The popular mid-size crossover from Bavaria is about to receive a facelift. The test mule has been around for a while and the current generation, which has been around since 2018, will get some updates. From what we can see, the focus will be on the styling, as expected. However, there is also a big chance to see novelties on the inside, particularly in terms of the new infotainment system. Finally, count on some interesting additions to the list of standard equipment.
Despite the updates, the overall layout will remain the same. This crossover has so many great things to offer, starting from pretty capable powertrain options. We like its high level of athleticism, while the interior looks pretty upscale. Finally, the list of standard equipment is pretty long. On the other hand, the biggest complaint goes to the optional third row, which is really tight.
We expect that the 2023 BMW X5 will arrive sometime in the second half of the year.
2023 BMW X5 Design
The 2023 BMW X5 will bring a lot of novelties. AS we already mentioned, this will be a typical mid-cycle update and therefore, it’s no wonder that the focus will be on aesthetics. The test mule wears camouflage on both ends of the vehicle, so we know what to expect. Both ends should bring subtle changes only, though the front end will look more prominent for sure. We expect new internal design of headlights, as well as a more aggressive bumper design, while the grille should come with a few tweaks as well.
The rear end might get some subtle changes as well, particularly in areas like taillights, tailgate and the rear bumper. Also, we count on typical mid-cycle updates, such as new wheels, new color options and similar things. On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle should remain the same.
Interior
On the inside, changes are possible too. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, where we expect to see some revisions inspired by the new BMW iX electric crossover. We presume that the 2023 BMW X5 could come with a similarly designed infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. A few more revisions are possible on the center stack, while the rest of the cabin is expected to remain the same.
Despite the changes, the overall cabin layout will remain the same. Base models will come with two rows of seats, both spacious and comfortable. The third row will remain an option but keep in mind that this row is really tight.
When it comes to the cargo area, the two-row model offers around 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats and 72.3 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is pretty good for the mid-size luxury crossover segment.
Features
Without any doubt, this update will bring novelties in terms of standard and available equipment. Still, we don’t expect to see too many of them, considering that the current model is already pretty impressive in this aspect. It comes standard with goodies like a 12.3-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, five USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker stereo. The current list of standard equipment also includes keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and ambient interior lighting.
We presume the new standard features should be looked at in the current list of options. Those would be goodies like remote start, quad-zone climate control, 16- and 20-speaker sound systems, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, a built-in dashcam, hand gesture recognition etc.
2023 BMW X5 Engines
We expect that the 2023 BMW X5 will continue with the same engine options on the offer. So, base versions should continue with a 3.0-liter inline-six, which puts out around 335 horsepower, which seems quite enough for decent driving dynamics. For most drivers, this is the best choice, especially if we consider a pretty good fuel economy that goes around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Of course, you may also count on the good-old 4.4-liter V8, which offers 523 horsepower in its base version. The same engine is available in the X5 M, with 600 horsepower. Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid version, with 389 horsepower and 30 miles of the all-electric range.
All engines come in pair with a super-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
2023 BMW X5 Release Date and Price
The 2023 BMW X5 will arrive sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 60.000 dollars. The competition remains the same, mainly in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7.
