As a previous X5 owner, I’ve loved all the generations of BMW’s beloved SUV. Powerful, roomy, stylish, yet muscular – the X5 possesses everything you would want in an SUV.

But as SUVs become more popular, and many brands take the ‘cookie-cutter’ EV route, the decision as to which one to buy has often become rather superficial: the looks. The preference for the rugged and boxy look has also evolved into something more sleek and curvy. Think Mercedes GLE, Maserati Levante or the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and you’ll know what I mean.

The Handsome SUV

Yet, among the Asian makes, Toyota and Hyundai have been harking back to the old-school chunkier designs with their RAV4, Landcruiser, and even the latest Santa Fe.

It’s safe to say that buyers’ preference leans to both extremes. Yet the X5 has always managed to tread the line between sleek and rugged.

With some new exterior updates, this facelift X5 continues that tradition of the modern SUV. New bumpers at the front and rear in this xDrive40i M Sport version add to the car’s beefiness, as do a set of updated, less fussy headlamps and taillights.

From the rear, it is easy to spot the latest X5, as the previous LED outline in each taillamp has now been replaced with a sideways hammer signature. Seen in unison, they make up an elongated ‘X’.

The Luxury SUV

The changes continue inside, where a gleaming new BMW Curved Display sits atop the dashboard, with a curved screen that houses BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system. It measures a wide 12.3-inch for the information display and 14.9-inch for the control display.

Even the physical climate controls have been removed in favour of touchscreen-based buttons.

Overall, space and legroom are still outstanding, as they always have been since the E70 series. However, BMW no longer offers the X5 as a 7-seater.

Honestly, I’ve rarely used the seats in the third row when I had mine. Partly because they weren’t very comfortable but also because the humongous boot capacity offered when the seats were folded flat down was too awesome for me to pass up on using.

The brown leather seats in this G05 series X5 look and feel superb, too. Juxtaposed against the deep blue exterior paint, the car reeks of sporty luxury.

The one thing X5s were always pretty good at was their driving dynamics, and the new one is no different. Powered by a turbocharged (I wonder how many more times I will get to use this beautiful word in the future when force induction is no more) 3.0-litre engine with mild hybrid assistance, the SUV packs a healthy 375bhp and 550Nm of torque.

As with modern, turbocharged cars, even a large-sized SUV like the X5 never feels ‘heavy’ or lethargic. On the contrary, it is relatively quick and responds with liveliness with every prod of the accelerator. Leaving the car in ‘Sport’ mode is best; the steering stiffens, and the throttle response also sharpens up.

The Sporty SUV

Turning in hard into a series of sweeping bends will require the driver to adapt quickly to the car’s sheer size, but the X5 helps you with that; a comfortable but sports-tuned suspension set-up and a large wheel and tyre combination aid in settling the car in when you need to go fast.

Once again, the X5 rides impressively well, but if you prefer an even more comfortable ride, you may lose the run-flats when it’s time to change those tyres.  

I may be biased. But as a fan of the brand, the BMW X5 still comes across as the best choice for a premium SUV. I’d choose an Audi Avant any day if it was a wagon body style I was shopping for. Premium sedan? It’ll probably be a Mercedes C-Class.

Sure, the X5 may be due for a newer, more updated iteration to keep up with its fast-moving competitors, but sometimes it’s good to slow down and enjoy the peak of what years of progress have brought us, and you can find that in the newly updated X5.

Technical Specifications

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged
Power: 280 kW (375 bhp)
Torque: 550 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h

Price: S$538,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: BMW

Photo Credits: Joel Tam

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Both models have undergone makeovers for their mid-life refresh. The X5 struts onto the scene with a fresh pair of headlights, shedding a cool 35mm off their outline. These Matrix LED marvels are also armed with a non-dazzling high beam feature alongside arrow-shaped daytime driving elements that add a dash of futuristic flair.

The X5’s redesigned air intake and vertical air curtains in the front fascia look sleeker, and the rear has a new L-shape BMW light signature, forming an X-shaped motif.

Now, let’s shift our attention to the X6. The headlight game is strong here too, with a slimmer profile. Those arrow-shaped daytime driving lights? Oh, they’re back, and they’re sleeker than ever.

The front apron boasts black surfaces that flirt with an octagonal shape. And when you throw in the M-specific side skirts and the M High-gloss Shadowline trim from the M Sport package, you’ve got a recipe for sporty elegance.

Slide into the cabin, and you’re met with BMW’s Curved Display that merges a 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch control display. And that ambient light bar? It’s not just lighting up the space; it’s setting the mood, creating an atmosphere that’s as inviting as a high-end lounge.

All SUV models from BMW come with sports seats, and the instrument panel is wrapped in leather-like Sensafin. The X5 boasts fine wood trim elements, an ode to timeless elegance. Meanwhile, the X6 takes a daring step with carbon fibre cabin trim, a nod to the cutting edge.

Both the X5 and the X6 are powered by a 376bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that’s not just about muscle; it’s a dance of efficiency too, thanks to its 48V mild hybrid technology. Paired with an 8-speed ZF transmission and the iconic xDrive all-wheel drive system, it’s a symphony of performance that hits the century mark in just 5.4 seconds. 

Both the X5 and the X6 are now making their grand debut at authorized BMW dealers in Singapore.

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The cars will be launched in April, and will tentatively reach our shores closer to the end of the year.

The X5 is now sleeker thanks to slim slit-like headlights that incorporate arrow-shaped daytime driving lights and indicators. The updated grille is honestly not offensive, and dare I say fits well on the car, complemented by a redesigned front bumper that incorporates new air intake elements. Lots of options can opt for the car, including the BMW Iconic Glow illuminated front kidney grilles… if you are someone that likes it.

The X6 receives a similar design update, with an M Sport package now coming as standard. This means customers will get black trim pieces, M-specific side skirts and trapezoidal tailpipes.

Inside, the biggest tech update for both cars is the inclusion of BMW’s modern Curved Display. This display array consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, morphed into one smooth curve. The new SUVs also run the latest BMW Operating System 8 (iDrive 8), and each dashboard is now illuminated with an LED light bar.

In line with more sustainable powertrains, both cars feature new platforms, with the most groundbreaking one being a new X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid (PHEV). In this, a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder is paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 490bhp and 700Nm of torque.

Even with its SUV heft, it’s still able to do the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Plus, you actually get real-world EV use, with an electric driving range rated between 94 to 100km (WLTP).

The BMW X5 and X6 also feature a regular xDrive40i ICE variant, and this new rendition has been given a slight power boost. The newly released numbers are 380bhp and 520Nm of torque, which is an increase of 47bhp and 70Nm from before.

Spring for the flagship M50i trim, and a thumping new 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine greets you loud and proud. These puppies pump out 530bhp and 750Nm of torque, good for a 4.3 second 0-100km/h sprint.

Not only are they more powerful, but the new X5 and X6 are safer too. BMW has developed an updated driver assistance system suite with enhanced capabilities for the front-collision warning system, which can now reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road.

There is also now the optional Parking Assistant Professional, which allows the user to manoeuvre the car in and out of spaces up to a distance of 200 metres using the My BMW app.

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