2018 BMW X5 SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 BMW X5 is has four engine configurations. Powering the 35i trim is a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb. ft. of torque. The 35d trim is essentially the same engine as the 35i but it is diesel-fueled producing 255 horsepower and 418 lb. ft. of torque. The 40e trim is a hybrid of a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an integrated electric motor for a combined output of 308 horsepower and 332 lb. ft. of torque. The 50i trim is powered by turbocharged V8 producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb. ft. of torque. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and delivers power to all four wheels. However, only the 35i has the option for a rear-wheel drive. Even with the base 35i trim tested, the power plant was impressive to accelerate to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. The inherent smoothness of an inline-6 engine coupled with minimal turbo lag results to responsive power delivery. There is no shortage of useable power among the engine options in X5 lineup and it only gets better when going up the range. With the four-wheel drive configuration, the handling through the turns felt planted. Having a low ground clearance means that it is more agile and there is less body roll. The steering is well balanced, not the lightest but feedback was consistent even at slower speeds. The brakes are capable to stop the SUV through the twist and turns in city driving. Pedal action never felt soft and the brakes responded well to varying degrees of pressure from the foot.

Technology

The base 35i and 35d trims come standard with adaptive headlights, LED foglights, power-folding and heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, power liftgate, power-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, BMW Assist emergency communications, voice recognition, infotainment system with 10.2-inch display and nine-speaker sound system. The hybrid 40e trim has the base trim features and the additional hybrid-specific controls. Standard for this trim are adjustable suspension dampers and rear air suspension, which are optional for the other X5 trims. The Premium package for the 35i, 35d and 40e trims adds keyless entry, automatic climate control and satellite radio. The top-of-the-line 50i trim includes the all the standard and optional features and adds keyless ignition and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Executive package includes adaptive LED headlights, heads-up display and automatic doors. Options for all trims include Apple CarPlay, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, upscale interior trim appointments, adaptive LED headlights, and a rear seat entertainment system.

Safety

The 2018 model has been tested by the NHTSA and it achieves 5 stars for the Frontal Crash, 5 stars for the Side Crash and 4 stars for the Rollover, for an overall 5-star safety rating. The IIHS has also tested the X5 and rates it “Good” in crashworthiness and “Superior” in front crash prevention, and “Average” for its headlights. All X5 trims have standard safety equipment that include a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Advanced safety and driver aids are add-ons for all trims and they include adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, speed limit information, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and 360-degree and night vision cameras.

Appearance

The 2018 model has a 193.2-inch length, 76.3-inch width, 69.4-inch height, and a 115.5-inch wheelbase. It shares a lot similarity visually with the 2017 model. For the rear bumper however, the 2018’s exhaust pipes are integrated it and are located on both flanks. With its ground clearance being lower than most of its competition in the midsize SUV category, the X5 looks more compact and stouter in its stance. Part of it may be due to the 19-inch wheels in the 35i, 35d, and 40e trims and goes up to 20-inches for the 50i trim.

Comfort

Getting into the cabin did not require much effort though the riding position is quite high. The running boards weren’t really accessible for a stable footing in getting inside. Once inside, there is plenty of room and did not feel cramped inside. The legroom at the second row however, is not the most spacious. There are two rows of seats that accommodates up to 5 people. Comfort is easily one of the best in its class and did not disappoint even on those extended periods on the road. The heating and range of adjustability are welcome additions to the passenger’s convenience. Even as a sporty vehicle, the X5’s suspension absorbed irregularities on the pavement with ease. Despite being more sport-oriented in its set-up, rough ride quality is very rare and passenger comfort can still be had in spades.

Cargo

Behind the second row of seats is 35.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume and once the seats are folded down, volume for cargo expands to 76.7 cu. ft.