging briefly to 398 lb-ft) and the thunderous 4.4-liter V8 in the M60i (523 hp/553 lb-ft) both soldier on. Eco-minded drivers can rejoice—the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid variant still delivers 483 hp and roughly 40 electric miles for your daily commute.
On the freeway, BMW’s new hands-free Highway Assistant now handles lane changes autonomously, elevating long-haul comfort. And yes, the price has edged up modestly—expect the sDrive40i from about $66,300 and the xDrive40i from $68,600. Finally, the electric frontier beckons: mark your calendar for 2026, when the all-electric iX5 joins BMW’s SUV family as the next step in its EV evolution.
Exterior Design Updates
BMW’s 2025 X5 features a subtly reimagined front fascia: adaptive LED headlights now have signature daytime-running bar elements, and the kidney grille gains a slightly slimmer surround for a more aggressive stance. The rear end also sees slimmed LED taillights with sharper internal graphics, emphasizing width and modernity.
New wheel designs—ranging from 20- to 22-inch alloys—are available in both double-spoke and Y-spoke patterns, with fresh matte and gloss finishes to complement the updated color palette.
Grille And Bumpers
The signature twin-kidney grille retains its height but features a more pronounced angle, improving airflow under active grille shutters for efficiency gains. Lower bumper inserts now include larger air intakes with hexagonal mesh and optional matte-black trim, lending a sportier look, particularly on M-Sport models.
Interior And Technology Enhancements
Inside, the familiar BMW X5 cabin remains largely unchanged, with high-quality Sensafin or Vernasca leather seating, a panoramic glass roof, and 40/20/40-split rear seats offering up to 72.3 cu ft of cargo space.
Curved Display & iDrive 8.5
BMW continues with its curved display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, powered by iDrive 8.5 software. Features include over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and voice-activated controls. Gesture Control and a head-up display remain optional in the Premium and Executive packages.
Connectivity & Comfort
Standard wireless charging and MyBMW app integration ensure seamless connectivity. Optional upgrades include a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound system, massaging front seats, and multi-zone automatic climate control, all carried over from the previous model year.
Powertrain And Performance
Step into the driver’s seat of the 2025 BMW X5, and you’ll immediately sense its refined chassis tuning and responsive steering—traits that make everyday driving feel both composed and exhilarating. In the following section, we’ll dissect each available powertrain—from the 375-hp B58 turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist to the 523-hp V8 M60i and the 483-hp xDrive50e plug-in hybrid—laying out their key specifications and on-road performance characteristics.
Engine Options
- sDrive40i / xDrive40i: Turbocharged 3.0 L inline-six with 48 V mild-hybrid, 375 hp, 383 lb-ft (398 lb-ft boost).
- xDrive50e: PHEV combining the inline-six and an electric motor for 483 hp and ~40 mi EV range.
- M60i: Turbo-V8 delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, accelerating 0–60 mph in about 4.1 s.
- X5 M Competition: 617 hp variant for ultimate performance, with corresponding suspension and brake upgrades.
Driving Dynamics
The X5’s double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension remain, tuned for a balance of comfort and agility. Steering and chassis calibrations are identical to 2024, preserving the model’s refined handling and composed ride.
Safety And Driver-Assistance
Every 2025 X5 comes standard with BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which integrates Forward Collision Warning with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to safeguard you in urban and highway scenarios.
New for 2025 is the Hands-Free Highway Assistant, enabling fully autonomous lane changes on compatible highways whenever adaptive cruise control is engaged. Opting for the Driving Assistance Professional package upgrades you to Highway Assist, adding Eye-Activated Lane Change and extended hands-free driving capability for greater convenience on long journeys.
Together, these systems leverage radar, camera, and sensor fusion to maintain speed, distance, and lane position automatically, significantly reducing driver fatigue and enhancing overall safety on the road.
Fuel Efficiency And Electrification Path
The EPA rates the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i at 23 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, matching its predecessor’s efficiency figures. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid variant offers 38 miles of electric-only driving—ideal for daily commutes—before the powertrain shifts seamlessly into hybrid mode for extended range.
BMW has confirmed that its first all-electric X5, dubbed the iX5, will arrive in 2026, built on a modified CLAR platform, featuring hatch-style doors and an 800-volt architecture for faster charging and enhanced performance. These changes highlight BMW’s drive to combine efficiency with luxury while accelerating its transition to electric mobility.
Pricing And Value Proposition
The 2025 X5 sDrive40i carries a starting MSRP of $67,475, positioning it as an accessible entry point into BMW’s luxury lineup. Stepping up to the xDrive40i raises the MSRP to $69,775, reflecting its all-wheel-drive capability and enhanced standard equipment. For buyers seeking electrified performance, the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid is priced at $74,975, offering roughly 40 miles of electric range alongside a powerful combined output.
At the top of the range, the M60i commands an MSRP of $92,025, underlining its status as the high-performance flagship. Even with these modest price increases, the refreshed X5’s segment-leading technology, dynamic engine lineup, and premium appointments keep it fiercely competitive with rivals like the Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and Genesis GV80.
Market Reception And Early Reviews
Early impressions of the refreshed 2025 X5 praise its blend of power and comfort, with the turbocharged inline-six and plug-in hybrid systems delivering responsive acceleration and composed ride dynamics across varied driving conditions. Reviewers commend the evolutionary styling and high-quality cabin ambiance while noting that the infotainment software and certain ergonomic controls could benefit from smoother operation.
Overall, critics agree that the 2025 X5 refresh represents an evolutionary update that preserves BMW’s luxury SUV strengths without dramatic overhauls, reinforcing its status as a segment benchmark.
Conclusion
BMW’s 2025 X5 subtly elevates its signature silhouette with refined LED lighting, sculpted wheel designs, and a slightly aggressive kidney grille, giving it a fresh yet unmistakably familiar presence on the road. Beneath the skin, the carryover powertrains—the 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, the 4.4-liter V8 in the M60i, and the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid—continue to deliver robust performance and impressive efficiency, ensuring driving dynamics remain as engaging as ever.
New additions to the Active Driving Assistant suite, including a hands-free Highway Assistant with autonomous lane-change capability, bring incremental safety enhancements without overhauling the familiar cabin tech. Despite a modest MSRP bump, the refreshed X5 offers a compelling blend of luxury, power, and cutting-edge safety, cementing its status as a midsize SUV icon in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s changed exterior-wise on the 2025 X5?
You’ll see new LED headlights and taillights with sharper graphics, revised grille trim, and updated wheel designs—enough to modernize its look without a full redesign.
Are there any new powertrains for 2025?
No new engines—BMW retains its mild-hybrid inline-six (375 hp), plug-in hybrid xDrive50e (483 hp/40 mi EV), and M60i V8 (523 hp) powertrains.
What’s the Hands-Free Highway Assistant?
It’s BMW’s Level 2 system that can change lanes autonomously on highways when cruise control is engaged, now standard on 2025 X5s with the Driving Assistance Professional package.
How much does the 2025 X5 cost?
The base sDrive40i starts around $65,700, the xDrive40i about $68,600, the xDrive50e near $73,800, and the M60i around $90,850.
When will the electric iX5 arrive?
BMW plans to launch the all-electric iX5 in 2026, kicking off an EV lineup that will include the X6 and X7 by 2028.
