BMW X5 XDrive 40e SUV Review, Pictures

So what's the verdict?

Apart from a slightly over-stiff ride, which is nothing new for BMWs, the X5 40e is an absolutely first-rate SUV. I've personally always been rather fond of the Audi Q5, which goes head to head with the X5, but a week with the bimmer reminded me of why BMW has such a great reputation. The X5 is tremendous, the hybrid tech simply adds a nice extra perk in improved fuel economy.

The X5 platform has been around since 2000, and the third-generation rolled out in 2014. The whole point was to create an SUV that drove like a BMW, and in that the carmaker succeeded. Perhaps to a fault, as most of the affluent suburban road warriors who buy these crossovers will never push the vehicle into a corner to study how the frame flexes and suspension reacts. 

Nor will they much care about the snappy 0-60 mph time of about six-and-a-half seconds. They simply want a BMW-caliber people transporter that carries with it an air of German luxury and harbors performance potential in the event that it's called up to perhaps zip past a semi on the highway.

Drivers enjoy a host of safety assist features, including blind-spot detection, collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and a head-up display. These were all useful, but in fairness, they are pretty much common nowadays on all luxury vehicles.

To be honest, I and my colleague Ben Zhang have been a little down on BMWs of late. We've been finding them competent as ever, yet sort of boring. Objectively, the X5 40e is more of the same, even with a "Canberra Beige/Black Dakota" leather interior and some lovely texture-grain wood trim. 

Over the course of a week, however, I rediscovered the brand's charms. Sure, I can't complain too much about the sporty "M" cars. But in jaunts around my suburban home and on a few forays into New York City, I re-learned how to appreciate the excellence of BMW engineering. You can't find much wrong with the X5, and the hybrid technology adds a nice extra layer.

As for the driving, the X5 continues to be one of the best SUVs for motoring pleasure. It simply inspires confidence.

There's something to said for simply getting it right, year after year and after. And make no mistake, BMW continues to get it right.

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