2018 BMW X5

Good base content, excellent infotainment, and lots of optional equipment help the BMW X5 score well for features- The Car Connection

The BMW X5 is available in 35i and 50i trim levels. Pricing starts from $57,200 for the 35i trim while the 50i model has an MSRP of $74,050. These price tags exclude a destination fee of $995. The 35i trim is available in both RWD and AWD configurations whereas the 50i model comes standard with an AWD system. 

The X5 is nicely equipped with a decent list of comfort and convenience features but misses out few technological features. BMW also offers many optional packages to upgrade the features of the X5. One of them is the $4,500 Dynamic Handling package that adds active roll stabilization and dynamic performance control for the best driving experience. 

We Recommend

We prefer the xDrive35i model as its AWD system offers good traction to drive on snowy roads. The X5 comes with a good amount of standard important features but lacks enough safety features. Therefore, we also suggest upgrading to the $1,700 Driver Assistance and $1,200 Driver Assistance Plus packages for keeping your ride safe. 

The 2018 BMW X5 is reasonably efficient at all levels- The Car Connection

The fuel economy of the BMW X5 is not that praise-worthy but it's average. According to the EPA, the MPG figures include 18 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on a highway, and 21 MPG combined. The fuel economy falls by 1 MPG if you buy the AWD versions. The more powerful 50i model returns 15 MPG in the city, 21 MPG on a highway, and 17 MPG combined.

These fuel ratings are typical for the class. The X5 is fitted with a 22.4-gallon fuel tank, which when filled with premium gas, delivers a combined driving range of 481 miles for RWD models and 470 miles for AWD variants. The 50i model can drive up to 403 miles and therefore, you will visit gas stations frequently when you are on a road trip with your family. 

The Volvo XC90 has the best fuel economy in this segment as it comes with an auto-start/stop feature. The fuel estimates of the Audi Q7 are on par with the X5 despite making more power and a standard AWD system. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the least fuel-efficient vehicle here but its large fuel tank delivers the best driving range. 

Inside, the X5 boasts an appealing, modern cabin design constructed from high-quality wood, metal and leather- Left Lane News

2018 BMW X5 Seating and Comfort

The cabin of the BMW X5 is well-built and features high-quality materials. It is a five-seater SUV but you can fit two more seats for an extra $1,700 to increase the seating capacity to seven. Honestly, stick with the standard two rows as the third row is absolutely useless. The dash is suitably classy although some of the plastics are behind the standard set by the rivals. The seats are treated with synthetic leather and leather upholstery depending on the trim levels. There is plenty of room to fit in four adults without too much worry. 

The front seats offer supreme comfort and good under-thigh support. The top-end 50i model offers 20-way power front seats with heated function. The steering wheel is also power-adjustable to find the perfect driving position. Although the X5 is a standard 5-seater, two adults or three children will get comfortable across the rear seats. If you equip the third row, they are reserved only for children as adults won't want to spend much time in them. The standard panoramic moonroof doesn't cut headroom and gives an airy feel to the cabin.

Both the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 come standard with seven seats while the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class sticks to the 5-seater layout. Comparatively, the GLE-Class and the Q7 offer more passenger space in the rear row while the XC90's space levels are decent. Although the X5's interior dimensions look less, there is ample space provided for adults. 

2018 BMW X5 Infotainment System

A 10.2-inch touchscreen display sits atop the dashboard and it runs on the latest generation BMW's iDrive infotainment system that is undoubtedly one of the best fit in its segment. But it's a shame that Android Auto is not available whereas Apple CarPlay is a $300 add-on feature. The screen features slick graphics and the menus are arranged logically. The interface is user-friendly and easy to understand. 

The system is connected to a 9-speaker sound system but the top-end 50i model adds a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers which could be the perfect choice for audiophiles. You could also opt for Bang & Olufsen with the same amount of speakers. The metal buttons have a nice touch to them and look premium. The optional rear-seat entertainment system adds dual 9.2-inch screens. 

2018 BMW X5 Interior Features

Some important comfort and technological features of the X5 are:

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
• 20-way front power, heated leather seats
• Proximity keyless entry
• Power liftgate
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Push-button start
• Panoramic moonroof
• 10.2-inch touchscreen display
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround audio system
• Navigation system

2018 BMW X5 Cargo Capacity

The BMW X5 offers a dedicated cargo space of 35.8 cubic feet which is ample to keep your golf bags, snowboarding gear behind the rear seats. Should you need more space, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold down almost flat. Once folded, you will witness 76.7 cubic feet before you. That's a lot of space for a family of four. 

The X5's boot is square-shaped, allowing more items to be stored in the trunk. The split tailgate feature adds to the practicality as it helps to loads items into the cargo area easily without much effort. Moreover, a power tailgate is a standard feature across the range. The X5 also offers plenty of storage solutions in the cabin as well. 

Whether the rear seats are up or folded, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class leads the table with its impressive numbers. The Volvo XC90 is the most practical SUV in this segment with a maximum cargo space of 85.7 cubic feet. On the flip side, the Audi Q7 offers just 71.6 cubic feet and stands last on the table. 

The 2018 BMW X5 luxury SUV retains its muscular yet set smooth lines, and its considerable size is proportioned well- Kelly Blue Book

2018 BMW X5 Dimension and Weight

The styling of the BMW X5 reflects a modern and muscular look but is not rugged. The front-end looks aggressive with the signature kidney grille and integrated headlights. These headlights are projector-beam HID lights and down below, you get LED fog lights. The X5 sits on 19-inch alloy wheels and these wheels keep the car from the ground at 8.2 inches, good enough for mild off-roading. 

The side profile with the elongated silhouette and air vents near the front wheels improve the airflow. The short wheelbase of the X5 impacts its rear-seat room but it makes cornering and parking much easier. The rear design of the X5 also looks stylish with LED taillights and dual exhausts. The optional M Sport package adds 19-inch double-spoke wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, and roof rails that make the X5 look sportier. 

The Volvo XC90 has the highest ground clearance in this segment but don't mistake it to be an off-roader. High ride height is useful to prevent the underbelly from getting scrapped. The Audi Q7 has a wide wheelbase that measures nearly 2 inches more than the X5. Hence, its cabin is roomier. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the shortest SUV with an overall length of 189.1 inches. 

2018 BMW X5 Exterior Feature

Some of the standard exterior features include:

• HID headlamps
• LED DRLs
• Adaptive LED taillights
• LED fog lights
• Door courtesy lights
• Grey grille
• Aluminum window trim
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Dual exhausts
• Black rocker panel with chrome accents
• 19 & 21-inch alloy wheels

The X5 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA- MotorTrend

A total of five out of five stars were given to the BMW X5 for its overall performance in crash tests. This overall rating is the combination of frontal, side-impact, and rollover tests. In the frontal and side-impact crash tests, the X5 received a 5-star rating while four stars are given for the rollover crash test. 

NHTSA Rating

The X5 received mixed ratings from IIHS. The highest 'Good' rating was given to the X5 for its front and side crash tests while the headlights were rated 'Acceptable'. The models with the optional Driver Assistance Plus package received 'Superior rating for the front crash prevention and with the Driver Assistance package, an 'Advanced' rating was distributed. 

IIHS Rating

All these ratings prove the fact that the X5 is a safe vehicle. With regards to driver aids, only three features are available as standard in the X5. As mentioned before, upgrading to the Driver Assistance, Driver Assistance Plus, and Parking Assitance packages adds an extensive list of advanced safety features. 

The list of safety features available in the X5 are given below:

• Rearview Camera
• Surround-View Camera
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rain-Sensing Windsheild Wipers
• Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go
• Night Vision w/ Pedestrian Detection
• Speed Limit Information
• City Collision Mitigation
• Active Park Assist
• Frontal Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Warning
• Head-up display

2018 BMW X5 vs 2018 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is powerful but its heavy curb weight doesn't allow it to overtake the X5 in terms of performance. Its fuel economy is the same as the X5 but its tow ratings are way better. The Q7's cabin feels more elegant and seats up to 7 passengers. It is also slightly more spacious but its cargo volume is a bit less. The Q7 also offers similar safety features as the X5 but its low ownership costs make it a better option. 

2018 BMW X5 vs 2018 Volvo XC90

Although the Volvo XC90 makes more power, its acceleration is mediocre while its towing capacity is the least in this competition. Also, its ride quality is not much appreciable. The main winning points of this SUV are high fuel efficiency, more standard driver-assist features, and the lowest ownership costs in this segment. The XC90's interior seats two more passengers and offers class-leading cargo room. 

2018 BMW X5 vs 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the cheapest entry in this segment. It isn't athletic as the X5 and its fuel efficiency is also less but offers a great towing capacity. The cabin of the GLE-Class offers more space and luxurious features than the X5 while its cargo capacity is among the best in the segment. It is also the Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and offers a bit more standard safety tech than the X5. 

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The 2018 BMW X5 is the best driving SUV in the range with the best engine and transmission combo and the most comfortable capable ride you can buy. It's a shame that tech is such a miss but everything else is wonderful. Most people don't need a full-blown X5 M vehicle, which makes the standard X5 a nice compromise. With a few thousand dollars in options, it can be as fun as you want it to be but just as civilized as any other full-size premium crossover when you don't.