“The vehicle certainly comes at a premium but the experience of owning and driving it went above my expectations.”
2023 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 BMW X5 is largely a carryover, with no redesign or major powertrain, safety, or technology update. The main change is that leather upholstery became optional rather than standard on the M50i.
About the 2023 BMW X5
4th generation BMW X5 (G05), fifth model year and final pre-facelift year before the 2024 refresh.
BMW positions the X5 as its original midsize luxury “Sports Activity Vehicle” — an SUV that mixes a premium cabin, family usefulness, and strong straight-line pace with more athletic road manners than many rivals. In this generation, the X5’s main draw is balance: it offers real towing and cargo capability, a high-end interior, and a choice of six-cylinder, plug-in hybrid, or V8 power without giving up the composed, driver-focused feel BMW emphasizes across the model range.
The 2023 X5 ranges from the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i and all-wheel-drive xDrive40i to the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid and V8-powered M50i. Six-cylinder models pair a premium cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays, while the xDrive45e adds about 30 miles of electric driving and the M50i brings a twin-turbo V8 and sportier suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
Styling
Leather upholstery changed from standard to optional on the M50i. The rest of the X5 received no significant exterior or interior redesign.
2023 BMW X5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 523 hp | 335 hp | 335 hp | 389 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2023 BMW X5 redesigned?
No. The 2023 BMW X5 is the final pre-refresh version of the fourth-generation X5, with no significant exterior, interior, or structural redesign.
What changed on the 2023 BMW X5 compared with the 2022 model?
Very little changed. The confirmed equipment difference is that leather upholstery became optional rather than standard on the M50i; the core trim and powertrain lineup otherwise continued.
Did the 2023 BMW X5 receive a new engine or hybrid system?
No. The 2023 powertrain lineup carried over, including the six-cylinder sDrive40i and xDrive40i, the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, and the V8-powered M50i.
Does the 2023 BMW X5 have a plug-in hybrid version?
Yes. The 2023 xDrive45e combines a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, an electric motor, all-wheel drive, and about 30 miles of electric driving range.
Is the 2023 BMW X5 meaningfully different from the 2022 model?
No. It is essentially the same pre-refresh X5, aside from leather upholstery changing from standard to optional on the M50i.
2023 BMW X5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 BMW X5.
4.4
2023 BMW X5
(1,696 reviews)
“That it is reliable. Goes well in snow. Has a lot of pep and I feel it is a safe vehicle.”
“It's a big car. Width is a concern for parking, would prefer a smaller car but need leg and shoulder clearance. Acceleration is fine (have same engine in 540i, no need to go higher up the line for more power). Would prefer more engine noise with acceleration.”