For over two decades, the BMW X5 has been synonymous with premium SUV ownership across Australia. It was one of the pioneers of the modern luxury SUV category, combining German engineering with everyday practicality. The 2025 BMW X5 pushes that legacy forward with refreshed styling, advanced technology, enhanced efficiency, and improved driver assistance.
Australian buyers in particular expect their luxury SUV to handle long commutes, family duties, and weekend getaways while maintaining style and status. The 2025 model is designed to deliver precisely that – appealing to executives, families, and performance enthusiasts alike.
This review dives into every aspect of the BMW X5 2025, from design and performance to ownership costs and how it stacks against rivals in Australia.
Exterior Design: A Bold Evolution
The 2025 X5 builds upon the facelift BMW introduced in 2023, sharpening its look while keeping the unmistakable X5 identity.
Front fascia: The iconic kidney grille now integrates BMW’s new lighting signature, featuring slimmer adaptive LED headlights with a laser-like appearance. The grille can be optioned with BMW’s “Iconic Glow” illumination, adding a futuristic touch at night.
Body proportions: The X5 continues to project a strong stance – muscular yet refined. Its long bonnet, wide track, and sculpted lines emphasise both sportiness and luxury.
Wheels and trims: Buyers can select from multiple alloy wheel designs, ranging from elegant 19-inch standard rims to massive 22-inch M Sport alloys. M Sport packages bring more aggressive bumpers, blacked-out trim, and aerodynamic tweaks.
Rear design: Slim 3D tail lamps with an “X” motif modernise the rear look, while the dual exhausts (integrated neatly) underline the SUV’s power credentials.
For Australian buyers, who value presence on the road, the 2025 X5’s design is both modern and instantly recognisable.
Interior and Comfort: First-Class Experience
Step inside, and the BMW X5 2025 interior makes a strong case for being one of the most luxurious cabins in its class.
Cabin Layout
The new BMW Curved Display dominates the dashboard, blending a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen. The minimalistic design reduces physical buttons, creating a cleaner and more modern environment.
Materials and Finish
Premium leather upholstery is standard, with extended Merino leather and BMW Individual trims available.
Fine wood, aluminium, and carbon fibre inserts allow for customisation depending on the buyer’s taste.
Ambient lighting with configurable colours adds to the sense of luxury during night drives.
Seating and Space
Front seats: Highly adjustable, ventilated, and heated, with optional massage functions.
Rear seats: Ample legroom and headroom make it suitable for family use, with the option of a third row in some variants.
Cargo: 650 litres of boot space (expandable to over 1,800 litres with rear seats folded) ensures practicality for Australian road trips.
The X5 has always balanced practicality with luxury, and the 2025 model continues that legacy.
Technology & Features: Cutting-Edge Innovation
BMW has packed the X5 2025 with next-level technology, ensuring it keeps up with the expectations of tech-savvy luxury buyers.
Infotainment: iDrive 8.5 software with improved menu navigation, natural voice control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Head-Up Display: Augmented reality navigation overlays help during city driving.
Digital Key Plus: Compatible with smartphones and smartwatches, allowing keyless entry and start.
Advanced Parking Assistance: Includes a self-parking function, 3D surround view, and remote parking via smartphone.
Entertainment: Optional Bowers & Wilkins surround system offers audiophile-level sound.
For Australian conditions, where long drives are common, features like adaptive cruise control, connected navigation, and wireless charging add huge convenience.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2025 BMW X5 lineup in Australia offers a diverse set of engines to appeal to different buyers.
Petrol Variants
xDrive40i: Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid tech, producing 280kW. Smooth, refined, and quick – the perfect all-rounder for Australian highways.
Diesel Variants
xDrive30d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, offering 219kW and strong torque for towing caravans and long-distance cruising – highly relevant to Australian buyers who travel cross-country.
Plug-In Hybrid
xDrive50e: Combines a six-cylinder petrol with an upgraded electric motor, producing nearly 360kW. It offers an electric-only range of around 100km – excellent for city commutes in Sydney or Melbourne while still handling weekend road trips.
Performance M Model
X5 M60i: A 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 390kW. This variant blends luxury with high-performance SUV thrills, rivaling Porsche Cayenne and Audi SQ7.
All variants use an 8-speed automatic gearbox with xDrive all-wheel drive, tuned for a balance between efficiency and agility.
Driving Dynamics: BMW DNA Intact
The X5 has always been one of the sportiest large SUVs, and the 2025 model stays true to that reputation.
Adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers ensures comfort in the city and stability on twisty roads.
Optional air suspension allows ride height adjustment – useful for off-road conditions in regional Australia.
Steering is precise, aided by active rear-wheel steering on higher trims, making the X5 surprisingly manoeuvrable for its size.
For Australian conditions ranging from urban traffic to outback highways, the 2025 X5 strikes an impressive balance.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
The BMW X5 2025 is packed with safety features designed to protect passengers and assist the driver.
Standard features: Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Highway Assistant: Allows semi-autonomous driving on highways, reducing fatigue during long trips.
Parking Safety: Cross-traffic alert, 3D parking cameras, and automatic braking when reversing.
Given Australia’s strict ANCAP safety ratings, the 2025 BMW X5 is expected to maintain its 5-star rating.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Efficiency is increasingly important, even in luxury SUVs.
xDrive30d Diesel: Around 7.2 L/100km – excellent for a vehicle of this size.
xDrive40i Petrol: Around 9.5 L/100km, balanced by mild-hybrid assistance.
xDrive50e PHEV: Offers 100km of EV-only range and averages under 3.5 L/100km when charged regularly.
M60i V8: Around 12–13 L/100km, but delivers unmatched performance.
BMW offers a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia, with optional service packages for predictable ownership costs.
BMW X5 2025 in Australia: Local Context
Australian buyers have unique expectations from luxury SUVs:
Towing ability: The diesel X5 offers up to 3,500kg towing capacity, ideal for caravans and boats.
Charging network: The PHEV suits urban buyers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane where public charging is expanding.
Luxury market: The X5 competes directly with Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, and Lexus RX – all strong contenders in Australia.
The X5 remains one of the most popular models in BMW’s Australian lineup thanks to its balance of prestige, practicality, and performance.
Rivals Comparison
The BMW X5 2025 squares off against some of the best luxury SUVs:
Mercedes-Benz GLE: Offers similar tech and luxury, but BMW edges ahead in driving dynamics.
Audi Q7: Practical with seven seats, though less sporty.
Lexus RX: Known for reliability, but doesn’t match the X5’s driving engagement.
Range Rover Sport: More off-road focused, but at a higher price point.
For those seeking a balance between luxury, technology, and performance, the BMW X5 continues to be a compelling choice.
Ownership and Value
While the X5 isn’t cheap, it delivers strong value in the luxury SUV segment. With cutting-edge tech, premium interior, and strong resale value, it appeals to both personal and business buyers. BMW’s service plans in Australia help keep ownership predictable.
Final Verdict
The BMW X5 2025 represents everything a luxury SUV should be: stylish, powerful, efficient, and advanced. For Australian buyers, it delivers practicality for family life, strength for long-distance drives, and prestige for city living. Whether you’re looking at the efficient plug-in hybrid, the powerful diesel, or the thrilling V8, there’s an X5 variant to suit every lifestyle.
If you want a luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise between comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 2025 remains one of the best choices on the market.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
