BMW X5 Hybrid 2022 Review

BMW's extensive SUV roster started with just one vehicle: the original BMW X5. Now in its third decade of production, the BMW X5 is currently one of the most compelling choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Every version offers impressive acceleration, a wealth of technology features, and a spacious, comfortable cabin. You can even add a third-row seat to the X5. It's good in a pinch, but if you consistently require seven-passenger capacity, we recommend getting the larger BMW X7.

This year, the 2022 BMW X5 carries over with minimal changes beyond the arrival of an opulent Black Vermilion version of the xDrive40i. Available for just one year, the X5 Black Vermilion pairs plush equipment with flashy styling inside and out. Overall the X5 is a solid choice for a luxury SUV among rivals such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Be sure to read our Expert Rating of the BMW X5 to learn more about this appealing SUV.

What's it like to live with?

Seriously considering the BMW X5? Our experts evaluated an xDrive40i for an extended period of time. Read our 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i long-term road test to learn about our experiences owning and driving this SUV. Note that while we tested a 2020 model the 2022 X5 is of the same generation and our observations still apply.

The 2022 BMW X5 is available in four trim levels. The sDrive40i has rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and M50i include standard all-wheel drive. A high-performance X5 M is also available and is reviewed separately.

sDrive40i and xDrive40i The sDrive40i and xDrive40i are essentially identically equipped, except for the standard all-wheel-drive system in the latter model. Standard features include:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower, 331 lb-ft)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Adaptive suspension dampers
• 19-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Navigation system
• 10-speaker audio system

Standard safety and driving assistance systems include:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

Options on these trims include:

• Individual options
• Leather upholstery
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Third-row seating
• Upgraded M Sport brakes
• M Sport package
• 20-inch wheels
• M Sport steering wheel
• M Sport exterior trim
• Premium package
• Remote engine start
• Gesture control for the infotainment system (can use hand gestures to control certain vehicle features)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Executive package

Includes Premium package features plus:

• Upgraded headlights
• Panoramic glass roof with embedded LED lighting
• Glass-trimmed shifter and infotainment knob
• Rear window shades
• Climate Comfort package
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front armrests, steering wheel and rear seats
• Luxury Seating package
• Upgraded front seats with ventilation and massage
• Driving Assistance Professional package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X5 and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
• Emergency stop assist (can bring the BMW to a stop in the event of a medical emergency)
• Parking Assistance package
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the X5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

xDrive45e The xDrive45e is a plug-in hybrid. It has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, electric motors, and a hybrid battery pack that you can plug in and charge. With a full battery charge, the xDrive45e provides an EPA-estimated 31 miles of all-electric driving. When the battery is discharged, the xDrive45e operates as a regular gas-electric hybrid vehicle. Total system output is 389 hp and 443 lb-ft.

Generally, features and options match those on the sDrive40i and xDrive40i, but you can't get a third-row seat on the xDrive45e. Cargo space is not quite as generous either.

M50i The X5 M50i is an M Sport-tuned version of the SUV, offering a more accessible path to performance for people who don't require the capabilities of the X5 M. It's powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lb-ft), includes all-wheel drive, and comes with numerous performance upgrades, but it's not as intense as the high-performance X5 M.

It's equipped similar to other X5 models, but it adds or replaces some features. It includes:

• M Sport-tuned adaptive suspension
• M Sport exhaust
• M Sport steering wheel
• 20-inch wheels
• Leather upholstery
• Upgraded front seats with ventilation and massage
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Option packages for the M50i are also similar to those for other X5 models, though there is an exclusive Dynamic Handling package that further sharpens the X5 M50i's steering and handling capabilities.