Although the current generation of the luxury crossover recently go through a redesign process, the German automaker is preparing a whole bunch of updates and changes for the 2021 BMW X5. So, let’s begin. The second production year will include a high-performance M-badged variant. Moreover, the third production year will offer exciting changes for the engine room. Yes, the rumors are true – there will be a hybrid version, which will be known as X5 xDrive45e.
Besides the new engine, the third production year won’t bring anything quite interesting. The design language will remain pretty much the same. That translates to the standard equipment as well. Still, BMW is famous for adding the last-minute feature to the interior of its model, so we expect that tradition will go on. The release date of the new X5 is still unknown. But, according to the reports from Bavaria, the luxury crossover will be ready in the last quarter of 2020.
2021 BMW X5 Design
There are some indications of a brand-new platform for the upcoming 2021 BMW X5. The new architecture will laid an inch in length to the next-gen of the luxury crossover. Even though the design changes won’t be so drastic, it will establish a new, more sophisticated look. In general, the 2021MY will maintain most of the forms, but the latest versions will present some unique design solutions.
Moreover, BMW’s high-performance M model will add the more distinctive styling, as a clear indication of its abilities and aspirations. This version comes with a noticeably wider track and redesigned front bumper with bigger air inlets. Also, you’ll notice the massive rear diffuser, which will be, besides the specific roof spoiler and black exterior detailing, the focal points of the exterior design The 2021 X5 offers a 20-inch wheels as standard, while the Competition Package adds 21-inch wheels.
Interior
As every model from the famous Bavarian automaker, the 2021 BMW X5 comes with a well-equipped interior. Even the base version of the X5 offers a sunroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker sound system, and much more. The M version provides a few unique features as well, so shall it the plug-in hybrid model as well. The luxury crossover delivers the M-specific steering wheel, with an exclusively designed buttons.
Moreover, you’ll find an excellent combination of leather with hexagonal quilting and M badges in conjunction with carbon-fiber trim inserts. Also, a 12.3-inches display is available, as well as the central 12.3-inches touchscreen. The plug-in variant offers a good amount of standard equipment, such as large center display, Apple Car Play integration, climate control, etc.
As for safety, the standard features are adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. On top of that, as a part of additional equipment, X5 offers ventilated/massaging seats, premium Bowers and Wilkins sound system, a rear-seat entertainment, and a night-vision system.
2021 BMW X5 Engine Options, Release Date, and Price
Under the hood of 2021 BMW X5 will be the same, familiar engines from the previous model. But, the 2021MY comes reinforced with adding the high-performance M version and plug-in hybrid configuration. So, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 mill, in combination with the 8-speed automatic gearbox, will produce 355 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, the sDrive40i variant is available as well, with the standard RWD system.
All other versions will come with an all-wheel-drive as standard. The xDrive50i version will use a 4.4-liter turbo V8 drivetrain, which generates 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Besides, a variation of this unit will be under the bonnet of the M50i, with a peak output of 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Furthermore, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 mill powers the M-branded model. This engine produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft. Also, the M variant includes unique chassis and suspension upgrades, alongside the refined braking system. On top of that, the available Competition Package pushes the M model to 617 hp. Lastly, the X5 plug-in combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 powertrain with a 112 hp electric motor, for a total output of 38+94 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The all-electric driving range should be around 40 miles.
So, when the 2021 X5 is available? Well, the official release date is still unknown. But, according to the reports from the company, we might expect to see the crossover in the Q4 of 2020. The starting price should be in the $60,000 range. The hybrid variant will start somewhere around $75,000. However, the M-branded X5 will go over $100K. On the other hand, with the optional Competition Package, the price will come close to $115,000.