When BMW Malaysia initially launched the BMW X5, it’s only available with a 3.0L petrol engine. Around June 2020, BMW Malaysia started the local assembly of the current generation X5, and it has been fitted with a new hybrid powertrain that was 1st seen on the 740Le. Named the BMW X5 xDrive 45e, it was never too late to have a go in the BMW X5.
When seeing the X5 from far, one might struggle to differentiate it between the X5 and it’s smaller sibling, the X3. Once you get up close, you will notice that the X5 looks way bigger and wider than the X3. Compared to its previous generation, the new X5 not only looks bigger, but also looks more muscular than before. With the white color paint job we have here, it makes the large SUV stand out from the crowd even more. 
From the front, the large grille and the sharp looking headlights give the X5 a very menacing look. The X5 that was loaned to me was fitted with the M-Sport body kit that comes from the factory. The M-sport body kit adds carbon fiber flaps on both front and rear bumpers, wing mirror covers, and the rear diffuser to make it looks more athletic. At all corners, the SUV gets blacked out rims that further enhance the sportiness of the vehicle. 
As for the interior, the BMW X5 shares the BMW design philosophy that was seen in all current BMW vehicles. Even though the X5 comes with black color leather seats, the interior still feels roomy and airy thanks to the large panoramic sunroof. When I 1st stepped into the SUV, I noticed that there were plenty of buttons dotted around the dashboard. It may look intimidating, but I personally think that it adds a sense of sophistication to the interior. 
Materials that were used on the dashboard in the X5 are top notch. I particularly like the darker wood trims around the dashboard giving it a luxurious feel. At the center of the dashboard, there is a 10.2 Inch infotainment screen that allows the driver to control most of the systems inside the X5. I do notice that the X5 lacks certain connectivity functions such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Even though owners can subscribe to the Apple Carplay function in the X5, it would cost the owner about RM 2k to make this feature available on the X5. Hopefully, BMW will make these functions available for free in the next update. 
Sitting in the driver seat, there are plenty of adjustments to help me get into my favorable driving position. While behind the wheel, the height of the X5 is very prominent, and looking out the window does make me feel like I’m the king of the road. Then again, if you want the best seat in the X5, the rear seats are the place to be. The rear seats have a huge amount of legroom, headroom, and of course shoulder room, which is thanks to the width of the X5. Even though the rear seat back may look upright, going on long journeys in the rear seats are very comfortable. 
Apart from the huge rear seats, another plus point for being the rear passengers are the 2 large screens that are located behind the driver and front passenger seat headrest. From the rear screens, rear passengers can control certain functions of the idrive system for the X5. For those who want to use the rear screens as an entertainment device, they can hook it up to the HDMI slot that is located below the rear climate controls. Besides the HDMI slot, BMW has also given 2 individual 3.5mm headphone jacks for rear passengers to have a more immersive in car entertainment experience. 
Considering that this X5 is a large vehicle, it was never a slouch when the SUV got going. This is thanks to the 3.0L inline 6 engine paired with a powerful electric motor in getting the vehicle going. The power is sent to all 4 wheels through the 8-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all wheel drive system. In total, this powertrain has the ability to produce 394bhp and 600Nm of torque. This helps the X5 xDrive 45e to achieve the 100km/h mark from standstill in 5.6 seconds, and to a top speed of 235km/h. 
On the move, the 6 cylinder engine and electric motor does a good job in helping this large SUV to achieve an impressive acceleration times. The switch in between the engine and electric motor are smooth, and I really like the engine sound when it starts kicking in. That sweet distinctive sound of a 6 cylinder engine. If any owners would like to get the most out of this powertrain, I would recommend the owners to keep the battery charged up in order to achieve the best performance and efficiency. Regarding the transmission, the gear change of this 8 speed transmission is smooth and always in the right gear at the right moment.
When driving around town, the width of the X5 really shows especially inside crowded commercial areas. On the flip side, the light steering makes maneuvering this large vehicle around tight spaces easier. As the speed picks up, the steering wheel does weight up nicely to give the driver confidence in taking corners. 
Weighing in at 2.5 tons, any sort of movement such as accelerating, braking, and cornering can be felt by the occupants inside the X5. While the X5 is very capable in handling itself through the corners, it is impossible to break the laws of physics. Trying to do a sudden change of direction at higher speeds will definitely remind you that this is still a large and heavy SUV. But thanks to the air suspension, it manages to minimize the body roll of the X5. With the air suspension, it also provides a very good ride quality as it helps the X5 glide over bumps and uneven roads with ease.
Even though the brakes are strong, the driver still has to be cautious about the distance needed in slowing down the X5. And being a premium large SUV, the X5 does come with a list of driver assistance systems. Sadly, adaptive cruise control somehow did not make it on to the BMW X5. In terms of safety system, it includes 6 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), and Brake Assist(BA). As for the driver assistance systems, it includes Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention, Speed Limit Info, Attentiveness Assistance, and Parking Assistant Plus with Reverse Assistant.
For the asking price of RM 440,745.00, I think the X5 does suit those bosses who didn’t want a sedan, but still love traveling in the rear of the vehicle often. As a family vehicle, you do get plenty of space inside the X5 to store items and ferry up to 5 people including the driver comfortably.
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