BMW X5 Review

The Malaysian luxury midsize SUV market has always been an arena balancing performance and luxury features. Consumers want both daily commuting comfort without compromising on occasional power for adventure. The 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport precisely targets these needs—returning with upgraded power parameters and richer standard features, yet priced nearly RM15,000 lower than the 2019 fuel version of the same series. This test drive focuses on verifying: Can the power boost truly transform into an enhanced driving experience? Are the high standard features practical? And as a family car, is the space and comfortability up to the mark?

Approaching the new car, the sporty feel of the M Sport package is immediately apparent. The overall dimensions are slightly larger than the 2019 fuel version, with a length of 4935mm, width of 2004mm, and an unchanged wheelbase of 2975mm. The front features the iconic double kidney grille, paired with the M-exclusive front bumper, with enlarged side air intakes that make the front more aggressive. The body lines extend from the hood to the rear, the waistlines are sharp with a slight curve, and when paired with the 21-inch dual-tone wheels (front 275/40 R21, rear 315/35 R21), the side profile appears more robust than the old model. The LED taillights at the rear have a smoked-out treatment, with light strips forming an L shape, displaying high recognizability when illuminated. The rear bumper incorporates twin exhaust pipes on both sides, and the diffuser design of the M Sport package fully enhances the sporty vibe.

Opening the door, the luxurious and technological feel is immediately evident in the interior. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and the 14.9-inch central control screen form a seamless curved display, which is more streamlined than the split-screen design of the 2019 model. The system operation is smooth and supports both touchscreen and iDrive knob controls. Below the central control panel, some physical buttons are retained, such as the air-conditioning adjustment knob, making blind operation convenient. For materials, the seats and interior sides of the doors are wrapped in soft leather, with neat stitching and a delicate touch. For features, keyless entry, electrically adjustable front seats, HUD head-up display, 360-degree panoramic imaging are all standard. Compared to the 2019 fuel version, a knee airbag (total airbag count increased to 8) and automatic parking have been added, enhancing both practicality and safety.

The space performance fully meets the needs of family users. The electrically adjustable range for the front seats is ample, and with a 180cm driver adjusting to their preferred position, there is still a fist and two fingers-worth of headroom left. The rear legroom exceeds two fists, with one fist of headroom, and it won’t feel cramped even with three adults seated. The central floor has a slight bulge but does not impact the middle passenger’s foot space. For storage, the central front armrest box is spacious, and the door storage slots can hold two 500ml water bottles. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 650L, and by folding down the rear seats (40:20:40 split), an even larger space can be created, suitable for baby strollers or camping gear. In the rear, independent air-conditioning vents and USB ports are standard, showing attention to detail.

Start the vehicle, and the power output of the 3.0T inline-four turbocharged engine (with a 48V mild hybrid system) is immediate. Regarding specifications, its maximum power is 280kW (381PS), and maximum torque is 540N·m, which has significantly improved compared to the 345PS of the 2019 xDrive40i. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 5.4 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than its predecessor. During actual driving, a slight press of the accelerator delivers an obvious pushback feeling, and mid-to-high-speed acceleration remains strong. When overtaking and pressing the gas pedal deeply, the 8AT gearbox downshifts responsively, and the power connection is smooth. Switching to sport mode results in more sensitive throttle response, and the engine sound becomes richer and deeper.

In terms of handling, BMW's tuning has always been solid. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, providing a stable feel at high speeds and being lightweight when parking at low speeds. The suspension features a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup. During daily commutes over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the vibrations, ensuring rear passengers don't feel too much jostling. When driving on mountain roads, the suspension provides sufficient support, controls body roll well, and remains very stable during cornering. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system performs excellently on slippery roads, with no significant slippage during acceleration, enhancing the sense of security.

Fuel consumption is average. The official combined fuel consumption is 9.3L/100km. During our test drive, which included half highway and half city driving, the real-world fuel consumption was about 10.5L. Considering the 3.0T engine displacement and the vehicle's weight, this result is within expectations. Noise control is well-executed. At a high speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are not obvious. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system offers clear sound quality without being affected by external noise.

Overall, the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport stands out with its notable advantages: more powerful performance compared to the previous fuel version, richer standard configurations (especially safety features), and a lower price, which gives it strong value for money among luxury SUVs in the same class. Compared to similarly priced Mercedes GLE 350 or Audi Q7 45 TFSI models, it boasts better power specifications and advantages in standard features like a HUD and 360-degree surround view camera.

This car is well-suited for two groups of people: first, users who prioritize family practicality—offering spaciousness, comprehensive features, and daily commute comfort; and second, young people who enjoy occasional driving pleasure—the M Sport package's sporty aesthetics, precise handling, and powerful performance cater to a bit of driving enthusiasm. If your budget is between 450,000 to 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit and you're looking for a well-rounded luxury mid-to-large SUV, it is worth considering as a top choice.