What's New for the 2019 BMW X5?

With nimble handling, a high-quality interior, and gobs of power, the BMW X5 enters the 2019 model year as a completely redesigned midsize luxury SUV as it begins its fourth production cycle. You can choose between the six-cylinder-powered xDrive40i or the V8-powered xDrive50i. The six-cylinder, which is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6, provides a total output of 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, as well as the vehicle’s peak fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V8, which is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, generates 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and it provides the vehicle’s peak 0-60 mph of 4.6 seconds. Both engines, which have auto start-stop technology to eliminate idling, are paired with 8-speed automatic transmissions, and both trims come with standard all-wheel drivetrains (thus the “xDrive” designation).

Two rows in the cabin of the 2019 BMW X5 provide seating for up to five occupants. The space between the rear seats and liftgate yields 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, although you can fold down said seats to expand the space to 72.3 cubic feet. Vinyl covers all seats, and leather covers the sports-style steering wheel. Front seating consists of heated 16-way power-adjustable seats with 2-way power side bolsters and 4-way lumbar support, with a memory system for the driver’s seat (and steering wheel). The xDrive50i is upgraded with front-seat 20-way power, multi-contour design, 2-way manual lateral adjustment, and memory system function extended to the front passenger seat. Also, vinyl gives way to Vernasca leather upholstery. Comfort, convenience, and entertainment features include dynamic cruise control, remote keyless entry, push-button engine start, a panoramic moonroof, vehicle and key memory, the Connected Package Professional suite for functions such as real-time traffic and on-street parking availability info, two 12.3-inch displays, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, a garage-door opener, iDrive 7.0 infotainment integration, Bluetooth wireless technology, 20 GB of data storage, two USB data ports and a charging-only USB port, an AM/FM radio tuner, a 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration for a year, and HD Radio technology.

Enhancements at the xDrive50i level include four-zone automatic climate control, a one-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. Standard safety features include six airbags; a rearview camera; an anti-lock braking system on the four-wheel disc brakes; automatic high beams; brake fade compensation and drying; cornering brake control; hill descent control; park distance control; a theft-deterrent system; and dynamic stability, traction, brake, and damper control. Also standard are BMW Assist eCall for automatic collision notification, an Active Driving Assistant (which includes rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, daytime pedestrian protection, frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, and lane departure warning), BMW Remote Services for functions such as stolen vehicle recovery and remote door unlock, and an Active Protection System that automatically prepares vehicle features to mitigate injury when it senses an imminent collision.