BMW X5 50e – Long-Term Review: The Best All-Rounder

After months with the BMW X5 50e, it’s time for an honest and down-to-earth long-term review. No sales talk, no technical blah blah — just how this car really lives in everyday use. And I can sum it up very simply:

I love this car. Truly.

But let me explain why.

Brutal power, effortless luxury

The X5 50e is fast. Not “SUV fast,” but properly fast. The combination of the 3.0-liter inline-six and the electric motor delivers a punch that puts a smile on your face every single time. Overtaking is effortless, acceleration feels almost sports-car-like, yet everything remains comfortable and controlled.

Only now do I realise what I missed with my previous daily driver (an EV): that roar.

Up to now, I haven’t had a single moment where I didn’t enjoy driving it. Yes, it’s quite big. Parking isn’t always easy. But that simply comes with the territory in this segment. Still, every single day the performance of the X5 surprises me, and I head out with a smile on my face.

Electric driving: more than enough

That loud roar isn’t always desirable, though. I often drive in EV mode when I want to be a bit more civilised. And honestly? The X5 50e performs very well there too.

Not perfect, but more than sufficient for daily trips: groceries, short commutes, daycare runs, city driving.

The electric range is solid. That said, there are a few limiting factors:

• temperature
• driving style
• and especially: pre-heating and pre-cooling

They have a noticeable impact — you definitely feel it. Still, the range usually stays within a very usable window. 

Downside: the transition to petrol

And here’s my biggest criticism.

Once the battery is empty and the car switches to the petrol engine, the transition is rougher than you’d expect from a premium SUV. 

The engine sounds a bit shouty — which is fun, just not when you don’t expect it. The contrast between whisper-quiet electric driving and the suddenly active ICE is simply too big. The car instantly goes into full-drama mode, kicks down aggressively, and feels ready to start a race. Especially when pulling into an intersection or trying to jump onto a roundabout quickly… things suddenly get a bit exciting. 

Not dramatic. But it does break the magic.

Rear space: could be better

As a family car, the X5 works perfectly… although a bit more rear legroom would be welcome. On longer trips with adults in the back, you notice BMW still prioritises the front occupants.

The boot is spacious, but that seems to come at the expense of rear legroom. We also noticed that a child seat limits how far back the front passenger seat can go. Manageable — as long as your passenger is under 2 metres tall. 

Top-tier infotainment

The infotainment system is excellent. Fast, logical, clear, and modern. App integration, navigation, and vehicle settings all work flawlessly. And yes — the iDrive controller must stay, BMW. Thank you.

Is there a learning curve at the beginning? Yes. It’s not the most intuitive system out there. But you quickly learn the basics, and the shortcuts are genuinely useful. The driver assistance systems also impress and — if you’ve spec’d the option — are clearly visualised in the head-up display.

The accompanying app works very well too and gives you plenty of insight into the car. 

Fun factor

Despite its weight, you can get the X5 50e to slide a little when the road is wet. It allows just enough playfulness to put a grin on your face, without ever feeling unsafe. Not great for your tyres — and from experience I can tell you that 22" BMW star-marked tyres are not exactly budget-friendly…

BMW will always be BMW.

The best daily driver I’ve ever owned

All things considered, the X5 50e is the best all-round daily driver I’ve ever driven: 

• luxury without unnecessary fuss
• power with a touch of drama
• EV driving without stress
• plenty of space (almost perfect)
• top-level comfort
• fun whenever you want it

Every day, this car feels like it can handle absolutely anything — and it does.

For me, the X5 50e is the definition of “everyday perfection.” 
Does it fit your budget? Don’t hesitate. Do it.

And that Brooklyn Grey colour? You’re either into it or you’re not. 
But I absolutely love it.​