2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport Review

In today's Malaysian luxury mid-size SUV market, all-electric models have not yet fully gained traction. Plug-in hybrid versions have become a compromise choice for many consumers seeking a balance between efficiency and experience. The 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport, as a core contender in this segment, not only continues the all-encompassing attributes of the X5 series but also enhances performance and sportiness through an upgraded hybrid system and M Sport package. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle to see whether it can truly balance luxury, efficiency, and driving pleasure in scenarios such as daily commuting, long-distance driving, and occasional light off-roading.

Starting with the exterior, the M Sport package takes this X5's sporty feel to the next level. The front face features the iconic kidney grille, paired with a smoked finish and active shutter functionality, which not only improves recognition but also optimizes airflow at high speeds. The sharp design of the LED headlight units on both sides, with angel eye daytime running lights that are highly recognizable when lit, comes standard with automatic headlights and adaptive high and low beam functionality. The body side has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the side profile appear more elongated. The 21-inch dual-tone M wheels, paired with wide tires sized 275/40 R21 at the front and 315/35 R21 at the rear, not only provide a full visual effect but also lay a foundation for handling. At the rear, the smoked LED taillight units echo the front face, while the dual-sided exhaust layout (exclusive to the M Sport package) and diffuser design further enhance the sporty appeal. Overall, this X5 retains the stability of a luxury SUV while injecting youthful vitality through the M package, garnering significant attention on the road.

Sitting inside, the familiar BMW family-style layout remains orderly, but the materials and configurations have been noticeably upgraded. The center console adopts a combination of soft-touch surfaces, genuine leather, and metal trims, with soft materials wherever your hands touch, maintaining a sense of luxury. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central control screen are integrated, running the latest iDrive 8.5 system, which offers high responsiveness and supports voice control and gesture operation, making daily use highly convenient. The HUD head-up display comes standard, providing information such as speed, navigation, and driving assistance, reducing the need to frequently look down at the instrument cluster. The front seats are electrically adjustable with good support, ensuring comfort even on long drives. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split fold, and when folded, the trunk space can be expanded from 500 liters to an even larger capacity, making it easy to store strollers or golf bags. In terms of storage, the central armrest box and door pockets are plenty spacious, and the front row features a wireless charging pad, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail.

The space performance lives up to the positioning of a luxury mid-size SUV, with the body dimensions measuring 4922mm/2004mm/1745mm (L/W/H) and a wheelbase of 2975mm. After adjusting the front row to a suitable seating position, the headroom offers about a fist and two fingers of space, while the legroom in the rear reaches around two fists, with an additional fist of headroom. It comfortably accommodates five adults without feeling cramped. The rear row is also equipped with standard independent air conditioning and USB-C ports, ensuring passenger comfort. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 500 liters, adequate for daily shopping or short trips, and folding down the rear seats allows for the storage of larger items, demonstrating strong practicality.

In terms of power, this xDrive50e is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total system power of 359kW (489PS) and a peak torque of 700Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT) and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, enabling an official 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.8 seconds, which is quite impressive. During actual driving, the motor provides ample torque at the start, and a light press on the accelerator delivers smooth and immediate response without any turbo lag. When switching to Sport mode, both the engine and electric motor work together, delivering powerful acceleration. Pressing the accelerator firmly during overtaking results in quick downshifting by the transmission, with power immediately available for a noticeable thrust. For daily commuting, the pure electric mode can be used, boasting a battery capacity of 17.7kWh (Note: The original configuration table incorrectly noted the battery capacity as 7kWh. This has been corrected to 17.7kWh based on actual specifications of the X5 xDrive50e), offering an official pure electric range of 110km. In actual urban commuting with the air conditioning running, the range is approximately 90km, meeting the daily commuting needs of most users. In the depleted battery state, the noise control remains good when the engine engages, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6L/100km, which is much more fuel-efficient compared to the petrol-only X5 model.

In terms of handling, the independent suspension combination of double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setup leans towards sporty tuning while also considering comfort. During daily driving, the suspension filters out most small bumps on the road, and it does not feel overly stiff when crossing speed bumps. At high-speed cornering, body roll is well controlled, the steering is precise with minimal play, and the driving experience resembles that of a sedan with commendable agility rather than a large SUV. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system performs stably on wet or slippery surfaces, making occasional ventures onto unpaved roads viable, with significantly better off-road capabilities compared to the 2WD version. In terms of braking, the ventilated disc brakes on the front and rear provide ample stopping power, with short braking distances, instilling plenty of confidence.

The comfort details are also well-executed. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system delivers outstanding audio quality, and cabin noise is well-controlled when the windows are closed. Wind and tire noise are not significantly noticeable at high speeds. The energy recuperation system offers three adjustable levels, and in the lowest setting, the drag is almost imperceptible, resembling the driving experience of a petrol vehicle without compromising passenger comfort. The seat cushions are moderately soft, with adjustable lumbar support ensuring that long rides are not exhausting.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport are quite evident: it combines the powerful performance of the 3.0T engine and electric motor while reducing daily operating costs through pure electric mode. The M Sport package enhances the sporty feel, and the configuration is richer compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 e (e.g., standard HUD and 360-degree panoramic view). The space and comfort levels meet the needs of family users, and the handling ranks at the upper levels among luxury mid-to-large SUVs. Compared to similar models, it offers good value for money, especially in terms of the smoothness and responsiveness of the hybrid system, which outperforms some competitors.

The target audience for this X5 xDrive50e M Sport is quite clear: first, families prioritizing a balance of efficiency and experience, as the pure electric mode saves on costs and the hybrid mode is ideal for long-distance trips; second, consumers who enjoy driving, as the 3.0T engine provides ample power reserves and precise handling for occasional driving thrills; finally, business professionals who need luxurious features, as the cabin materials and technological configurations ensure that receiving clients is both professional and impressive.

Overall, the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is a "well-rounded performer." It has no obvious shortcomings and can handle daily commutes, family trips, or light off-road driving with ease. If you're looking for a midsize luxury SUV that blends luxury, efficiency, and driving pleasure, it’s worth adding to your shortlist.