Walking through any upscale neighborhood today, you’ll spot countless luxury SUVs lining driveways. Yet among this sea of premium vehicles, the BMW X5 continues standing out for reasons that go beyond its distinctive kidney grille. After spending time with the 2025 model, it becomes clear why this SUV has maintained its appeal for over two decades.
The X5 story began 25 years ago when BMW took a bold leap into uncharted territory. Back then, luxury SUVs were rare creatures, and many questioned whether a sports car company could build a proper family hauler. That gamble paid off spectacularly, creating a template that countless manufacturers still follow today.
The Heart of the Machine: That Magnificent Engine
Smooth Power That Actually Delivers
Under the hood of the xDrive40i sits a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six that produces 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Now, those numbers might not sound earth-shattering in an era where 500+ horsepower SUVs roam suburban streets, but this engine tells a different story.
The magic happens in how this power gets delivered. BMW’s straight-six engine creates an almost silk-like smoothness that makes every acceleration feel effortless. Whether you’re merging onto a busy highway or navigating stop-and-go traffic, the engine responds with a refinement that reminds you why some manufacturers have built their reputations on inline-six configurations.
Real-world performance translates to a 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph – quick enough to satisfy most driving enthusiasts while remaining civilized enough for daily family duties. This balance represents exactly what many buyers want: capable performance without the drama of excessive power.
All-Wheel Drive That Actually Works
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system operates with BMW’s typical intelligence, sending power where it’s needed without fanfare or drama. During everyday driving, you’ll barely notice it working, which is precisely the point. When conditions turn challenging – whether from weather or terrain – the system seamlessly adapts to maintain traction and confidence.
How It Feels Behind the Wheel
Driving Dynamics That Surprise
Despite weighing substantially more than a sports car, the X5 moves with an agility that defies expectations. The steering, while perhaps a touch lighter than driving purists prefer, provides enough accuracy to place the vehicle exactly where intended. This precision becomes especially apparent when navigating winding roads or tight parking situations.
The suspension tuning strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control. Daily commuting feels smooth and refined, yet the X5 maintains enough composure during spirited driving to remind passengers they’re in a BMW. The available air suspension takes this comfort to another level, automatically adjusting to road conditions while providing the flexibility to raise or lower the vehicle as needed.
Off-Road Capability You Might Actually Use
The Silver Anniversary Edition includes an Off-Road package that adds genuine capability beyond typical suburban adventures. General Grabber AT3 tires provide traction on various surfaces, while the adjustable suspension offers additional ground clearance when needed. More importantly, these features add a rugged aesthetic that sets this X5 apart from typical luxury SUVs cruising mall parking lots.
The practical benefits extend to everyday situations too. The higher ride setting makes loading cargo easier, while the lower highway setting improves fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise.
Living With the Technology
The Infotainment Experience
BMW’s latest iDrive system runs on a gorgeous 14.9-inch curved display that dominates the dashboard. The screen quality impresses with sharp resolution and quick response times that make interactions feel natural rather than frustrating.
However, BMW’s attempt to simplify menu structures has created some unintended complexity. While frequently used functions remain easily accessible, finding occasional-use features sometimes requires digging through crowded menus. Fortunately, most drivers quickly learn the locations of their preferred settings, making this a minor inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker.
The audio system delivers the premium sound quality expected in this price range, creating an immersive listening environment that enhances longer drives.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Materials and Build Quality
Step inside the X5, and you’re greeted by the thoughtful design and quality materials that define modern BMW interiors. Every surface feels purposeful, with soft-touch materials in the right places and sturdy construction throughout. The overall aesthetic feels contemporary without being overly flashy or trend-dependent.
Seating comfort accommodates various body types, with supportive bolsters that don’t feel restrictive during longer journeys. The driving position offers excellent visibility while maintaining the slightly elevated perspective that SUV buyers appreciate.
Cargo Space That Works
The X5’s split clamshell tailgate design represents one of those clever features that becomes more appreciated over time. The lower portion drops down like a traditional tailgate, creating a convenient place to sit while keeping cargo from sliding out when parked on inclines. This practical design choice demonstrates BMW’s attention to real-world usability.
Cargo capacity handles everything from weekly grocery runs to weekend adventure gear, with enough flexibility to accommodate varying load sizes through folding rear seats.
The Value Proposition
What You’re Really Buying
At its core, the BMW X5 represents a particular approach to luxury SUVs that prioritizes driving engagement alongside comfort and capability. This isn’t the most powerful option available, nor the most luxurious, but it offers a compelling combination of attributes that many buyers find irresistible.
The vehicle feels substantial without being unwieldy, powerful without being excessive, and capable without sacrificing on-road refinement. These balanced characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of buyers, from empty nesters seeking comfortable touring ability to growing families needing versatile transportation.
Considering the Competition
In a market filled with excellent luxury SUVs, the X5 distinguishes itself through driving dynamics that feel more connected than many competitors. While others might offer more rear-seat space or cargo capacity, few match the X5’s combination of performance, handling, and overall refinement.
Final Thoughts: Why the X5 Endures
After 25 years in production, the BMW X5 continues succeeding because it understands what many luxury SUV buyers actually want. It’s not about having the most extreme specifications or the flashiest features. Instead, it’s about creating a vehicle that feels special to drive while handling the practical demands of modern life.
The 2025 model maintains this philosophy while incorporating modern technology and safety features that today’s buyers expect. Whether you choose the Silver Anniversary Edition or configure your own X5, you’re getting a vehicle that has proven its worth through a quarter-century of evolution and refinement.
For families seeking a luxury SUV that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure for practicality, the X5 remains a compelling choice that continues earning its place in driveways across the country.