BMW X5 xDrive50e 2026 Review

OK, let’s address the elephant in the room. The next-generation X5 is due to land on our shores before 2027 rolls in, bringing with it the heavily revised CLAR architecture and the latest expression of the Neue Klasse aesthetic.

However, there’s still value in checking out the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport given the rise of plug-in hybrid’s (PHEV) due to increasingly volatile fuel prices. As the nomenclature suggests, it offers a turbocharged petrol engine with electric assistance and drives through all four wheels for $154,900 (before on-road costs).

PHEV power adds a $15,000 to the bill compared to the efficient xDrive30d, with the turbo-diesel inline-six providing punch to the entry-level variant. If battery assistance isn’t for you, there’s the $143,900 xDrive40i, while the range tops out with the monstrous twin-turbo M60i ($177,900) and bonkers V8-powered X5 M ($247,800).

If an off-roading coupe-style SUV appeals, the controversial X6 continues with the same variations as the X5, apart from the PHEV powertrain. Rivals to the wagon body style include the Audi Q7, Land Rover Defender, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90.

BMW’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies with three years of roadside assistance, while you can pre-pay the first five years of servicing for $3570 (intervals are every 12 months/15,000km).

Despite launching more than seven years ago, the G05 iteration is aging like a fine wine.

Although, given our 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is painted in white hue, many motorists we passed during testing slammed on their brakes believing it to be an unmarked police car. Additionally, with the G65 generation just around the corner, there’s a sense that the current version is the final bastion of the brand’s traditional design language.

An mid-life update in 2023 brought in the arrow-shaped Matrix LED headlights, new bumpers, fresh wheel design, extra tech and the polarising Iconic Glow kidney grille. The xDrive50e tested runs on standard-fit 20-inch alloy wheels with 2-axle air suspension and has proximity-based keyless entry as well as a powered, split-folding tailgate.

Inside, the X5 is finished with Verino synthetic leather, while the front seats are power adjustable (including lumbar and memory for the driver) with heating, and the climate control is a tri-zone system. Two zones up front, one zone in the back.

The M Sport package is fitted at no extra cost and adds items like M Sport brakes, Adaptive M suspension, M leather steering wheel, high gloss black roof rails, Anthracite headliner and the instrument panel gets Verino upholstery.

The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport comes with the Driving Assistant Professional pack. Highlights include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, front and rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring as well as lane keeping assistant with steering intervention.

The X5 also has driver fatigue monitoring and road sign recognition, but thankfully, everything that might annoy you can be either switched off or silenced without too much hassle.

Parking Assistant Plus, which contains self-parking and BMW’s reversing assistant, is standard. As are parking sensors and surround-view cameras with panorama and 3D views to make the big X5 a doddle to park within the city.

The G05 generation no longer holds an ANCAP crash rating as it was last tested in 2018. There is a total of seven airbags, dual ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages.

Nothing about the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50 M Sport’s tech package suggests it’s out of date or about to be replaced.

The X5 runs BMW’s eighth-generation iDrive operating system through the central 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s responsive to inputs and offers detailed graphics. It isn’t instantly intuitive, but overall, the experience is pleasing – especially with the iDrive controller.

Both the themed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display combine well to showcase all the important information where you want it, too.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but it’s a shame the X5 doesn’t gain a cooling function within the wireless charge pad. In-built satnav, Bluetooth, “Hey BMW” voice commands, USB-C ports and DAB+ digital radio is offered, while the sound system provides high-quality acoustics.

BMW ConnectedDrive encompasses intelligent emergency call and personal assistant via TeleServices, while the X5 can receive remote software updates. You can also use your smartphone as a digital key if set up correctly or you can select an NFC keycard.

The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport isn’t marketed as a performance variant, but if it were, there’s certainly enough firepower to support such a claim.

As a base, the venerable 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine produces a healthy 230kW and 450Nm. However, the B58 is supplemented by a 145kW/280Nm electric motor that’s powered by a substantial 29.5kW lithium-ion battery pack.

Combined, the xDrive50e generates 360kW and 700Nm. Which makes it’s 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds believable despite it weighing almost 2.4 tonnes. When both the electric and combustion engine are working together, it delivers remarkable response and pace.

You’re certainly never left wanting for acceleration.

The transition between the power sources is largely imperceptible, as are the shifts of the ZF eight-speed automatic, which links to the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Yes, it’s hushed for luxury and general use, but ramp up the drive mode to Sport, and the familiar inline-six soundtrack is there. It’s just a little more muted than some might hope.

Grunt aside, this is the main reason you’re going to consider the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport against the likes of the impressive xDrive30d.

After all, the additional $15k price premium must be justifiable.

Officially, the PHEV X5 is rated at a combined fuel consumption of 1.9L/100km and can cover 101km on electric power alone. However, our real-world figure comes to 7.5L/100km, which ironically, is the same number we recorded with the xDrive30d.

Although, that was predominately made up of highway driving.

On a dedicated 100km loop with the 29.5kW battery fully charged, the xDrive50e’s consumption clocked in at 2.0L/100km – which includes 90.1km covered without the B58 petrol engine being called upon. And that isn’t a bad outcome given they’re both close to the manufacturer claims.

Using the Driving Experience Control, you can select Sport, Comfort and ECO PRO driving modes. Yet, there are also hybrid-specific ones, too. They include Electric, Hybrid, Hybrid ECO PRO and Battery Hold. The first three are self-explanatory, while the latter allows you to force hold a state of charge for later use.

Which comes in handy given the BMW system can’t recharge the battery on the run – well, not in any significant capacity. Only minimal range is recouped via the regenerative braking, coasting and the power unit.

Additionally, there’s no fast DC rate to replenish the battery – 11kW AC is the most it accepts. That equates to a full top up in about three-to-four hours.

While ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline forever sets a precedence for the Bavarian marque, the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport lives up to the billing – for a large SUV.

That qualifier is important, but the X5 has far more inherent dynamism than it probably needs to. Despite the tall body and high centre of gravity, it resists the urge to roll too much through corners and it feels positive on changes of direction.

The xDrive system constantly monitors the road conditions and grip levels, apportioning torque between the front and rear axles to maximise purchase. It’s effective, especially with 305-section Pirellis at the rear, and the X5 is surefooted in various scenarios.

There’s good compliance in the cosseting air-suspension setup, so much so that you don’t always need to be in comfort-orientated modes.

Yet, you’ll probably want to. Despite the handling competency, the X5 remains a proficient city-dweller. The ride quality remains complaint and the steering is light enough to twirl around a carpark without losing too much feedback on the open road.

Also, all the cameras and tech virtually shrink the dimensions, meaning the X5 isn’t intimidating to manoeuvre no matter the location. Even sightlines out of the cabin are clear and the regenerative braking’s response (with various levels) is natural.

The only detractions are a bit of road-noise intrusion at speed, with hints of tyre roar present on course-chip surfaces. And moving the distance controls for the adaptive cruise into the infotainment screen is a faff.

There aren’t any locking differentials or low range to play with if you want to go off-road, but the xDrive50e has 214mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of 500mm and decent approach and departure angles. And to prove it’s a bit of an all-rounder, the braked towing capacity is 2700kg.

It’s hard not to compare the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50 M Sport to what’s coming next, but there’s advantages with the current interior. Especially if you value physical controls.

The design of the G05’s cabin is standing the test of time. With the inclusion of dual screens that mimic one curved display, there’s a contemporary appeal. Even the mood lighting is futuristic with the arrow motif across the dash.

The overall build quality and ergonomics are sound, while the air vent control stalks are far more functional to use than the X3’s nubbin-like dials. Storage is plentiful, too, with the redesigned centre console freeing up some space with the small gear selector.

Space in the back is abundant, especially for legroom. Headroom remains generous despite the glass roof.

It’s a nice place to be, with a blackout shade for the sunroof, rear climate controls with air vents, map pockets and a fold-down centre arm rest.

The only extra addition required for added comfort would be the ability to recline the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats – or stow them via a lever within the boot. Cargo capacity is generous sans the third row with a minimum of 650 litres of storage, expanding to a maximum of 1870L.

The split tailgate aids practicality, with the lower section creating a flat area to slide items in the boot easily. Further simplifying this are the controls to lower (or raise) the air suspension, and thus the height of the vehicle, so you don’t have to lift items quite as high.

A space-saver spare hides under the boot floor.

The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is a valuable string to the brand’s upmarket SUV lineup.

However, opting for it as opposed to the likeable xDrive30d is a tough decision given some of the limitations of the PHEV tech. If you can charge at home with a wallbox, justifying the $15k premium is easier given you’ll likely never need to use the lusty combustion engine unless you undertake a long trip.

For the right buyer, the xDrive50e M Sport makes a lot of sense. It has surging power and impressive efficiency that’s infused into a package filled with pragmatic luxury. There’s a reason the X5 has found so much favour with Aussie buyers since the X5’s inception in 1999.

The only decision to make is whether you haggle hard for a deal on the excellent current generation or wait for the newfangled version. Watch this space for a verdict on the Neue Klasse BMW X5.

2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e at a glance:
Price: $154,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol electric
Output: 230kW/450Nm (electric motor: 145kW/280Nm)
Combined output: 360kW/700Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Battery: 29.5kWh lithium-ion
Range: 101km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 26.4kWh/100km (WLTP)
Fuel: 1.9L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 41g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

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