Our Top 5 BMW X5 Configurations
06th Jun 2023
Building your perfect BMW X5
Introduced in 1999, the X5 was BMW's first SUV. Since its introduction, it has evolved with each new generation making it one of the best premium mid-sized SUVs on the market.
It also paved the way for larger and more compact SUVs to join the BMW range, such as the smaller X1, X2, X3 and X4, along with the larger X7. BMW also introduced the X6 in 2008, which is essentially a coupé version of the X5.
Naturally, there is plenty of choice when it comes to configuring your perfect BMW X5, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine choices. The X5 is also famed for driving like a car (a sought-after trait in SUVs) and offers plenty of state-of-the-art technology.
Below, we have a look at our five favourite configurations, covering the whole X5 range.
BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine
We start our list with a standard BMW X5, in the form of the entry-level xDrive30d xLine, which uses a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 294bhp.
No matter what variant of BMW X5 you choose, you get xDrive all-wheel drive as standard along with an 8-speed 'Sport Automatic Transmission'. The X5 is a pretty quick SUV, even in this standard guise with 0 to 62mph coming up in just 6.1 seconds, whilst also offering up to 39mpg.
As this is the entry point into X5 ownership, we thought we would keep things clean and simple with the configuration. Therefore, we opted for Black Sapphire metallic paint for the exterior, complemented by the standard 19-inch V-spoke style 734 light alloy wheels in silver. These contrast the paintwork and give it a much cleaner and classier look.
Simple it may be, Black Sapphire is actually a cost option over the standard Alpine White finish, but we think it just gives the X5 a much more premium look.
Inside, black leatherette frames the futuristic digital vibe of this era of BMW for a smart and sophisticated overall configuration.
X5 xDrive40d M Sport
M Sport is a familiar trim level in the BMW range. It gives BMW models a much more dynamic and sportier look, with styling cues inspired by BMW's full-on M models.
Here we have chosen the xDrive 40d M Sport, which uses the same engine as our first configuration, only power is increased by 53bhp to give 347bhp.
This means performance has been enhanced too, as you would expect with M Sport in the name, which sees the 0 to 62mph time drop to 5.5 seconds, with 37mpg possible, despite the increase in dynamics.
We went with another classy exterior finish for the iconic X5, which BMW call Brooklyn Grey metallic. We think this particular exterior choice gives the M Sport body enhancements even more definition, and teamed with 21-inch Bicolour Y-spoke style 741 M light alloy wheels again gives the X5 that sough-after M Sport look.
An Ivory White / Atlas Grey Full Merino Leather interior adds to the higher-spec trim nicely and contrasts nicely for a smart overall specification.
X5 xDrive50e M Sport
The X5 xDrive50e M Sport is a unique configuration in the BMW X5 range.
Instead of using the traditional diesel 3.0-litre unit, a 3.0-litre petrol plug-in hybrid takes its place which produces 482bhp, giving an enhanced boost in performance, along with offering superb economy and the ability to be able to drive up to 65 miles using nothing but electricity.
It is quick too, with a 0 to 62mph time of just 4.8 seconds, whilst still returning a truly impressive 313mpg combined due to its plug-in hybrid nature.
As this is a unique X5, we thought it was only right to go with a unique exterior paint finish for this particular configuration. Therefore, our BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is finished in BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey, which looks incredible.
We decided to finish it off with some 20-inch Bicolour Star-spoke style 740 M light alloy wheels, and to further showcase the car's M Sport vibe, we went with optional M Carbon Side Mirror Caps to complete the bespoke look.
X5 M60i xDrive
This configuration is about as M as you can get, without going for the range-topping X5 M Competition.
BMW do a number of models which start M, and are then followed by a few numbers and are the most powerful and dynamic models, before getting to the full M cars.
The M60i is the X5 version of the above and uses an increased 4.4-litre petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, producing a colossal 523bhp, good for 0 to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds.
With this version a few more paint finishes are available, along with more exterior enhancements to give the X5 some serious presence. We therefore wanted to make it stand out a bit more and so went with the gorgeous Marina Bay Blue metallic, which despite its striking appearance is actually a no-cost option on the M60i.
Sitting well on 22-inch Bicolour V-Spoke style 747 M light alloy wheels this particular configuration certainly has enhanced presence. We went for a light Ivory White / Atlas Grey Full Merino Leather for the interior to finish off the specification nicely.
BMW X5 M Competition
And so to the range-topping BMW X5 in the range, the powerhouse that is the BMW X5 M Competition with its 616bhp, produced from its 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine.
And when you let BMW M sprinkle their magic on the X5, you get the complete performance package. Therefore, 0 to 62mph is dealt with in just 3.9 seconds, making it faster than many sports cars.
Again, because it is an M car, a new colour is available in the form of Isle of Man Green metallic. It is also the launch colour for the X5 M Competition, so it would have been rude not to use it.
Sitting on staggered 21-inch/22-inch Bicolour Star-spoke style 809 M light alloy wheels expresses more of the X5 M Competition's performance ability.
Inside, we went for contrasting Sakhir Orange full Merino leather to again showcase the car's bespoke and special character which not only looks great, but contrasts the interior and exterior in a striking unique way.
Find your perfect BMW X5 with Stratstone
The BMW X5 range offers plenty of choice to tailor your perfect example to your exact requirements.
As standard, the BMW X5 is a fully-loaded and impressive SUV, that boast excellent cutting-edge technology and the reputation BMW models are known for due to the X5's excellent overall driving experience, both on, and off road.
And along with supreme refinement and excellent comfort, each X5 offers fine performance, especially the range-topping BMW X5 M Competition.
If you would like to experience the BMW X5 in more detail, or to arrange a test drive, contact your preferred Stratstone BMW retailer.
