[mvl]

Currently have a 2020 X3MC, a 2020 X3 30i, a 2019 X3 m40i and a 2017 Volvo XC90. It's time for the Volvo to go . . .

I'm very familar with the X3, but this is my first time looking at X5s. Dealer has quite a few 2024 X5s in stock in various trim levels. Also several CPO 21-22 MY X5s. I also see that the 25MY is due out soon.

I don't know much about this model. What's a must have? What's not worth it? Are there any issues with the MY24?

Beyond what's written in reviews, what do I need to know?

Thanks in advance!

[TurtleBoy]

Your first decision should be what model to go with, the 40i, 45e/50e or M50i/M60i. Then look at options, I would say the must haves are the Driving Assistance Professional, the Parking Assistance package and the upgraded headlights that were available.

The 50e's are experiencing some issues so any used ones you find are likely due to a buy back, something to consider.

Good luck and I'm sure you will get a lot of info/opinions to think about.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Your first decision should be what model to go with, the 40i, 45e/50e or M50i/M60i. Then look at options, I would say the must haves are the Driving Assistance Professional, the Parking Assistance package and the upgraded headlights that were available.

The 50e's are experiencing some issues so any used ones you find are likely due to a buy back, something to consider.

Good luck and I'm sure you will get a lot of info/opinions to think about.

Agreed on all the above. A couple of quick call outs with one being the Premium package (was on my spec LCI 45i X-Drive). It frankly has all you need but truly miss the soft close doors we had in the 2017 X5) but also throws in some niceties (lighted sun roof and glass controls anyone can live without) for a $1700 up charge.

To my chagrin (if you too are an audiophile) the only way to get that on a LCI is a M60i. So further up charges for both the V8 plus option to add B&W.

Good luck with whatever you choose! 👍

[mvl]

Super helpful! Thanks.

I think the 40i should be plenty robust to replace the XC90 (as much as I love my M and M-lite X3s). The mild hybrid on the MY24 LCI seems interesting, but does give me a bit of pause as I wonder if there may be some early kinks worked out in the upcoming MY25 or if I should look backwards to the MY21-22 CPO market to avoid it altogether.

What’s the general consensus been on the LCI hybrid integration? Well done? Buggy? Already worked out?

Sorry to go over what might seem like old topics for the vast majority of the board. I’m searching and reading a ton of old posts, I promise!

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by mvl

Super helpful! Thanks.

I think the 40i should be plenty robust to replace the XC90 (as much as I love my M and M-lite X3s). The mild hybrid on the MY24 LCI seems interesting, but does give me a bit of pause as I wonder if there may be some early kinks worked out in the upcoming MY25 or if I should look backwards to the MY21-22 CPO market to avoid it altogether.

What’s the general consensus been on the LCI hybrid integration? Well done? Buggy? Already worked out?

Sorry to go over what might seem like old topics for the vast majority of the board. I’m searching and reading a ton of old posts, I promise!

The mild-hybrid on the 40i is not new to the LCI, it was introduced in MY21.

[rmorin1249]

We love our '19 40i MSport. Luxury seating is very comfortable especially in long trips. If you use a bike carrier or tow anything order the tow package and the spare tire package. Nice to be able to ditch the run flats.

[mvl]

Thanks for all the education, fellas. Very helpful. Last question: how do people feel about the execution of the driving assistant/driving assistant pro in this model? I have the full DAPP in the X3M and have kind of a love/hate relationship with it.

It's great to give me a little break on highway trips, but the X3M kinda ping-pongs between the lines.

If it's done well in the X5, I could see it being worth the cost. If not, I'll happily steer while cruise control works the throttle.

[LDT]

Originally Posted by mvl

Thanks for all the education, fellas. Very helpful. Last question: how do people feel about the execution of the driving assistant/driving assistant pro in this model? I have the full DAPP in the X3M and have kind of a love/hate relationship with it.

It's great to give me a little break on highway trips, but the X3M kinda ping-pongs between the lines.

If it's done well in the X5, I could see it being worth the cost. If not, I'll happily steer while cruise control works the throttle.

DAP in my '24 M60i works perfectly. Holds the lane very well and does not wonder from side to side. Highway assistant is a game changer. Much less fatigued at the end of a long day of freeway driving. I'll never have another car without it. Ventilated seats work well. Massaging seats....meh and certainly not worth the $1k I paid for them. HK sounds good so I'd skip the B&W. Get the M Sport package. Assuming you live in "the region" aka NW Indiana, I'd stick with A/S tire setup so as to avoid the need for dedicated winters. The 20" M Star-spoke bi-color wheels with All-season run-flats are good looking wheels. I went with 22"s with performance tires but I live in the south. Very happy after 8400 trouble free miles. Lastly, stay away from the 50e. Too many unresolved gremlins. Best of luck and welcome to the forum. You'll gain a wealth of knowledge here.

[Cityman]

M60i all day. The B&W sounds system while pricey, will blow you away. Better than any of my other costly systems I’ve had, such as Alpine. Get the air suspension and the 22’s, which look the best on this vehicle. Full DAP is a must. Merino leather is very nice, especially with massage function. Executive package with glass controls look great and feel premium over the alternative plastic. Same with headliner upgrade.

[BlkGS]

The DAP in my M50i can be a bit bouncy on smaller, lower speed roads, but works well on the highway (note that FL roads are notoriously steeply banked to sheet rainwater and this may hinder the system from being as smooth as it could be).

I'll repeat again that BMW should be absolutely ashamed that DAP is not standard equipment. It's pathetic, it's a must have, it's standard on a Toyota Corolla but not a $80k BMW. It's shameful really.

A couple other things to be aware of. Don't expect the 40i to feel like your X3 M40i, it's WAY dialed down from that. The 40i liky will be fine vs the Volvo, but not coming out of the M40i. Consider stepping up to the M50/60i, or a 45e. The M50i is a noticable performance improvement over the M40i, the 45e adds a bit of extra thrust too, probably closer thrust to the M40i than the M50i. Avoid the 50e, those problem children aren't worth the hassle right now.

The XC90 is also noticeably larger than X5, you may want to consider X7 to get more size like that.

The LCI has its supporters and a LOT of detractors. It's not like previous years where the new model came with more, it's got new screens, a few critical deleted features, and less buttons. Sit in them both and decide if you feel like you HAVE to have the new screens, if not, get a CPO pre LCI, get more features, save money, look better.

IMO, there's only 3 options worth skipping on the M50i. Tow package (because it deletes the fot kick hatch and there's an expensive aftermarket alternative), alcantara heainer (because it's a nightmare for people who can't stand the nap not facing the same way), and air ride (because air ride is too floaty IMO and the steel spring suspension handles better). All the rest, definitely get them. I could MAYBE see compromising on HK audio vs B&W. B&W is excellent, but you could always go aftermarket if HK didn't satisfy you.

[FastMarkA]

DAPP execution in the LCI is a very noticeable improvement over the pre-LCI.

On nearly all my freeway drives, I use it. (If I'm feeling lazy I use it in traffic, but around here, one needs to be a touch more assertive than DAPP can handle.)

My other suggestion: multi-contour seats. If they have ventilation or massage all the better, but multi-contour seats are incredible and something you cannot get on the X3s.

[mvl]

Awesome feedback everyone. I appreciate all the help. I feel much more up to speed on the nuances of this model now.

And kudos to those of you who actually know where “The Region” is! lol.

[Golfnatic]

It’s a big bonus if you can find one with the spare tire. Mine has already saved me a couple of times and then allowed me to change to non-RFT’s.