The 2025 BMW X5 is here, and it’s still the Swiss Army knife of luxury SUVs—sporty enough to pretend you’re in a sedan, practical enough for Costco runs, and tech-laden enough to make your Tesla-owning neighbor raise an eyebrow. But in a world of electric Audis, plug-in-hybrid Porsches, and Genesis SUVs that look like spaceships, does the X5 still deserve its crown? Let’s break it down, Jalopnik-style.
What’s New for 2025?
- Subtle But Sharp Exterior Tweaks
BMW isn’t going full “beaver teeth grille” on us this time (thankfully). The 2025 X5 gets:
- Slimmer LED headlights with optional laser beams (because why not?)
- Revised kidney grille—still big, but now with illuminated borders (for maximum night-time baller status)
- New wheel designs, including 23-inch M Performance alloys (because ride comfort is overrated)
- Two new paint colors: Frozen Pure Grey and Java Green Metallic (for those who miss the ’90s E36 M3 vibes)
It’s not a radical redesign, but it’s enough to make your neighbor’s 2024 X5 look instantly outdated.
- Interior: Still a Tech-First Cockpit
The X5’s cabin has always been a “driver’s SUV” sweet spot—less minimalist than a Tesla, less button-heavy than a Mercedes. For 2025:
- Curved Display (iDrive 8.5): A 12.3-inch digital cluster + 14.9-inch touchscreen that’s actually intuitive (unlike some German rivals cough Audi cough).
- Climate Control Buttons! BMW listened and brought back physical temp knobs—take notes, Tesla.
- New “Veganza” Vegan Leather: Feels 90% like real cowhide, 100% less guilty.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment: Optional 8K touchscreens because your kids demand Fortnite at 4K.
- Powertrains: Gas, Hybrid, and (Finally) a Proper PHEV
- xDrive40i (Mild Hybrid): 3.0L turbo I6 (375 hp)—smooth, fast, and still the sweet spot.
- M60i (V8 Power): 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (523 hp)—because sometimes you need to outrun your regrets.
- xDrive50e PHEV (The Smart Choice): 3.0L I6 + e-motor (483 hp, 40+ miles EV range)—now with faster charging (7.4 kW).
- Mystery EV Version? Rumor says an iX5 is coming, but BMW’s staying quiet.
- Chassis & Driving: Still the Sportiest SUV?
- Rear-Wheel Steering: Tightens the turning circle (good for parking) and improves highway stability.
- Adaptive M Suspension Pro: Now with predictive damping (reads the road ahead like a psychic).
- Brake-by-Wire: More precise stopping power (and less pedal mush than some rivals). What Still Sucks?
- iDrive 8.5 Still Has a Learning Curve—why is the seat heater buried in a submenu?
- V8 Thirst: The M60i gets 17 mpg on a good day.
- Third Row? Still a joke. Get an X7 if you need actual seats.
- Wireless Charger Still Sucks—overheats phones like it’s its job. Competition Check: How Does the X5 Stack Up?
- vs. Mercedes GLE: More tech, but softer driving dynamics.
- vs. Porsche Cayenne: Sharper handling, but way pricier.
- vs. Genesis GV80: More value, less badge prestige.
- vs. Tesla Model X: Faster, but no Supercharger network. Should You Buy One?
✅ If you want a do-it-all luxury SUV—great mix of sportiness, comfort, and tech.
✅ If you’re not ready for full EV life—the PHEV xDrive50e is the smart pick.
❌ If you want cutting-edge design—this ain’t a Range Rover.
❌ If you need a third row—again, X7 or bust. Verdict: 9/10
The 2025 BMW X5 isn’t revolutionary, but it’s still the best all-around luxury SUV for people who actually like driving. Now, about that iX5…
What’s your take? Is the X5 still the king, or are you leaning toward something else? Drop your thoughts below. 👇