[Big Kentucky]

Just passed the 90-day mark with my 2025 X5 50e. Below are some early impressions. Hope they're helpful for some.

Car: Skyscraper gray, black merino, 20" M wheels, M Sport packages, Exec Pkg, Driver Assistance Pkg, Park Assist Pkg, Alcantara headliner, Massage seats, Climate Pkg, Advanced Car Eye 3.0, ceramic coat added, PPF on front 1/3 of the car. Purchased a Chargepoint charger for my garage and it works fine (50 amp circuit, 220v outlet), about 3 1/2 hrs for a full charge, usually faster.

Exterior style: Love everything about it esp the blackout trim on the front. Skyscraper Gray does look dirty pretty quickly here in the PNW with frequent rain, but stunning when clean. 20" M wheels are really nice looking and fill up the wheel wells adequately and the ride is very smooth and quiet. I did not install the front license plate bracket because I hate the look and frankly, there's no clean, obvious place to mount it. Crossing my fingers that the police here in the PNW don't mind . Also had the rear of the car debadged (the X5 logo and the "XDrive 50e" logo). I love the clean look.


Interior style: Exceeds my expectation for quality. Looks and feels luxury for the most part. We always wish for more leather, less plastic, etc, but overall it's fantastic. I'm annoyed by the warning stickers on the sun visors, but that's not unique to this car. May try to remove them if I'm feeling bored soon. Rear seat leg room has been fine, even for my 6'4" son, so no complaints there. Alcantara headliner definitely adds a touch of luxury. I do prefer leather over Sensafin, but that's just my opinion. Seat comfort is fantastic. First couple weeks I found the driver's seat to be a bit 'bumpy' on my butt, found myself sliding around to find a comfortable spot. Some say this is due to the massaging seat hardware, but not sure. In any case, 90 days in, I think it was just a matter of adjusting from my previous car and now seat feels fantastic. FYI, I also added TuxMat floor mats and love both the look and functionality.

Options: As for add-ons, I'm not unhappy with any of them. DAPP is a must, as is climate package here in the PNW. I love the Exec package, even though it's primarily cosmetic. MSport same thing, mostly cosmetic, but I love the interior badging and exterior blackout, and happy with the blue brake calipers I selected (different from all the reds you see out on the road). Wife and I both like the massaging seats. I find it's better than I expected given the reviews I saw here. It's not just a kitchen rolling pin, but it's also not Bianca the professional masseuse. A good hybrid of the two in my view. Park Assist has more functionality than I have used thus far, I'm still trained to park myself without help, but still glad I got it. And while I haven't' had even a door ding yet, the peace of mind that comes with the ACE dash cam has been great. DAPP is fantastic both in city traffic and for assisted driving on the highway.

Driving impressions: Given my driving patterns, I have been almost exclusively in electric mode. In fact, up until last week, my original tank of gas delivered at the dealership was still on "full", so my ICE MPG was effectively infinite. However, started to worry about gas sitting in the tank dormant for an extended period, so have been driving in sport mode all week to burn through the tank. There is a noticeable difference depending on drive mode. The pickup from full stop in electric mode is smooth and instant, and super quiet. In Sport mode, there is a slight lag before car accelerates, but MAN, does it accelerate! By far the best 6 cylinder engine I've ever driven. I also have the "enhanced engine sound" feature turned off, but when in sport mode, it sounds like it's still turned on. Definite growl can be heard in the cabin. That said, I also find the overall cabin noise to be VERY low compared to every other car I've owned. Even without the previously available acoustic glass, it's a very pleasant ride. Handling is superb. Turning radius is a little larger than I expected (rear wheel steering would be amazing in this car), but not unusual for a mid-sized SUV. Braking is solid and responsive. Electric-only range has been consistently about 43 miles for me. Had check engine light go on about six weeks in, but disappeared the next day and hasn't been back on since.

Electronics/gadgets: iDrive 8.5 is fantastic. With so many options, everyone is sure to get frustrated trying to find a specific setting because at some point, the designers had to make a call on how to set up the menu hierarchy, and it will surely use different logic than you would. Overall, though, everything feels logical and well laid out. Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, although after the most recent IOS update, I found I had to reconnect my phone to CarPlay. No big deal. There still need to be some overall CarPlay improvements so the two systems interact more seamlessly (e.g. I'll be listening to SIriusXM through the sound system, and if I switch to something on my phone that plays sound, system kicks over to CarPlay on its own).
Remote preconditioning is fantastic. I've used both native and Apple Maps for navigation, both are great. Many have complained about the lack of physical buttons for HVAC. This was one of my biggest apprehensions when buying the car as I could predict my wife complaining about it. Must say, however, that the "always on" touch screen at the bottom of the central display has been just fine, no complaints. I particularly love the setting that automatically turns on the heated seat and steering wheel based on outside temperature. Also read complaints here on the noise/strength of the fans for the HVAC system and for the ventilated seat feature. Neither has been an issue for me. Quiet, and airflow has been fine through the vents. Seat position controls are fantastic. I particularly like the ability to bring forward just the top half of the seatback/headrest so I can find the best combination of seat recline/neck support.

Wish list: No car is perfect, obviously. So here's my short list of things I'd like to see improved.
* Kick-to-open tailgate. This works for me only about 10% of the time on the first try. If you have to waggle your foot back and forth to get this to work, kinda defeats the purpose. Needs better sensitivity.
* Comfort access: I have the car set to lock when I walk away and unlock when I approach. The walkaway locking feature is superb. I LOVE not having to think about the key fob and whether or not I locked the car. Took me about three days to completely change my habit as I park and leave the car without touching anything. Same with unlock on approach. That said, when parked in my garage, it doesn't distinguish. If i go down to garage to throw out some trash and my fob/card key or phone are with me, car beeps and unlocks as I walk by the car, then locks again, then unlocks as I walk back toward the house, then locks again. Annoying. Wish there was a location-aware feature that kept the car unlocked when in my garage. Also noticed that for the past couple weeks, I'll walk out to the car to get in, but when trying to remove the charging cable, car isn't recognizing that I'm right there and doesn't unlock, so charging cable is locked in the port. I then have to go to the driver door, touch the handle, and wait for it to recognize that I'm there. Like the tailgate kick-to-open feature, just lacking consistent sensitivity/awareness.
* Sound system stays on even after turning off the engine and opening the door. A bit disconcerting to get out of the car and close the door and the sound system is continuing to play. Odd.
* Noticed yesterday that when I switch from default electric mode to sport mode, then go in to the head-up display menu via the steering wheel buttons and switch to the display that shows compass direction, it randomly reverts back to the sport display that shows speed/tach on the silver bars and I have to manually go back in and choose the head-up display I want. Also annoying.
* It's a crime that a car in this price range doesn't have buttons to lower the second row seats from the rear tailgate. Also wish there was even some modest seat adjustments for rear-seat passengers (some have commented they are sitting VERY upright and would like even modest recline capability).
* Like others here, the wireless phone charger works, but randomly makes the phone very hot and no rationale for why/when it happens. This may be a problem overall with wireless charging, but still concerning. That phone gets pretty damned hot sometimes...can't be good for the internal circuit boards.

Hope this info helps prospective new buyers in your decision-making process. I'm loving this car so far and haven't regretted the purchase for even a minute. Good luck to all of you!

[TurtleBoy]

Thanks for the write-up and pictures.

If you are having to waggles your foot then you are in the wring position/doing it wrong. Stand right behind the middle of the vehicle, put you foot and and bring it out. Once you get how to do it you should be fine. I'm probably about 98% success rate on each of mine.

There is a setting under doors/windows that will shut off the electronics when the door is opened.

[Big Kentucky]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Thanks for the write-up and pictures.

If you are having to waggles your foot then you are in the wring position/doing it wrong. Stand right behind the middle of the vehicle, put you foot and and bring it out. Once you get how to do it you should be fine. I'm probably about 98% success rate on each of mine.

Thanks, but that doesn't work. In fact, my SA told me to wave my foot side to side under the left parking sensor. That's hit or miss. Center does nothing for me. If it continues I'll get it looked at to see if it's impeded or installed wrong.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Boy, the sensor on my car works very well. Move foot sideways, in and out or in a circle, it still works.

[Mattl0806]

Beautiful car and perfect spec.
Thank you for the write up, I enjoyed the read.

[Jbh165nc]

Ditto on the kick for the tailgate. A quick kick directly under the license plate does it for me 99% of the time.

I turned my comfort access off for the same reasons you described. I remember my dad had a c4 corvette with the same idea, but it had the same problems. If you’re walking in the garage with the fob, it’s constant lock and unlock.

There should at least be a way to drop the back seats from the tailgate area, electronic or otherwise. My X3M had manual controls to drop them from the tailgate area. I’m sure the engineers have good reasons why not for the x5 version, but I don’t know why.

Gas does go “bad” at some point, but it’s not 90 days. I leave fuel in my lawn equipment for the winter unused and doesn’t cause any problems. But no one needs an excuse to wring out a performance ICE engine. Do it more often!

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Big Kentucky

Thanks, but that doesn't work. In fact, my SA told me to wave my foot side to side under the left parking sensor. That's hit or miss. Center does nothing for me. If it continues I'll get it looked at to see if it's impeded or installed wrong.

It could be your sensor is bad/obstructed, good luck.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Jbh165nc

There should at least be a way to drop the back seats from the tailgate area, electronic or otherwise. My X3M had manual controls to drop them from the tailgate area. I’m sure the engineers have good reasons why not for the x5 version, but I don’t know why.

Gas does go “bad” at some point, but it’s not 90 days. I leave fuel in my lawn equipment for the winter unused and doesn’t cause any problems. But no one needs an excuse to wring out a performance ICE engine. Do it more often!

They removed the levers in the cargo area to drop the rear seats starting on MY22.

The 50e gas tank is sealed so the gas should last much longer than in a non-PHEV.

[Daveschally]

Originally Posted by Big Kentucky

Thanks, but that doesn't work. In fact, my SA told me to wave my foot side to side under the left parking sensor. That's hit or miss. Center does nothing for me. If it continues I'll get it looked at to see if it's impeded or installed wrong.

I’m at 98% after 2 weeks of owning. Go in and out with no hesitation with your dominant foot. I hear ya, it’s embarrassing in a public space and waving your foot all around. LOL
I turned off the comfort access walk away option for your problem with it so I agree. I always have my phone so walking around my property was annoying with car waking on and off.

For hot rod type power hold the left paddle down for 3 seconds to engage Sprint mode. Throws your head back as the 50e is no slouch.

Thanks for the write up as it seems BMW has the wrinkles ironed out on our vehicles. I’ve not had the problems you read about here. Enjoy the car!

[mushy_musashi]

Originally Posted by Big Kentucky

* Sound system stays on even after turning off the engine and opening the door. A bit disconcerting to get out of the car and close the door and the sound system is continuing to play. Odd.
* Noticed yesterday that when I switch from default electric mode to sport mode, then go in to the head-up display menu via the steering wheel buttons and switch to the display that shows compass direction, it randomly reverts back to the sport display that shows speed/tach on the silver bars and I have to manually go back in and choose the head-up display I want. Also annoying.

You can get both these items on your wishlist right now.

[LuckyBrand]

Great write up. Good for others to read when looking for information especially on the electric side. Enjoy. They are great cars.

[BMPHIL]

Put your foot under middle of tailgate and pull out, works every time on mine and doesn't work by waggling.

[JMD]

Originally Posted by Big Kentucky

Thanks, but that doesn't work. In fact, my SA told me to wave my foot side to side under the left parking sensor. That's hit or miss. Center does nothing for me. If it continues I'll get it looked at to see if it's impeded or installed wrong.

Hmm, your SA is wrong! TurtleBoy is correct,...one only needs to 'dab' their foot underneath the rear bumper,...preferably at the center-line of the vehicle. Case in point, I use to be a "foot-wagger" and it hardly worked,...the dab works for me every time.

About your 90-day impression,...mind are much in line with yours!

I wished "Convenience Touch" was extended to the Rear Doors,...I now have to set doors to "Unlock ALL" to have any measure of convenience for unlocking the rear doors.

Luv the write-up!

[NRPBMW]

Originally Posted by JMD

Hmm, your SA is wrong! TurtleBoy is correct,...one only needs to 'dab' their foot underneath the rear bumper,...preferably at the center-line of the vehicle. Case in point, I use to be a "foot-wagger" and it hardly worked,...the dab works for me every time.

About your 90-day impression,...mind are much in line with yours!

I wished "Convenience Touch" was extended to the Rear Doors,...I now have to set doors to "Unlock ALL" to have any measure of convenience for unlocking the rear doors.

Luv the write-up!

You are exactly right, straight in and out, opens nearly every single time for me. My Jeep I had previous to this worked the same exact way. no waving side to side.

[Big Kentucky]

Originally Posted by NRPBMW

You are exactly right, straight in and out, opens nearly every single time for me. My Jeep I had previous to this worked the same exact way. no waving side to side.

I must have a defect as that doesn't work for me. Trust me I've poked, waggled, kicked, cajoled, tiptoed, and danced a jig and it still works one out of five times.

[jad03060]

Has anyone measured exactly where the sensor is? I have the towing package, so don't have it, and don't really miss it. But, knowing exactly where it is might help people activate it more reliably.

[Jcit]

Originally Posted by Big Kentucky

I must have a defect as that doesn't work for me. Trust me I've poked, waggled, kicked, cajoled, tiptoed, and danced a jig and it still works one out of five times.

For me it wasn't so much about having my foot underneath/wagging for too long it was more about removing your foot quickly and stepping back. I think there is a concern that the upper liftgate will strike the user so just a single motion in near the centerline and then right back out to show you are clear of the liftgate.

[BMPHIL]

Originally Posted by jad03060

Has anyone measured exactly where the sensor is? I have the towing package, so don't have it, and don't really miss it. But, knowing exactly where it is might help people activate it more reliably.

It is in the middle of the car and a normal foot goes in far enough to activate it.

[GooseX3MC]

Comfort Access
I find the best compromise is to have it set to auto-lock on walk away only. As you need to put your hand in the door handle to open the door, it is slightly pointless to have the car set to unlock on approach. In this way the car stays locked in the garage and you don’t get the lock/unlock shenanigans going on …