BMW’s X5 gets a midlife restyling, loses its third row, and receives MHEV tech. Maybe this is all the car you would need to feed that Executive habit

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Photos: Clifford Chow and Jay Tee

SINGAPORE

It is clear that BMW is big on their SUV, or should I say SAV game. Their offerings range from C-Segment premium soft-ish roaders like the X1, to the range-topping X7; and of-course the mental BMW M-produced XM. But in my opinion, the X5 is the best SAV of the lot. I say this simply because it offers much more than the already very good Junior Executive X3, and its X4 coupe-ish sibling; by virtue of space, equipment and the bit that there is simply more car to enjoy. The X7 on the other hand, is not an entirely different car, but rather the X5 by extension.

In a time where the market is saturated with SUVs, and COEs effectively pricing many buyers out, I think that BMW has done a good job of keeping the X5 fresh, and locally, the car is specced decently.

I like that even with BMW going big with their grille designs of late, with the refacing of the X5, its grille remains easy on the eyes. The revamp has been kept quite simple really. At the front, aside from a new M Sport bumper, it receives new sleeker headlamps, with arrow motif indicator light inserts. At the rear, the tail lamps have been re-sculpted, bringing them visually closer to the new 5 Series.

Where the facelift is most noticeable, is on the inside. This is where the dashboard receives a full makeover, and now “carries” a single curved display panel – the current theme with new and updated BMW cars. Within this, a 12.3-inch driver display, and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen (the pre-facelift had a 12.3-inch screen) sit, providing a somewhat seamless impression. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be worked wirelessly, and at the base of the dash, a wireless charger provides a good amount of energy trickle, to keep mobile phones charged. The pair of hidden air-conditioning vents in the middle of the dashboard, ape those found on the iX and 7 Series, are a clever touch, doing their part in reducing visual clutter. 

The infotainment has also graduated to Operating System 8, which brings more functionality and features to the table. We understand that this will eventually be updated over-the-air to version 8.5. There are however, a few features that have disappeared along with the facelift, namely the really cool Gesture Control, and the head-up display.

Speaking of versatility, the X5’s power tailgate, like its predecessors, opens in two parts – which makes it easier to open, since there is less door coming toward you, and it also has its advantages when backed close to a wall. The 650 litre boot, which expands up to 1,870 litres, with the rear passenger seats folded, is decent for its class (the smallest here being the Audi Q8, with 605 litres), however the boot may just be a tad too tight for a set of golf clubs, placed across its width.

For our home market, the X5 has the choice of only one engine – the B58 family 3.0-litre in-line six. What is new is its 48V Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) architecture, which provides a boost to the car’s performance, and improves on fuel efficiency. Power has been bumped-up from 340hp to 381hp, while torque output has also increased from 450Nm to 540Nm. The MHEV system on its own, puts out 12hp, and 200Nm, though its “benefits”, can barely be felt when it activates. All this is paired to BMW’s favourite ZF 8HP 8-speed, which in-turn drives all wheels, with a bias to the rear.

While acceleration feels buttery-smooth, the X5’s bumped-up straight-six brings forth a ferocious tenacity to cover ground quickly. And thanks to that Adaptive M Suspension, you can sling this mid size SUV around a bend, with similar confidence as something that sounds like “BMW 5 Series”, and without drama too. This is a car that wants to be driven, and driven properly… a drink that is best savoured in chugs rather than in little sips! Perhaps in this case, the omission of that fluffy height-adjustable air-suspension has its merits. I’m not saying that not having it is better, but it just has its merits.

If you were to ask me, I feel that the X5 is the most accurate and predictable, with probably the Audi Q8 and Range Rover Sport being the other good driver’s cars; among a pack, which also includes the Mercedes-Benz GLE Volkswagen Touareg, and the Lexus RX.

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But away from the fun of pitching it into turn, after turn, the X5 is also incredibly easy to live with, since it has very good all-around visibility. It is also equally easy to back-up and park, since it has a 360-degree camera, and the Parking Assistant Professional suite. Official combined fuel numbers stand at 10.8km/l, which is quite normal, and I would say, on the better side, for a car with this footprint; and is close to the 9.8km/l I achieved. 

Unfortunately, if you are currently looking for an SUV in this very class, feeding this Executive Habit will come at a price, as it will set you back at $540,888, inclusive of COE (accurate at time of writing). This is especially painful since, which when originally launched, the X5 hovered at around $360k.

2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport

Drivetrain type	Petrol-electric mild hybrid
Engine	2,998cc, inline 6, turbo
Power	381hp at 5200-6250rpm
Torque	540Nm at 1850-5000rpm
Gearbox	8-speed automatic
Electric Motor	12hp/200Nm
Battery	Lithium ion, 0.96kWh
0-100km/h	5.5 seconds
Top Speed	250km/h
VES Banding	C2 / +S$25,000
Fuel Efficiency	9.3L/100km
Agent	BMW Eurokars or Performance Motors Limited
Price	S$540,888 with COE and VES
Availability	Now
Verdict:	A new look, improved tech and a plush interior, is just half of the game. Improved

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