The BMW X5 has long been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, balancing elegance, performance, and practicality in a way few competitors can match. For 2025, BMW has taken things to a new level with subtle design upgrades, more advanced technology, improved performance, and a focus on efficiency. This makes the new X5 an even more compelling choice for Australian drivers seeking the perfect blend of prestige and everyday usability.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the new 2025 BMW X5 from every angle — from its design evolution and technology upgrades to performance options, driving experience, and ownership considerations.
Exterior Design – Subtle Evolution, Stronger Presence
BMW has retained the instantly recognisable X5 silhouette but has refined its appearance for a more modern, athletic stance. The front end sports slimmer adaptive LED headlights with blue X-shaped elements, a re-sculpted bumper with larger air intakes, and a new kidney grille that can be optionally illuminated. This gives the SUV a sharper, more premium look without alienating loyal X5 fans.
From the side, the proportions remain muscular yet elegant, with a long wheelbase that provides both visual stability and ample interior space. New alloy wheel designs (ranging from 19 to 22 inches) allow for more personalisation, while the updated rear features 3D-effect LED taillights with an “X” motif, paying homage to its SUV lineage.
Colour choices have also expanded, with BMW offering new metallic paints like Blue Ridge Mountain and Manhattan Green, giving buyers a fresh palette to match their style.
Interior – A Masterclass in Modern Luxury
Step inside the 2025 BMW X5, and you’re met with a cabin that perfectly blends cutting-edge technology with premium materials. The first thing that grabs your attention is BMW’s latest curved display setup: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly flowing into a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This new design eliminates most physical buttons, giving the dashboard a clean, futuristic feel.
Key interior highlights:
- Materials & Finish: Fine leather upholstery, open-pore wood trims, and aluminium accents are standard, with higher trims offering BMW Individual options like extended Merino leather and glass controls.
- Seating Comfort: Both front and rear seats are supremely comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and optional massage functions. The rear bench offers generous legroom, making long drives a pleasure.
- Ambient Lighting: Customisable LED ambient lighting enhances the mood inside, especially for night drives.
- Practicality: Split tailgate functionality remains, with 650 litres of boot space expandable to 1870 litres when rear seats are folded.
Technology & Infotainment – Smarter and More Intuitive
The 2025 X5 runs BMW Operating System 8.5, offering faster responses, improved menu layouts, and more natural voice control via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while a new augmented reality navigation system overlays live directions on the road ahead for easier city driving.
Tech standouts include:
- Head-Up Display: High-resolution projection showing speed, navigation, and safety warnings directly in your line of sight.
- Gesture Control: Control certain infotainment functions with simple hand movements.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Ensures your X5 always has the latest features without a dealership visit.
- Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround System (Optional): Audiophile-grade sound for the ultimate in-car concert experience.
Performance & Engine Options – Power Meets Efficiency
BMW continues to offer a broad engine range for the X5 in Australia, with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options to suit different buyers.
- xDrive30d (Diesel): 3.0L inline-six turbo diesel, around 210kW/650Nm, great for long-distance touring and towing.
- xDrive40i (Petrol): 3.0L inline-six turbo petrol with mild-hybrid tech, producing around 280kW, delivering smooth yet strong acceleration.
- X5 xDrive50e (Plug-in Hybrid): Combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for 360kW and up to 110km of electric-only range — ideal for city commutes with zero emissions.
- X5 M60i (Performance Petrol): 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with 390kW/750Nm, offering sports car-level performance in an SUV body.
All variants come with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission for seamless power delivery.
Driving Experience – Comfort or Sport, Your Choice
The beauty of the 2025 X5 lies in its adaptability. In Comfort mode, it glides effortlessly over rough Australian roads, with adaptive air suspension absorbing imperfections. Switch to Sport mode, and the X5 sharpens its responses, with tighter steering, firmer suspension, and quicker throttle mapping.
The plug-in hybrid’s electric drive mode is whisper-quiet and perfect for urban areas, while the diesel excels on long-haul trips thanks to its fuel economy and torque.
Safety – Confidence on Every Drive
The 2025 BMW X5 comes loaded with advanced driver assistance systems as standard, earning top marks in safety ratings. Key safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Optional packages add features like Parking Assistant Professional, which allows remote-controlled parking via smartphone.
Fuel Efficiency – Balancing Power and Economy
Fuel economy varies by engine choice:
- Diesel xDrive30d: ~7.2L/100km
- Petrol xDrive40i: ~9.2L/100km
- Plug-in Hybrid xDrive50e: 1.1L/100km (with regular charging)
- V8 M60i: ~12.5L/100km
These figures make the plug-in hybrid especially appealing for buyers with home charging, while the diesel remains the go-to for high-mileage drivers.
Ownership Costs & Warranty
BMW offers a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia, along with capped-price servicing packages that can be pre-purchased. While servicing and parts are pricier than mainstream brands, the X5’s premium positioning and strong resale values help offset ownership costs.
Insurance costs will vary depending on engine choice, with the V8 commanding the highest premiums.
Competitors – How the X5 Stacks Up
The luxury SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX. The X5 remains one of the most engaging to drive, while also excelling in technology and cabin quality. Its plug-in hybrid option gives it an edge over some competitors still transitioning to electrification.
Verdict – The Ultimate Luxury SUV for Australia?
The 2025 BMW X5 delivers on its promise of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you choose the smooth diesel, spirited petrol, or efficient plug-in hybrid, you’ll enjoy a refined, versatile, and highly capable SUV that’s as at home on the highway as it is in the city.
For Australian buyers wanting a prestige SUV that does it all — and does it well — the 2025 X5 should be near the top of the list.
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