I come from that generation of journalists that have been in the automotive beat for a quarter of a century (i.e. old).
Age, however, enables me to compare the experiences of a new car with its predecessors—not just the immediate forebear, but even from earlier generations.
Take the BMW X5, for example. Here is a car that completely redefined the Bavarian marque when it came out in 1999. Celebrated for its brilliantly capable sports sedans, BMW stunned the world when it unleashed the X5, propelling the propeller-badged company into the new SUV-driven millennium.
I was fortunate to have been around to test drive the pioneering X5 (E53) when it landed on Philippine shores in late 2000. Likewise the second-gen X5 (E70) when it arrived locally in 2007. I was also lucky to have tested the third-generation X5 (F15) in 2014, with no less than a long touring drive in and around Vancouver, Canada, all the way to Whistler Park (site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games). I also got some local track time with an explosively fast third-gen X5 M (F85) at the Clark International Speedway.
And now, I find myself behind the wheel of the plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) version of BMW’s fourth-generation X5 (G05). The G05 may have debuted here way back in 2019, but the 2025 model year version has been extensively facelifted and updated, making it feel almost like an all-new model visually and from behind the wheel.
The new X5’s refreshed drive system includes a latest-generation plug-in hybrid system for the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport. It also sports a muscular yet sleek exterior styling that looks unmistakably BMW while remaining fresh and head-turning.
The iconic BMW kidney grille now comes with an aptly named ‘Iconic Glow,’ and its cascade lighting creates an eye-catching and brand-typical look. The vertical air curtains and the lower air intake, complete with decorative trim detail in Pearl-effect Chrome and triangular apertures in its outer areas, also contribute to the cutting-edge aura.
I love how BMW always fills up the wheels wells of its vehicles with meaty tires. The X5 xDrive50e M Sport boasts one of the widest tires I’ve seen on a production SUV—massive 315/35 Pirellis for the rear on handsome 21-inch alloy wheels that showcase huge brake discs and calipers with eye-catching blue calipers in front with the distinctive M logo.
The M Sport package comes as standard for the new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport to convey the feeling of exclusive dynamism. This model comes in six colors, namely the M Carbon Black Metallic of my test unit, M Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Manhattan Metallic, Skyscraper Grey Metallic, Alpine White, and Mineral White Metallic.
Inside, the new X5 PHEV showcases a modern, tech-centric interior. The xDrive50e M Sport’s standout feature is the BMW Widescreen Display, merging a 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. This digital focus minimizes physical buttons, relying heavily on touch controls and digital functions. And like all previous X5’s, the current one offers lots and lots of space for people and cargo.
Luxurious details like leather-like surfaces, fine wood trim, and ambient lighting with model-specific graphics enhance the premium feel. Comfort and convenience are further elevated with delightful sport seats with Sensafin décor stitching and options such as the stunning Harman Kardon sound system and an enhanced Travel & Comfort System. Overall, the interior serves up a seamless blend of digital innovation and luxurious comfort.
Of course, what sets the X5 xDrive50e from other X5 models in the current range is its plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers more power while offering astounding fuel efficiency. A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a similarly new electric motor team up to develop a system output of 489 hp and combined torque of 700 Nm. The X5 xDrive50e M Sport accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds with the help of its superb 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The electric range of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is an impressive 100 to 118 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
It truly offers the best of both worlds—a futuristic whisper-quiet whine in electric mode and an exhilarating growl when you step into the throttle and the petrol engine enters the high revs. Inline-six engines are some of the most balanced and best-sounding engines ever made.
And since it’s a BMW, the driving fun further escalates when the road twists and turns, thanks to sophisticated chassis technology that underpins inspired handling and long-distance comfort.
The BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport features adaptive 2-axle air suspension, providing a luxurious and adaptable driving experience. This system enhances comfort and dynamics with self-leveling capabilities and electronically controlled dampers. It adjusts ride height for various driving scenarios, lowering for improved performance and fuel efficiency, and raising for off-road situations. Drivers can easily adjust settings through drive modes and a dedicated button, with visual feedback on the instrument display. For everyday driving, it exhibited firm yet supple damping that allows the car to soak up road imperfections while offering truly confidence-inspired handling.
Comfort and safety in the new X5 xDrive50e M Sport goes to another new level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, Active Navigation, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, Lane Change Assistant and Merging Assistant.
The Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete maneuvers over a distance of up to 200 meters to be controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.
The latest-generation BMW iDrive tech based on BMW Operating System 8.5 brings both the BMW Widescreen Display and an array of new digital services to the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus also includes the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps.
The BMW Digital Key enables customers to lock and unlock their new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport via security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology with compatible smartphones running the iOS or Android operating system. Optimized smartphone integration, the personalized BMW ID and a Personal eSIM designed to work with new 5G mobile technology are also on hand. The digital services from BMW Charging for the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport have now been integrated into the My BMW App.
The coding-exempt BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport retail for Php 6,990,000 and comes with a portable flexi charger, a 5- year comprehensive BMW warranty (or 200,000km whichever comes first), and an 8-year warranty for the electric battery (or 120,000km whichever comes first). All things considered, it’s nothing less than one of the best, if not the best, SUVs you can buy.
