The big change for the 2020 BMW X5 is the addition of two new trims to the lineup. First is the sDrive40i, which is the base model with rear-wheel drive. At the other end of the lineup is the M50i, which gets a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and an M-Sport body kit. BMW will also offer a plug-in hybrd xDrive45e sometime in the near future.
The X5 trim range is relatively simple, with three basic trims: 40i, xDrive50i, and M50i. Pricing starts at $59,895 including destination for the sDrive40i and climbs to $83,145 for the M50i.
The BMW X5 comes with a choice of three engines, which delineate the three trims. The entry-level inline six-cylinder engine will be enough for most buyers, but the M50i and its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 will go from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
| Engine Type | Trim | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | 40i | 335 hp | 330 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | xDrive50i | 456 hp | 479 lb-ft | 18 mpg |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | M50i | 523 hp | 553 lb-ft | 18 mpg |
The engine in the M50i shares the same V8 architecture as the xDrive50i, but with an upgraded tune. It adds a substantial amount of horsepower without a penalty in fuel efficiency.
All X5 models use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 40i is available with rear-wheel drive as the sDrive40i, or all-wheel drive as the xDrive40i for an extra $2,300. The xDrive50i and M50i come exclusively with AWD.
The BMW X5 normally seats five, but the 40i model can seat up to seven with an optional third row ($2,200). Family hauling is probably best left to the larger BMW X7, which has a more spacious third row. The X5 can swallow 33.9 cubic feet of cargo, or 72.3 with the second row folded.
BMW’s suite of standard safety tech is impressive. Every X5 gets automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.
The available Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700) brings adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.
The IIHS scores the X5 well, awarding it a Top Safety Pick Plus designation. Oddly, the NHTSA doesn’t agree – they gave the X5 a four-star overall safety rating, which is low for a new vehicle.
Infotainment is handled by a handsome 12.3-inch touchscreen running BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 system. It gets USB connectivity, Bluetooth, navigation, and a touchpad controller, with gesture control as an option. Apple CarPlay compatibility is included for the first year, but after that BMW will charge you an $80 subscription fee – a practice no other carmaker shares.
The xDrive50i and M50i also get wireless charging and wi-fi hotspot capability.
The 40i trim level covers two variants: sDrive40i and xDrive40i. The two share all the same standard features except for an off-road package and a rear-wheel steering option, both of which are only available on the xDrive40i.
Those standard features are fairly comprehensive: a panoramic moonroof, heated and 16-way power front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are just a few of the luxury touches.
BMW bundles the best options into three luxury packages: Convenience, Premium, and Executive. Wireless charging, a wi-fi hotspot, and four-zone automatic climate control are all hidden in the Convenience Package for $1,050. Getting remote start requires the Premium Package ($2,300), which also includes gesture control and all the features of the Convenience Package.
Many of the options are available à la carte. Notable standalones are remote start ($300), an adjustable air suspension ($1,000), and acoustic glass ($600). Standard upholstery is synthetic, but leather can be had for $1,450.
The biggest upgrade on the xDrive50i is the engine and its twin-turbo horsepower. But this trim gets a few luxury upgrades as well, including leather upholstery, 20-way power multi-contour front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound audio system.
In fact, the entire Convenience Package is standard, which leaves the Premium and Executive Packages (here costing $1,250 and $4,550, respectively).
The M50i is all about performance, starting with the 523-hp V8 under the hood. A host of performance upgrades join the fray, including a sport-tuned suspension and transmission, uprated brakes and rear differential, and exclusive 20-inch rims. The M50i gets new drive modes, like launch control and a mode sending all power to the rear wheels.
The Dynamic Handling Package ($2,600) adds active roll stabilization and an adaptive suspension to go with four-wheel steering.
Fun as the M50i surely is, the xDrive40i remains the sweet spot for most buyers in the 2020 BMW X5 lineup. It ticks all the boxes for a luxury family SUV. If you’re in the market for an eco-SUV, keep an eye out for the upcoming hybrid.
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