2017 BMW X5 UNBOXING Review - Don't Call It An SUV Because It's Not

Today's unboxing review is the one and only 2017 BMW X5. Now in its third generation and first launched in 1999, BMW has to be commended for creating the so-called "SAV," as in Sport Activity Vehicle. The German automaker made the right call by not officially calling it an SUV. That's because it's really not an SUV. An SUV has a body-on-frame chassis. The X5 doesn't, and that's just fine.
Our X5 xDrive50i tester came powered with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, with power being delivered all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Where does "Activity" fit into the equation here? Try a 0-60 mph time of only 4.3 seconds. That's incredible for a vehicle that weighs over 5,300 lbs. Our X5 also came fully equipped with thousands of dollars worth of extra features, such as the $3,000 M Sport Package and $3,250 Executive Package. Grand total? $84,445. Question is whether it's worth that price. Enjoy the review!
*TImestamps*
Introduction: 0:15
What's it made from: 1:25
Interior: 1:45
Optional 3rd row: 3:00
Extra features: 3:30
The latest iDrive: 4:00
Additional features: 4:50
Safety: 7:20
How does it drive: 8:55
Cargo space: 10:00
Can you off-road it?: 11:15
Engine and transmission: 11:45
Engine start up: 12:25
Performance and fuel economy: 12:40
Exterior: 13:30
What's the competition?: 14:20
Pricing: 14:35
What do I like: 15:30
Don't like: 15:45
Not powerful enough?: 16:15
Conclusion: 16:35
Read more about BMW X5: carbuzz.com/cars/bmw/x5
Check out all BMW SUVs: carbuzz.com/cars/bmw-suvs
See other SUVs: carbuzz.com/cars/suvs
All BMW cars: carbuzz.com/cars/bmw
Special thanks to Niello BMW-Sacramento for letting us film the car. Check out their entire inventory at: bmw.niello.com
Vehicles in this review were provided by The Niello Company, the largest car dealer group in Sacramento. All opinions in these reviews are that of CarBuzz, not that of The Niello Company.

[@aswithinsowithout]

Nice review! I have the x5 with the third row which isn’t optional for me - I have four kids! I would not want a larger car and I drive without the kids enough not to be inconvenienced by it not being a minivan (my last car). Love this one!

[@Likashiii]

BMW actually has another option for the instrument cluster in the X5. 6WB I believe. Looks pretty nice.

[@carbuzzcom]

Really? I'll have to check that out. Thanks!

[@thirst4petrol537]

yes i reviewed one with that gauge cluster a few days ago on my channel. u can check it out as these models are becoming a lot cheaper now the new gen x5 hit the roads :)

[@Dark_horse777]

Kind of shocked you said the drive isn’t nice. I’ve heard a lot of people say it has a nice drive however personally owning one it drives way nicer than any other suv out there including range sport q7 and Mercedes gle

[@MountEverest974]

One of the best reviews of the X5 F15 on KZbin! Great work ! Keep it up !

[@borismihaylov2081]

Your review has some incorrect things - this is by far not the most luxurious option for the interior - Dakota leather is the bottom choice, you can upgrade to Nappa, and even more so to the Individual Merino leather. Additionally you can get the alcantara roofliner, the B&O audio, a better dashboard trim and you get a quite different interior as a whole. - Third row works ok for children, but it's mainly used for tax reasons in certain countries. - BMW didn't learn offroad technology from Range Rover, it was the other way round as they injected money and knowledge in the failing British brand. - I don't recommend the 50i engine, it's quite unreliable - either go for the X5M (same engine but not quite :D ) or for the 40d for the ultimate compromise between economy, power and price. - If you want to be impressed by the handling and steering feel, ask the dealership if you can test one that has active stabilisers and the torque vectoring rear diff (they are separate to the M suspension) and also the active steering rack. They are rare and expensive options since few people really care how this type of car drives, but BMW can sell them to you if you can appreciate them. (Standard for the X5M)

[@carbuzzcom]

I said luxurious, not the most luxurious. And as I repeatedly said, there are a lot of (expensive) option packages buyers can tack on, including the Nappa and Merino leathers, and everything else you mentioned. The third row is also offered because, at the moment, BMW doesn't offer a large three-row crossover. Like I said, the X7 is on the way. And yes, BMW did inherit some off-road know-how from Range Rover, and then they injected money into the brand for much needed improvements. And yes, I've heard a few similar things about the 50i engine. Also what you mentioned about the active stabilizers and torque vectoring. ...yes, I also recommend anyone who has the extra money to check out those features, but I like to stick to the car at hand in which I'm reviewing in terms of specific options.

[@Andy-bm6zo]

Boris you are SPOT on. This guy has no idea what he's talking about. Also would like to shed some light from owning both RR and E53. Biggest take away from Range Rover purchase was the unloading of all the leftover M62 motors and probably hill descent control. Besides that, the differences are quite vast!

[@BTroy]

Boris Mihaylov absolutely correct. His review lacked a few facts. It really felt like looking st a video from a guy who just like to hear himself talk about things he doesn’t really know about. Thanks for the corrections.

[@tomjones4226]

I like the format of your review. One of the best ive seen, thanks!

[@carbuzzcom]

Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@ometofu]

Love your voice and opinion plus animation is legit. Lol. The only BMW worth buying right now is X1. X3 and x5 needs a refresh. Subscribe for sure now

[@georgiafan6618]

Good review! Always loved this BMW. I hope the next version, which is currently under testing, will be much lighter and roomier inside. For the record, I'd get this xDrive50i eliminate the third row seating as you suggested, and add a performance tune that adds 40HP and some 50 ft-lbs of torque. That would make it a great value comparing it to the M.

[@morg4620]

Love your videos man. Keep it up. Looking to see you more and more cars. Glad I subscribed.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks!

[@flyordie131]

Great review - the right amount of detail and very nicely shot! Helps me with the anxiety of waiting for my X5 while it's being assembled. Really cool 3D graphic edits/inserts - which video editing software allows that ?

[@_Iamdmoney]

I disagree with you about the third row. It’s absolutely essentially for families. You seem like a young guy. When you trying to haul five adults to a soccer game and still need room for the kid. That’s where the third row comes in.

[@rubentorres9162]

This Dude did not do his Homework, third row comes with the Air Suspension for the Rear Axle making the car a much better handling.... Get the third row even if you do not need it, but you get the Air Suspension that is a Must for better ride and better control.

[@mathejoh]

I have the 2015 version. I like it over the 2018 Audi Q7 :)

[@mach51]

yeah, a couple of things... most BMW drivers dont care about MPG...and most people shopping an X5 are not also looking Escalade.

[@Generalshouchew]

I don't think anyone would drive it for off raod.

[@aidenp5768]

If you get the x line with the 3rd row seat and the 18 inch rims it's a off road vehicle since it has 3 rows it has air suspension and x line with a few More off road add on

[@vopvoopone]

Guys we're fucked! It was nice knowing you all, at least your videos bring me happiness.

[@carbuzzcom]

Something tells me we're going to survive just fine. You'll see - and we'll keep on making cool car videos!

[@ayo30s]

CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars Lmao

[@ZIPTRAVELS]

Can you review the X5M50d and go through all the idrive functions

[@sp3c14l1st]

idrive system is best there is!

[@richone10]

Nope. SH-AWD is better.

[@sp3c14l1st]

Rich One Idrive is computer system !

[@richone10]

@@sp3c14l1st Correct. I'm thinking "xDrive"

[@Ubon94]

Interior you can't beat Q7, but exterior YES X5

[@carbuzzcom]

Exactly! I also think the new Q7's exterior is lackluster, at best.

[@1979croatia]

CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars Q7 interior is depressing. I like X5 much more

[@_Iamdmoney]

1979croatia The performance handling of the Q7 vs the X5 is even more depressing. I go with the X5 becuase it gives you a little bit of everything it’s well balanced.

[@daudm1558]

how many dollars cost for new BMW x5

[@ZIPTRAVELS]

Excellent review...

[@WhoPonders]

Where's the box?

[@Drew0919]

What is the front leg room the aBMW 550 i gran TURISMO ?

[@MrsPazStyle]

My husband just got me this X5 with the third row & yeah there isn’t much leg room but if your short you will fit perfectly fine!😉 It’s meant to be for kids. I love my X5😍♥️♥️ I uploaded a review of it on my channel!

[@khushturna907]

Good fun Review.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks!

[@seven203]

Could BMW buy more car brands like Lotus ?

[@carbuzzcom]

Look, anything's possible but I really doubt BMW would want (or need) Lotus.

[@seven203]

They could have a great opportunity this time.

[@pstone7657]

Why would you have a burn out in shorts and black t-shirt demonstrate the BMW's interior features? Do you think one who is interested shelling out 60 to 80k for a BMW identifies with the Beavis and Butthead generation??? Otherwise, thx for a very informative review.

[@jhr3uva90]

P Stone Um, ever heard of Silicon Valley? Thanks for judging.

[@TheGecko213]

I know multi millionaires who do t shirt and shorts whole week except business meetings 😎

[@aTravelclips2223]

Sorry but this is like someone reading me the x5 xdrive50i wiki with occasional short clips of the vehicle. No road test, no handling test, no braking test. Reving the exhaust and loading the huge cargo with your carry on and a backpack didnt quite cut it. 5600 lbs vehicle, 0-60 in around 4 seconds.. Still not an ultimate driving machine.

[@JonMcG]

The most irritating thing about this Video , no sync between narration and the video itself.

[@thirst4petrol537]

i reviewed this car a few days ago to see if it's still worth buying now that the new gen x5 is out. ur welcome to check it on my channel :)

[@allistardsouza]

Good review. Thanks.

[@saadullah8916]

dont call it an suv in starting: the suv

[@georgelucas7421]

50i 4.8 seconds , M power 4.3 seconds

[@goodlife5411]

How come we mostly. See black m2015

[@perwezahmad6837]

dont mentioned fuel when person spending 88000 dollers talk about fuel its shame

[@MTobin1000]

absolutely....all Hillary has to do is go out to her nearest car dealership...buy herself a fancy new ride....and before she knows it....she'll be a happy lady for sure. USA USA USA

[@carbuzzcom]

Cool way to put things into perspective.

[@pixiepusteblume5632]

Well there already is a full digital instrument cluster available as an option. Although it's neither as crisp, nor as informative as the one in Audi's Q7.

[@carbuzzcom]

Right, but Audi is quickly making digital displays almost standard, ie. they don't cost much more.

[@Riseup425]

Aye Niello BMW where I got mine

[@carbuzzcom]

Cool! Glad to see some local shoppers! Which BMW model, BTW?

[@Riseup425]

2013 BMW x5, was able to get the newer model but honestly I really do not like the new generation styling. I like how classy the previous model looks.

[@khosta6690]

In South Africa this shit cost way more than any Mercedes, BMW or Audi. its just too expensive. I might be wrog with the model but its X5 Xdrive. Like 2 times more expensive than G63 mercedes, wtf

[@김동준-t9p]

No fucking way it costs g63 x2 in any country. Probably the other way around

[@andreim3674]

What aluminum you're talking about? It's all plastic inside

[@mephisto1025]

Screw THIS old man car get a Porsche there is no substitute. Damn BMW stop with the cigarette lighters really give us USB I mean it's gonna be 2017' give me ton loads of USB support man this is car companies being lazy

[@carbuzzcom]

Dude, it's so funny that you mentioned cigarette lighters! I asked BMW about them at Geneva last year, mainly that why are they still being made available? The answer was that, despite everything, there's still demand. Go figure.

[@mephisto1025]

CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars thanks for the feedback

[@NBASFAN]

mephisto1025 people smoke. It's easy to use. Just cus they're rich enough to afford it doesn't mean they don't smoke in the car. "But why don't they use a normal lighter?" Cus cigarette lighter it's easier to use.

[@SupremeStoops]

porsche is ugly tho

[@김동준-t9p]

@@SupremeStoops no its not

[@boi1146]

SAV

[@jasonowens3816]

after snapping back after zoning out, I realized 5 minutes had gone by...may want to add important info up front...some facts...you mention weight, but don't say how much it weighs...you talk about door panel material...but do we care about the material? leave comparison comments at the end..pls...3d video overlays aren't the only thing that make a quality video..just sayin..we don't even know what model you're talking about 5 minutes in! oh wait..it was cryptically in there on the distracting 3dboxtitlethingthaticompletelyignored..

[@bcatz454]

2017 XC90 >>>>> 2017 X5 in lightyears.