2017 BMW X5

With diverse powertrains to choose from, the X5 can be bought in four trims: 35i, 35d, 40e and 50i. The 35i is the only trim that comes with rear-wheel drive and apart from that, all the trim have all-wheel drive. For the 35i and 35d, the standard features are 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED fog-lights, power-folding and heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate, and front and rear parking sensors. On the inside, it is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable, and heated front seats and driver memory functions among others.

Trim	sDrive35i	xDrive35i	xDrive35d	xDrive40e iPerformance	xDrive50i
MSRP	$56,600	$58,900	$60,400	$63,200	$73,650
Engine	3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-6 Gasoline	3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-6 Gasoline	3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-6 Diesel	2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 plug-in Hybrid engine	4.4 Liter Turbocharged V8 Gasoline
Key Features	Rear wheel drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
	Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Driver Auto Dimming, Power Folding, and Turn Signal Indicator	Other features same as sDrive35i	Other features same as xDrive35i	Other features same as xDrive35i	Other features same as xDrive35i
	Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, Weatherband and 20 Gb Internal Memory	Power Anti-Whiplash w/Tilt Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
	Radio: Anti-Theft AM/FM Stereo w/CD/MP3
	Enhanced USB & Bluetooth

We recommend

The base sDrive 35i should suit you just fine, as it has all the necessary equipment on offer, and comes at a great price point. If you are looking to save the environment as well, opt for the hybrid variant. It costs a lot more though, but who can put a price on saving Mother Nature?

For the vast majority of drivers, the base 35i six-cylinder engine provides more than enough power. Upgrading to the xDrive50i's V8 will probably feel like overkill for all but the most power-hungry drivers, and at that point, the high-performance X5 M is a more intriguing alternative. We're more partial to the xDrive35d's diesel powerplant that delivers a healthy wallop of torque for authoritative acceleration while still returning admirable fuel efficiency. - Edmunds

The X5 35i models is a powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque which is powerful enough for most drivers and as it also delivers smooth performance and energetic acceleration. An eight-speed automatic transmission is latched with the engine which sends power to the rear wheels for the sDrive 35i and to all four wheels on all the xDrive models.

The other trim the xDrive35d comes with a with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine which produces 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The X5 offers other alternative such as its plug-in hybrid model xDrive40e which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor paired with a newly modified eight-speed automatic transmission and a 9-kWh battery pack which is placed under the cargo floor. It is claimed by the brand that the hybrid model can deliver 14 miles of electric-only propulsion. Whereas the xDrive50i utilizes a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that can produce healthy 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

Models	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
MSRP	$56,600	$49,000	$45,850	$54,500
Engine	3.0L DOHC I-6 24V TwinPower Turbo	3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC	3.7L V6	3.5L DOHC 24-Valve V6
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5800 rpm	333 hp @ 5500 rpm	325 hp @ 7000 rpm	302 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	300 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm	325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

The BMW is the only one which uses an inline configuration. The competition comes equipped with V6 engines, with the Merc and Infiniti have larger displacement as well.

Acceleration

None of the powertrains of X5 would disappoint you when it comes to acceleration. The all-wheel-drive X5 xDrive35i requires 5.9 seconds to run 0-60 mph. The engines pack right amount of gusto which is essential for the suburban highway slogs or for driving around the city sides. The base X5 though is good too for a 6-second sprint to 60 mph.

Models	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
0-60 MPH	6.1 sec	5.7 sec	6.1 sec	7.5 sec
Quarter mile	14.8 sec	14.3 sec	14.5 sec	16.6 sec
Engine	3.0 L	3.0 L	3.7 L	3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	8.4	9.3	8.8

Audi Q7 is the only one which comes close to xDrive50i but is still a full second slower. Apart from that all of its rivals compete with each other, with a minute difference in acceleration.

Ride and Handling

The X5 sets an example by delivering excellent handling that instills confidence in the driver regardless of the driving they indulge in. But sometimes the ride quality may feel a bit stiffer than that of its competitors and doesn't provide much support on rough terrains but at no time does it feel objectionably firm. The standard wheels and tire combination give you a smooth ride compared to the larger options.

The BMW X5 boasts of a responsive steering and the SUV prevents excess body roll compared to some of the heavier SUVs. Its suspension adds to its nimble nature and doesn't feel harsh but the car doesn't give the tingly feel as expected from it. Even with the addition of optional adaptive suspension it still doesn't provide much corner-carving prowess.

Braking

The X5 is one of the lightest midsized SUVs and is able to raise its performance in the braking tests. In panic brake test, the Beemer required 129 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, which is good in its class. Even after heavy use, the pedals of the X5 remained hard and responsive.

Model	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
Brake Front (in.)	13.7	14.8	12.6	13.0
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	13.8	12.1	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4,680	4,938	4,209	4751
60-0 MPH (ft.)	129	117	N/A	130

The Mercedes Benz GLE is among the quickest to come to halt from 60-0 mph in 130 feet, slightly more than the Beemer. Audi Q7 performs the best, taking 117 feet to come to a halt, substantially better than the X5.

The rear-wheel drive of the X5 SUV gets average mileage for its class, running for 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. The most fuel-efficient among its siblings is the xDrive40e which is a plug-in hybrid that gets 56 mpg-equivalent. This model could drive in all-electric mode for roughly 13 miles. The diesel-powered xDrive35d which is not left far behind gets 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway by the EPA.

Model	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
MPG (city)	18	19	17	18
MPG (highway)	25	25	24	23
MPG (combined)	21	21	19	20

All the competitors fare equally well in fuel efficiency with QX70 falling behind with combined mpg of 19 only. However, the Q7 comes off as the most fuel efficient in its class, but by a hair's breadth.

If you've been in any current BMW vehicle, the look, feel and function of the 2017 X5 will be very familiar, and that's a good thing. High-quality materials abound, and everything gives the impression of top-notch build quality. - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The X5 can accommodate a maximum of four adults and an optional third seat is also available which is not as it is so cramped that even toddlers would struggle to comfortably sit there. Except that the front seats are appropriately cushioned for long-distance comfort. The myriad of options for the front seats available makes the Beemer of the most comfortable car in its class. The rear (second) seats have tad bit compromised legroom compared to the front ones but they are comfortable overall.

Model	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
Passenger capacity	5	7	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.5/61.5/40.4	38.4/59.5/41.7	39.3/57.3/44.7	40.4/58.5/40.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.8/60.0/36.6	38.8/58.5/38.8	38.5/57.4/34.6	38.5/58.4/38.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	35.9/49.4/29.2	N/A	N/A

Infiniti has the best front legroom while the Audi has the best rear legroom. The Q7 also wins when talking about in the complete cabin, due to its balanced first and second row, and the presence of a third row as well (even though it is for children).

Infotainment System

The primary driver controls of the X5 is easy to operate and are thoughtfully placed. Its 10.2-inch display and a touchpad controller has been upgraded to provide a better experience. However, you need to shell an extra $300 to get Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Here are some of the infotainment features that you'll get with the X5: -

• 10.2-inch display
• Navigation
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Wireless device charging
• AUX
• Apple CarPlay

Cargo volume

Cargo capacity of the X5 is above average for its class. With 35.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 76.7 cubic feet with those seats folded, the SUV can comfortably accommodate large items. The X5 is also appreciated for its two-section power liftgate with its fold-down lower section making the SUV a handy place to sit for tailgating apart from assisting in loading bulky items.

Model	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	N/A	14.8	N/A	N/A
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	35.8	37.5	24.8	38.2
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	76.7	71.6	62.0	80.3

The Beemer sits just behind the GLE in terms of total storage capacity. The Infiniti has the least amount of cargo space in this comparo, although it is quite good individually.

From a distance the 2017 X5 looks a lot like its smaller brother, the X3. This is a good thing, because it means that BMW's stylists have cleverly hidden the majority of the BMW's bulk. -Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

The exterior sheet metal of the X5 reveals its age but not poorly. The styling of the SUV is polarized between being called subtly handsome and upscale while, on the other hand, some find it uninspired or dated. Almost all of its trims is blessed with aluminum wheels, tasteful chrome trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The back liftgate which creates a stubby tailgate by splitting is power operated by the passive entry pad situated under the BMW logo.

If compared to its rivals the X5 with its compact design is the shortest and narrowest vehicle in its class making it slightly easier to maneuver the vehicle into more tight spaces.

Model	BMW X5 sDrive 35i	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	Infiniti QX70	Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
Curb weight (lbs.)	4,680	4,938	4,209	4751
Length(in)	192.4	199.6	191.3	189.1
Width(in)	76.3	77.5	75.9	75.8
Height(in)	69.4	68.5	65.0	70.7
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	9.3	7.4	6.7
Wheelbase (in)	115.5	117.9	113.6	114.8
Track width (in) F/R	64.7/65.0	66.1/66.6	64.4/64.6	64.7/65.2

The Q7 carrying the highest curb weight in its class certainly gives it a slight disadvantage but the car isn't a wallflower in any way. Despite the Q7 stretching 200 inches long, the SUV feels easy to manage which cannot be said about many full-size SUVs available in the market.

The NHSTA awarded an overall five out of five stars to the BMW X5. It also received a top superior rating for the optional forward collision mitigation system. Some standard safety features include stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes etc. The optional Driver Assistance Plus package adds a 360-degree parking camera system, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

Safety Features

• Dsc-X Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inch: Rear Center 3 Point and Pretensioners

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Not rated
Small overlap front passenger side	Not rated
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Not rated

Crash Prevention and Mitigation
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Acceptable
Child Seat anchors (LATCH)	Marginal

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	4 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium

The interior of Audi Q7 is supremely quiet and offers first-class cabin comfort. It has plenty of safety features and also scores excellent in IIHS safety tests. With a multitude of driving aids, the Audi Q7 also boasts of a powerful supercharged V6 engine which is extremely efficient. But the SUV, just like some of its peers suffers from limited cargo space which considerably drops its score on utility factor.

BMW X5 vs Infiniti QX70

The real charm of the QX70 is its sharp handling which makes it feel more like a sports sedan than a tall SUV. The latest variant also flaunts its well-trimmed interior and has high-quality materials throughout. Its standard V6 engine produces plenty of passing power making the vehicle very efficient. However, the Infiniti offers only one engine option, unlike the X5 which has a host of engines variants to choose from. The infotainment technology interface is quite dated when put in comparison to its rivals. The SUV doesn't have enough cargo space to fit in more items even with its rear seats down. Compromised rear seats can also be annoying for passengers. The QX70 is also less forgiving in rough terrains unlike most of its competitors.

BMW X5 vs Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC

A tad cheaper than the X5, the Mercedes Benz offers several engine choices just like its rival but somehow it finishes lower in the class rankings. GLE boasts of a quiet, upscale and well-built interior along with a spacious rear seat. Just like its sibling, the GLE offers a long list of standard safety and technology features. When talking about performance and athleticism, the Mercedes can't hold a candle to its rival X5. Even its ride quality with the standard suspension isn't as comfy as expected from a car of its class. It's handling becomes quite uninspiring when going around turns which is a big letdown. The base V6's acceleration is merely adequate. Overall, the Benz is an appealing SUV, but it lacks the charm and the all-around quality of the BMW X5.

If you salivate over a car's brisk acceleration and enjoy the light-footed feel of a midsize SUV then the 2017 BMW X5 is one of the best options for you out there. This midsize SUV not only offers a vigorous performance but also sets an example in terms of ride quality and comfort.

There is a plethora of seat adjustment features available in the front seats speaks for itself. The infotainment system has been upgraded too which couldn't have been more user-friendly and easy to use. If you are not in a limited budget then you can surely check out the various trims of the X5 and add the suitable one to your shopping list.