BMW X5 SUV - Interior & comfort
The X5’s interior is of impeccable quality, while the iDrive infotainment is slick and easy to use
Existing X5 owners looking for an upgrade or anyone shopping in the luxury SUV class generally should find the newest X5’s interior one its biggest selling points. It's beautifully crafted and BMW’s new Live Cockpit Plus curved touchscreen serves up pin-sharp graphics, backed up by the intuitive iDrive interface that's good to use.
BMW X5 dashboard
2023’s facelift brought the X5 in line with several other BMW models, adding a large, gently curved display to the dashboard that incorporates both the fully digital instrument cluster, and the central touchscreen used for infotainment, navigation, and other iDrive functions. If this Live Cockpit Plus layout lacks physical controls, it is at least very easy to use by the standards of such touchscreens, and the iDrive controller remains an intuitive way of navigating menus, often without needing to look too long at the screen. The rest of the dashboard looks simple and upmarket.
Equipment
Aside from the high-performance M-badged models, there are two trim levels to choose from: xLine and M Sport. Even the entry-level xLine gets standard leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and wireless phone charging. The front seats are heated too, there are automatic wipers and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is now standard.
The M Sport trim is expected to mop up the most UK sales, though, despite costing around £4,000 more. It adds 20-inch wheels, a sporty body kit and an interior makeover with an anthracite headliner, sports steering wheel and metal pedals.
Buy a BMW X5 M and it's effectively its own trim level, with 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels and features including adaptive LED headlights, an M head-up display, M Sport exhaust and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Options
There are plenty of ways to boost the X5's spec, with new features like laser headlights that can shine up to 500 metres ahead of the car. There's even a Sky Lounge option for the panoramic sunroof that uses LED illumination to generate 15,000 patterns that mimic a starlit sky. Music lovers can choose a Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with 20 speakers and a 1,500-watt output, while 'thermo cup-holders' can help keep your drinks warm or cool.
