BMW X5 Gen-3 Buyer's guide review

BMW (Bavarian Motor Works or Bayerische Motoren Werke), originally founded in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer, transitioned to automobile production in the late 1920s and has since become a leading global luxury vehicle brand. In 1994, BMW made a strategic move by acquiring the Land Rover Company, significantly boosting Land Rover's sales and market presence. This acquisition gave the way for BMW's entry into the SUV market. Within five years, BMW introduced its first SUV, the X5 in 1999. By 2003, they implemented their innovative E-Drive technology in the X3 series and later, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the BMW X series, they introduced E-Drive to the X5. This article delves into the exterior design, interior design, driving experience and the legacy of the 2015 third generation X5 X-Drive 40E plug-in hybrid model, showcasing BMW's commitment to combining luxury with cutting-edge technology.

Taking a look at the front exterior, there is a visible tow hitch. The typical head lights come along with the well-known BMW design language. But they have upgraded the DRL of the 3rd generation with a blue DRL embedded to the white DRL. To state the pride of the SUV, there are fog lights. There are fake vents as well as real vents with the typical functional BMW kidney grill.

The vehicle has a stunning set of large rims, significantly larger than those found on typical off-road SUVs, underscoring its design tailored for on-road use. It maintains a practical ground clearance ideal for everyday driving conditions. The vent near the rim enhances performance. The door handles, though not attractive, add a simple elegance that aligns with the BMW's overall aesthetic. Viewed from the side, it is close to the luxurious Range Rover rather than a BMW, further emphasizing its commanding presence. The X5 X-Drive features a flat back design, maintaining a clean and classic aesthetic from the rear side. It is contained with the typical BMW rear lights, consistent with the design trends of its era. Adding a touch of authenticity, the SUV has real metal exhausts.

There is a spacious boot area of about 650 liters. A unique feature of this vehicle is its double-sided open boot, which makes loading and unloading convenient. For more space, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the capacity to 1800 liters, allowing to carry a considerable weight of cargo. There are 4 tethering points and a belt to strap things during travel. Additionally, a 12V socket is available for convenience. There is a designated spot for the parcel shelf. The charger is put in the secured under-boot area. There is a rear speaker system that delivers surround sound to enhance the travel experience further.

The BMW X5 X-Drive has a 2-liter inline 4 turbocharged engine paired with a 90-horsepower battery system. It contains a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission system, ideal for hybrids. It delivers power directly through the motor without the need for torqueing. Combined, the battery and engine produce a total of 313 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, powering all four wheels. The setup which contains the engine, motor and the all-wheel drive system allows to reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. Additionally, the SUV has a towing capacity of over 3 tons. The vehicle has an 85-liter fuel tank. Given its impressive fuel efficiency of approximately 30 km per liter, one rarely need to fill the tank to its full capacity. When the fuel tank is empty, the plug-in hybrid system provides an alternative. By fully charging the 9 kW battery, one can drive for around 20 km. It only takes 2.5 minutes to fully charge the battery.

Talking about the design, the BMW X5 X-Drive 40E offers a blend of luxury and sportiness in its comfortable interior. The small display can't compare to the larger ones in other vehicles. But the big steering wheel is designed for effortless handling and can be electronically adjusted. As the X5 is an electrical vehicle, there is no any added advantage of that. It is matched with the overall luxury vibe. The steering wheel has a heating button and gives voice controls, call answering options, and volume controls. Paddle shifters manage the headlights and signals, in a layout opposite to Japanese vehicles. The steering wheel position is adjustable and can return to a saved memory setting through the default option. The dashboard contains a combination of digital and analog dials, displaying speed, fuel gauge, RPM, and engine capacity on physical dials, while the digital display provides mileage, additional temperature details, and washer fluid level. The interior has elegant split AC vents and a mix of leather and solid plastics. The climate control system is present with both physical and digital gauges. There are cup holders and a cigarette lighter. The center console includes shifting controls and an electric parking brake. There are buttons for various driving modes such as sport, comfort, and e-drive eco. There is another button to activate the rear camera. Under the armrest, there is a spacious storage compartment which has a solid opening. There is an adapter to snatch the phone inside that.

The comfortable leather seats offer power adjustments with lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. There is a mirror with a separated light that works together. As X5 is a luxury vehicle, the passenger also has the same mirror and the light. The sunroof and the slider can be controlled from the center location. There is only one controller for both the slider and the sunroof. Apart from that there is the emergency calling button and light settings at the same place. The SUV has a modern infotainment system with a dial control. There are buttons for frequently used functions. The default navigation system is not functional. The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be used instead. The navigation system lacks a touch interface even.

Coming to the rear interior of the BMW X5, it offers the same spacious legroom and headroom as the front. There is a sturdy pouch for carrying items. It has mood lighting on both the seats and doors. A smooth handle can be seen on the roof. There is a separate reading light and indicator light that can be controlled with a switch. For entertainment, back seat passengers have TV screens that are operated via only a touch bar. The menu settings must be controlled from the front. So the back passengers can only watch what the rear passengers watch. The climate control system is centrally located, with simple open and close options. There is a 12 v power socket and a button to toggle the seat heaters. The third passenger also has a headrest. If there is no middle passenger, an armrest with two cup holders can be folded down for added convenience. However, installing a baby seat can be challenging due to hidden latches. There are only two positions to set up that. The functional sunroof is designed to let in air when the AC is off. So it doesn't allow passengers to stick their heads out. The door bins are massive enough to hold a water bottle of 1.5 liters. As a luxury SUV released in 2015, the BMW X5 exceeds minimal expectations, providing a premium experience for rear passengers.

As an SUV, the vehicle has a turning radius of about 12.7. It gives an excellent view range with perfectly designed mirrors. Drivers can enjoy the comfortable driving experience expected from an SUV, with the hybrid system providing a smooth ride. The comfort mode softens acceleration, smoothing out bumps and holes. While the road feel is somewhat limited, switching to manual mode allows drivers to fully enjoy the vehicle's sportiness. In terms of safety, the BMW X5 is well-equipped with sensors, airbags, a monocoque structure, and crumple zones. The sensors in the BMW X5 indicate if someone is in front, enhancing safety. Maneuvering the vehicle is effortless with the 360-degree camera.

They market the vehicle as a silent SUV, but it falls short of that promise. The weight is approximately 400kg more than a typical mid-size SUV. Apart from the plugin hybrid system, there are various technologies to improve fuel efficiency. One such feature is the air curtain, designed to enhance aerodynamics by optimizing the air intake outflow. It helps to maintain good fuel consumption even with the vehicle's significant weight.

As of May 2024, the average Sri Lankan market price for the BMW X5 X-Drive 40E lies around 30 million LKR depending on its condition. You can find the latest price with more details and cars of this model for sale from the following link BMW X5 Latest Price