2016 BMW X5

The 2016 X5 is offered in four trim levels- sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive35d, and xDrive50i. Only the base trim is offered with a standard rear-wheel-drive layout while it also gets the AWD layout as well. All the other trims come with AWD as standard. Right from the base trim, the X5 offers a long list of interior features and justifies its premium price tag. The xDrive50i gets some more features but the twin-turbo V8 motor is its main highlight. Apart from these, there are quite a number of optional packages to further enhance the SUV. Some of the packages include the Premium package, the Luxury Seating Package, the Driver Assistance package, and the Dynamic Handling package among others. There are some standalone optional features on offer too such as the active steering system, automated parking assist, adaptive M suspension system, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, automatic soft-closing doors, and rear-window manual sunshades among other features.

We recommend

We would recommend the xDrive35i trim since it is priced under $60,000 with AWD and offers most of the bells and whistles you’d require. Surely it lacks the punch of the turbo V-8 but it offers better fuel efficiency. Coming to the additional packages, the Premium package and the Driver Assistance package are the two highly recommended ones to have.

The 2016 BMW X5 is equipped with three powertrain options, the base one being the tried and tested I-6 B58 motor. The Turbo 6-cylinder engine makes 300 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque which is coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that shifts precisely and perfectly. The motor generates peak torque at very low RPMs which makes the X5 a brilliant grand-touring machine. The motor is extremely refined and there is just negligible turbo-lag yet under hard acceleration, the motor gives out a pleasing and sporty sound. The acceleration times are quite commendable for a luxury SUV equipped with a base motor. The 0-60mph comes up in a rather quick 6.1 second while the quarter-mile run is completed by the vehicle within 14.5 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class gets a 3.5-liter V8 motor and has a marginally higher power output than the X5 but loses out on the torque output rating. The Lexus GX 460 has the biggest motor here, a 4.6-liter V8 but fails to deliver a matching performance yet has an impressive torque output. The Volkswagen Touareg is the least powerful one here but impresses with its acceleration time which is at par with the rivals having significantly more power and torque output figures.

The 2016 BMW X5, when equipped with the base 3.0-liter I-6 motor, delivers a maximum of 18mpg within the city limits and 25mpg out on the highways. The combined mileage is rated at 21mpg. The SUV gets a medium-sized gas tank holding about 22.4 gallons of fuel and delivers some decent driving range figures.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE also has almost similar fuel economy figures to the X5 but gets a bigger 24 gallons gas tank hence, offers a much better driving range than the latter. The Lexus GX has a disappointing gas mileage since it houses a massive V8 under its hood, and it is more disappointing since it fails to deliver the desired performance. The Volkswagen Touareg trails both the GLE and the X5 closely with decent but slightly lesser fuel economy figures than the former duo.

The 2016 BMW X5 interior is one of the best in the segment with its stylish design and elegance. The cabin offers the classic BMW layout for its gauges, controls on the steering wheel, and the center console. The cabin is quite spacious and the seats are comfortable with power-adjustable functions for the front seats. However, the optional third-row seats are cramped and strictly practical for kids and extra luggage items. The base trim gets the SensaTec high-quality vinyl upholstery which is a great alternative to the high-end leather upholstery. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is as spacious as the BMW X5 and matches evenly with the latter in terms of creature comfort features and opulence inside the cabin as well. The Lexus GX 460 has the most luxurious cabin here with the most spacious 2nd-row seats. The Volkswagen Touareg has surprising levels of comfort and features but has a disappointing cargo space on offer. 

Some interior features are:

• SensaTec premium vinyl upholstery
• 10-way power front seats with heating function
• Driver memory settings
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Quad-zone climate control(xDrive50i)

How intuitive is the 2016 BMW X5’s infotainment unit?

The 2016 BMW X5 comes with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment display with the brand’s much-loved iDrive interface. The system is controlled via the rotary knob and the touch-pad placed on the center stack. The system offers almost all the basic connectivity and entertainment features along with a smooth and intuitive user interface. 

Some standout infotainment features include:

• 10.2-inch display screen
• Voice controls
• Traffic reporting
• Nine-speaker audio system
• HD radio

The 2016 BMW X5 is big from every angle from the outside and completely defies its mid-size SUV tag with its exterior dimensions. The lines and design cues are sleek and elegant which gives the vehicle a sportier look than previous generations. The front end has a perfectly balanced appeal comprising aggressive and assertive styling. It also has a commendable ground clearance which when combined with the AWD system can offer a decent off-roading experience too.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class also looks like a big SUV but has some slightly compact exterior dimensions than the X5 but gets a more aggressive front fascia than the latter. The Lexus GX 460 sports the brand’s huge spindle front grille design that gives it a polarizing but aggressive appeal from the front. The Volkswagen Touareg gets the most compact and understated design language here but it appeals to the right set of buyers.

Some exterior features include:

• 19-inch wheels
• Auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors 
• Panoramic sunroof
• Automatic wipers
• Adaptive xenon headlamps

The 2016 BMW X5 received some impressive crash-test scores from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The government organization gave the vehicle a perfect 5-star rating while the IIHS gave it the highest possible “Good” rating in the majority of the testing parameters. The SUV comes loaded with some truly advanced safety techs along with the basic ones.

Some of the safety features are-

• Dsc-X Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts 

The 2016 BMW X5 offers adequate practicality and comfort and possesses the capability to serve as a daily driver too. It offers commendable fuel-efficiency along with punchy performance, handles like a car on winding roads and the spacious cabin size offers ample cargo space without sacrificing the space for passengers. The plethora of features and one of the best build quality and the price makes the 2016 BMW X5 quite irresistible.