BMW X5 sDrive, xDrive, Hybrid Trims & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

BMW X5

The X5 lineup starts with the rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i and sDrive40i, the straightforward six-cylinder models. The xDrive30i, xDrive35i, and xDrive40i add all-wheel drive, while xDrive35i Premium and Sport Activity versions lean toward extra comfort or a sportier look. The xDrive35d is the diesel branch for strong low-speed pull and relaxed highway travel. The xDrive40e, xDrive40e iPerformance, xDrive45e, and xDrive50e are plug-in hybrids built for electric local trips plus gasoline-powered long drives. The xDrive48i and xDrive50i bring traditional V8 power and richer equipment, while the M50i and M60i add M-tuned handling hardware below the full X5 M.

What each trim is known for

BMW X5 Base Model

Base Model

sDrive35isDrive40i

The Base Model trim level includes the sDrive35i and sDrive40i, the core rear-wheel-drive X5s with smooth turbocharged six-cylinder power and everyday luxury-SUV usefulness.

Best for: Drivers who want the straightforward six-cylinder X5 experience and do not need all-wheel drive, plug-in capability, or V8 performance.


Highlights

  • Turbocharged inline-six engine
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • 8-speed sport automatic transmission
  • Panoramic moonroof
74 in stock
BMW X5 All-wheel Drive

All-wheel Drive

xDrive30ixDrive35ixDrive35i PremiumxDrive35i Sport ActivityxDrive40i

The All-wheel Drive trim level includes the xDrive30i, xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, and xDrive40i, pairing the mainstream six-cylinder X5 formula with extra traction.

Best for: Daily drivers and families who want a well-rounded X5 for wet roads, snow, highway trips, and routine errands.


Highlights

  • BMW xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Six-cylinder gasoline power
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Premium and Sport Activity versions with comfort-focused or sport-themed equipment

Adds all-wheel drive to the core six-cylinder formula. The xDrive35i Premium adds richer comfort and parking equipment, while the Sport Activity version adds sport seats, paddle shifters, and darker trim.

144 in stock
BMW X5 Diesel

Diesel

xDrive35d

The Diesel trim level is the xDrive35d, the torque-focused X5 known for strong low-speed pull, all-wheel drive, and relaxed long-distance cruising.

Best for: Highway travelers who value diesel pulling power and cruising range more than plug-in commuting or V8 performance.


Highlights

  • Turbodiesel inline-six engine
  • Strong low-speed torque
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Panoramic moonroof and heated front seats

Trades the gasoline six-cylinder character of the level below for diesel torque and a long-distance driving focus while retaining all-wheel drive.

0 in stock
BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

xDrive40exDrive40e iPerformancexDrive45exDrive50e

The Plug-in Hybrid trim level includes the xDrive40e, xDrive40e iPerformance, xDrive45e, and xDrive50e, combining electric local driving with gasoline-powered flexibility and all-wheel drive.

Best for: Drivers who can charge regularly and want to handle short trips on electricity without giving up the X5’s comfort or long-distance usefulness.


Highlights

  • Plug-in hybrid power with an electric-only driving mode
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Air suspension, with rear self-leveling on early versions and two-axle air suspension on later versions

Changes the efficiency focus from diesel to a chargeable hybrid system, adding electric-only driving and air suspension. Later xDrive45e and xDrive50e versions use six-cylinder hybrid power.

31 in stock
BMW X5 Premium Power

Premium Power

xDrive48ixDrive50i

The Premium Power trim level includes the xDrive48i and xDrive50i, the traditional V8 X5s for stronger acceleration and a richer cabin without the sharper M Performance focus.

Best for: Shoppers who want an upscale, gas-only V8 X5 with more effortless power than the regular six-cylinder models.


Highlights

  • V8 gasoline engine
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Leather upholstery on the xDrive48i
  • Heated sport seats and richer technology on the xDrive50i

Moves from plug-in efficiency to a traditional gas V8 and a more power-focused luxury character, without the M-tuned chassis hardware of the Performance level.

14 in stock
BMW X5 Performance

Performance

M50iM60i

The Performance trim level includes the M50i and M60i, the M-tuned V8 X5s that add sharper responses and stronger performance hardware while remaining practical five-seat SUVs.

Best for: Drivers who want V8 speed and more responsive handling but still need the comfort and space of a daily-use X5.


Highlights

  • Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8
  • All-wheel drive with an M Sport differential
  • Adaptive M suspension
  • M Sport exhaust

Adds M-tuned suspension and drivetrain hardware, stronger brakes, and a sport exhaust to the V8 formula. The M60i also brings rear-wheel steering for more responsive handling.

5 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureDieselBase ModelPerformancePremium PowerPlug-in HybridAll-wheel Drive
Includes
xDrive35d0 in stock
sDrive35i, sDrive40i74 in stock
M50i, M60i5 in stock
xDrive48i, xDrive50i14 in stock
xDrive40e, xDrive40e iPerformance, xDrive45e, xDrive50e31 in stock
xDrive30i, xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive40i144 in stock
Driven wheelsAll-wheel driveRear-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel drive
Powertrain identityTurbodiesel inline-sixTurbo gas inline-sixTwin-turbo 4.4L gas V8Gas V8Plug-in hybrid; four-cylinder early, six-cylinder laterGas inline-six
Named-member output35d: 255 hp and 413 lb-ft35i: 300 hp; 40i: 375 hpM60i: 523 hp48i: 350 hp; 50i: 456 hp40e: 308 hp; 50e: 483 hp30i: 260 hp; 35i: 300 hp; 40i: 375 hp
Electric-only drivingNo plug-in systemNo plug-in systemNo plug-in systemNo plug-in systemYes; roughly 14, 30, or 40 miles on the iPerformance, 45e, and 50eNo plug-in system
Distinct ride and handling hardwareAdaptive M suspension, sport differential, and sport exhaustAir suspension; two-axle setup on 45e and 50eHill Descent Control on 35i Premium and Sport Activity

Frequently asked questions

What do sDrive and xDrive mean on a BMW X5?

sDrive identifies a rear-wheel-drive X5, while xDrive identifies all-wheel drive. On newer six-cylinder models, that is the main distinction between the sDrive40i and xDrive40i. Plug-in hybrid and V8 versions use xDrive all-wheel drive.

What's the difference between the sDrive40i and xDrive40i?

On newer X5 models, the sDrive40i has rear-wheel drive and the xDrive40i has all-wheel drive. Both use the same 375-hp turbocharged six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine and share the core cabin technology, comfort features, and safety equipment.

What's the difference between the xDrive40i and xDrive50e?

On newer models, the xDrive40i is a gas-powered six-cylinder X5 with all-wheel drive. The xDrive50e is a 483-hp plug-in hybrid with about 40 miles of electric range and standard two-axle air suspension. The 50e makes the most sense when regular charging fits your routine.

What's the difference between the xDrive45e and xDrive50e?

The xDrive50e is the newer, stronger evolution of the xDrive45e. The xDrive45e pairs a six-cylinder engine with plug-in power and offers about 30 miles of electric driving. The xDrive50e raises combined output to 483 hp and electric range to about 40 miles.

How does the xDrive40e compare with the xDrive45e?

The xDrive45e is a major step forward from the earlier xDrive40e. The xDrive40e uses a four-cylinder plug-in system with 308 hp and about 14 miles of electric range. The later xDrive45e uses a six-cylinder system, offers about 30 electric miles, and has two-axle air suspension.

What's the difference between the xDrive35i Premium and Sport Activity?

In the older trim structure, the xDrive35i Premium focuses on comfort with leather, keyless entry, camera-based parking help, and four-zone climate control. The Sport Activity keeps the same turbo-six and all-wheel drive but adds sport seats, paddle shifters, and darker exterior and cabin trim.

How does the xDrive30i differ from the xDrive35i?

These names belong to older X5 eras. The xDrive30i uses a 260-hp non-turbo six-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. The xDrive35i that followed uses a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic, giving it stronger performance while retaining all-wheel drive.

Who should consider the xDrive35d diesel?

The xDrive35d suits shoppers who value strong low-speed pull and relaxed highway cruising. It has a torque-rich six-cylinder diesel, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic in later examples. It is an older used-only alternative to the gas and plug-in hybrid trims.

What's the difference between the xDrive50i and M50i?

The xDrive50i is the earlier luxury-focused V8 step above the six-cylinder models. The later M50i puts more emphasis on performance, adding M-tuned suspension, stronger brakes, a sport differential, and a sport exhaust while preserving the X5's five-seat comfort and utility.

What's the difference between the M50i and M60i?

The M60i is the newer successor to the M50i. Both are V8 performance versions below the full X5 M, but the newer M60i has a 523-hp mild-hybrid V8 plus rear-wheel steering, an adaptive performance suspension, a sport differential, stronger brakes, and a sport exhaust.

Is the M60i the same thing as the X5 M?

No. The M60i is the high-performance trim within the regular X5 range, positioned below the more track-focused X5 M Competition. It still has a 523-hp V8, all-wheel drive, performance suspension, rear-wheel steering, a sport differential, and a sport exhaust.

Which BMW X5 trim makes the most sense for snow?

An xDrive six-cylinder model is the straightforward choice for snow. The newer xDrive40i combines all-wheel drive with the core X5 comfort and technology, while older shoppers can look for the xDrive35i. Plug-in hybrid and V8 xDrive models also have all-wheel drive.

Which BMW X5 trim is suited to electric commuting?

A plug-in hybrid X5 fits electric commuting. The newer xDrive50e offers about 40 miles of electric range, while the preceding xDrive45e offers about 30 miles. Earlier xDrive40e versions provide about 14 miles, so their electric-only usefulness is more limited.

What equipment comes on newer 40i trims?

Newer sDrive40i and xDrive40i models include a curved digital instrument and touchscreen display, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated power sport front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and collision, blind-spot, and lane assistance.