2020 BMW X5

In 2019, BMW introduced the fourth generation of its midsize X5 crossover. For 2020, the X5 gets some important updates.

Both of last year’s trims return. The base xDrive40i package includes a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, enough to get to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile, the xDrive50i comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with a 0-to-60 time of just 4.6 seconds. The xDrive40i and xDrive50i both include an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD).

For 2020, BMW introduces the M50i trim as the top performance option. It uses the same basic V8 and AWD system as the xDrive50i but ramped up to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, plus a sport-tuned version of the 8-speed automatic transmission. The M50i blazes to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. You get an M Sport body kit, unique 20-inch wheels, an adaptive sport suspension, a specially tuned exhaust, uprated brakes, and a performance rear differential. Launch control and a driving mode that allows you to send all of the power to the rear wheels for maximum fun are both available. As of this writing, BMW hasn’t yet released official fuel-economy figures.

BMW will also introduce a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim, the xDrive45e. It incorporates a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 394 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and comes in at 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph than the gas-only xDrive40i trim. As of this writing, BMW hasn’t yet released official fuel-economy figures.

The base X5 comes with plenty of standard content: adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, power-folding mirrors, 19-inch alloys, 16-way power front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system, a 1-year Apple CarPlay subscription, a power liftgate, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a matching 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation. Options include soft-closing doors, genuine leather, various wheel upgrades, keyless access, wireless charging, remote start, an air suspension, and laser-based headlights.

BMW includes a reversing camera, daytime pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert on every X5. From there, you can tack on a head-up display (HUD), traffic-jam assist, evasion aid, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistant. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the X5 last year and gave it top honors for safety.

BMW’s X5 remains an impressive midsize luxury crossover, competing against the likes of the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Class.