2021 BMW X5

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The 2021 BMW X5 remains a strong competitor in the luxury midsize crossover segment. Two model years into its newest generation, it still feels fresh in terms of style and technology, while offering a driving experience that’s comfortable and refined. As this segment demands, it can also be had with superlative levels of German performance in the X5 M50i and X5 M. For 2021, this latest generation of X5 also gets a plug-in hybrid variant known as the xDrive45e. The 2021 X5 continues to come jam-packed with the latest technology. Drivers can enjoy a number of advanced assistance systems, including one that allows you to take your hands off the wheel in traffic jams. BMW continues to bring the best of its infotainment, and the list of convenience features and trick tech is a long one – even if some is questionably useful (we’re looking at you, gesture control). The X5 gives the segment’s high-tech frontrunner, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, a run for its money. All in, the X5 is absolutely not to be missed if you’re shopping for a midsize luxury SUV. The big news for 2021 is the addition of the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid (pictured above), which replaces the xDrive50i in the X5 lineup. The base 40i models also get a touch of electrification with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Satellite radio and wireless Android Auto now come as standard equipment in the X5, while the options list has been trimmed a bit (the rear-seat entertainment system, off-road package and full Merino leather interior are no more). There are some other options availability differences, but nothing major. The X5's cabin is less austere than has been typical from BMW, boasting a snazzy design with ritzy materials that de-emphasize buttons in favor of large swaths of wood, the huge iDrive display and more interestingly shaped center air vents. And as is typical for this lofty segment of luxury SUVs, you can outfit the X5 in a truly opulent manner with things like a leather-wrapped dash, heated just-about everything (front and rear seats, steering wheel, armrests and cupholders), a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, multiple choices of wood trim, metal weaves, and glass finishings on center console controls. With the latter, you can make the electronic shifter look like a sort of crystal talisman from a fantasy novel. As for technology, make sure to set aside lots of time during a test drive (and delivery, if you buy one) to learn about the innumerable features and customization settings controlled by the latest version of BMW's iDrive. This isn't a car you just hop in and drive away. Everything from the way the gauges look to your preferred combination of powertrain and chassis settings can be programmed the way you like it. Opting for an X5 M only adds to the customizability of the driving experience. Plus, this latest iDrive can be controlled through a multitude of different means: the center console knob and surrounding capacitive menu ""buttons,"" the touchscreen, natural voice commands akin to Amazon Alexa, or the rather useless gesture control (wave your hands about to accomplish tasks). We found we liked to accomplish different tasks using different means of interface, which speaks to the value in such control redundancy. For 2021, there are multiple models to choose from that correspond with different powertrains. We’ll start with the basic versions: sDrive40i and xDrive40i models. The sDrive40i and xDrive40i both have a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Like nearly every X5, it has an eight-speed automatic. The sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive40i is all-wheel drive. BMW estimates that both go from 0-60 mph in a quick 5.3 seconds. The new 48-volt mild hybrid system helps support the gas engine with a little extra power at the low end, provides regenerative braking that stores energy in a second battery, and improves fuel economy. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined for the sDrive40i, which is pretty good given the X5's size and performance. The xDrive40i brings that down to 21/25/23. Replacing the more powerful 50i is a plug-in hybrid model, called the xDrive45e. It features a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and electric motor, putting total output at 389 hp and 411 lb-ft of torque. It does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, and can drive on electricity alone up to 84 mph. It offers up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range, which is above average for a plug-in hybrid. The EPA rates it at 50 miles per gallon equivalent combined on electricity and gas, and 20 mpg combined once the charge is depleted. The M50i remains, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo that sends 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. It also features M Sport brakes, adaptive M suspension, M Sport differential and 20-inch wheels. 0-60 mph comes in 4.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/22/18 mpg. Rounding out the X5 lineup is the X5 M and X5 M Competition. The X5 M produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the Competition version makes 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. An X5 M gets to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, and the Competition drops that to 3.7 seconds. With the M Drivers’ Package, top speed is 177 mph. A bevy of high-performance goodies are added in addition to the extra power: an M specific exhaust system, BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a greater rear-drive bias, stiffer suspension, more chassis bracing along with M compound brakes and performance tires, all designed to perform on the track. Fuel economy is 13/18/15 for both, which is as terrible as you'd expect for a 617-hp SUV.