2019 BMW X5 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 BMW X5 is a crossover SUV that can seat between five to seven people depending on the model. This crossover vehicle has four doors and a rear lift-gate for the cargo area. The 2019 model gets a complete overhaul this year, becoming the fourth generation for this SUV. The interior space has been expanded and more emphasis on overall comfort has been added in. An upgraded suspension system adds to the already great ride quality. BMW has also included a number of modern high-tech features for this year's model.

The BMW X5 comes in two different trim levels. These are called the xDrive40i and the xDrive50i. When the term xDrive is attached to any BMW trim, it signifies that the vehicle has the manufacturer's proprietary all-wheel drive system. One of the main differences between these trim levels is in the engine they come equipped with. The xDrive40i has a 3.0-liter I-6 with dual turbochargers. The xDrive40i keeps the twin turbochargers but replaces the engine with a 4.4-liter V-8. Either engine provides strong, athletic performance.

Both trim packages provide the same amount of cargo space. With all of the seats in their default configurations, you get around 33.9 cubic-feet of space. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area. When properly configured, the BMW X5 gives you an impressive 72.3 cubic-feet of cargo space. All of the power and torque from either engine means the X5 can haul and tow with ease. The vehicle never gets bogged down even with a full load of people or cargo. You can even tow up to 7,200 pounds when the X5 is properly equipped.

Compare the 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vs xDrive50i Trims. What is the difference?

We will take a look at the two trim levels and what they each have to offer. The xDrive50i trim immediately gets you more power and improved performance. Its engine can produce up to 465 horsepower. It also offers high-precision direct injection and variable valve control. This model comes stock with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are located on the steering wheel and you can move through the gears at will while in Manual Mode. BMW has a system called Driving Dynamics Control that gives you different settings to select from such as Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

The xDrive50i trim may be the top performer, but the xDrive40i is no slouch. It has an engine capable of producing 335 horses. It can get you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just 5.3 seconds. The xDrive50i can reach 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.6 seconds. It may not quite have the driving dynamics of a sports car, but the acceleration isn't too far off the mark. While the base model may not be as quick, it does have one advantage over the xDrive50i. You'll get slightly better fuel efficiency and save some money at the pumps with the xDrive40i.

Sticking with the performance features, both trims will give you electronic throttle control. Both have an auto start and stop feature. Electronically-controlled engine cooling is standard to keep both models running at the right temperature. The two trims also share a similar transmission system despite them each having a different engine. There isn't a major difference here for the suspension system. You get a double wishbone system up front with multi-link integral suspension in the rear.

Both models of the X5 have Dynamic Stability Control to keep the SUV stable and Dynamic Traction Control to transfer the right amount of power to each of the four wheels. Both trims come standard with ventilated ABS brakes. Dynamic Brake Control can maximize brake pressure when an emergency is detected. Cornering Brake Control distributes braking power where it's needed the most as you take tight curves in your X5. Both trims have electronic power-steering as well.

On the outside of the X5, we get the exact same features for both trims. Each model comes equipped with a set of lightweight alloy wheels with an attractive spoke design. The wheels are 19 inches by 9 inches. These are outfitted with a set of all-season tires that are good for any weather conditions, especially in tandem with the all-wheel drive system. These tires are run-flat models that can get you to safety even when they get punctured or go flat.

The exterior has a beautiful and sophisticated overall design with some nice satin-aluminum trim. You get adaptive LED headlights that will come on and shut off automatically. You also get LED fog lights to increase your visibility in harsh weather conditions. The exterior mirrors have a power folding feature. They are also heated for quick defrosting in cold weather. The X5 has a roof spoiler that's equipped with an additional brake light. Aluminum roof rails give you some additional storage options for your cargo.

You have a choice of 14 different paint colors for the exterior. There's something here for every taste. Most of the colors come in metallic and non-metallic variants for even more variety. The aero blades are finished in a high-gloss black. You also get chrome covered exhaust tips to complete the high-end look of this SUV.

Moving on to the interior, the xDrive40i trim gets you 16-way power adjustable seats up front. You also get 4-way lumbar support and a memory feature that can recall your perfect seat settings. The seats are covered with SensaTec upholstery. The xDrive50i upgrades the upholstery to leather. The move up in trim levels also gets you 20-way power adjustments for the driver's seat. The memory function is now present for the driver and front-passenger seat. The additional seat adjustments allow for more support in the thigh and shoulder areas.

Both trim levels come with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The cargo area is finished with fine velour carpeting on both models. There is also a remote latch opener for the rear cargo area. Real wood trim is featured throughout the interior of both models. This wood trim is done in a high-gloss finish.

The X5 xDrive40i model comes with a 10-speaker sound system and a 205 watt amplifier for the stereo. The stereo offers an anti-theft device and pre-wiring for a CD player. The xDrive50i trims gets you an upgraded premium system from Harman Kardon. This time around you get 16 speakers and a 464-watt amplifier. The upgraded stereo also offers an improved equalizer for perfect sound. Last of all, the Harman Kardon system gets you HD radio and a free trial for SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

The steering wheel comes wrapped in leather for both trims. You get audio controls, cruise control and Bluetooth communication access right on the wheel for safety and convenience. The infotainment system offers connectivity for your smart phone via USB ports or Bluetooth. Both models offer compatibility for Apple CarPlay with a free one-year trial. There are two 12-inch displays for information and a 7-inch touchscreen display. Most functions can also be controlled by voice command or through the iDrive touchpad Controller. Both trims also come with a navigation system so you can always find your destination.

You get access to some useful information from the tire-pressure monitor and a rear-view camera on both trims. Both models give you a panoramic moon roof. They're both loaded with cup holders, pockets and small-item storage spaces throughout the interior. The center console up front provides an armrest and an extra storage compartment. A universal garage-door opener is installed in all models. You also get a total of three power outlets. One is located up front, one for the rear-seat passengers and the last one is located in the trunk.

Moving up to the xDrive50i trim gets you advanced ambient lighting on the inside of the X5. The vanity mirrors are illuminated. You also get some extra lighting around the door handles and front foot-wells. There are handy reading lights up front and in the rear. The driver's side exterior mirror and rear-view mirror now come with an auto-dimming feature. This is great for preventing glare from bright headlights as they approach you.

Some of the remaining interior features that are on both trims include 3-way heated seats up front and micro-filter ventilation. You get power windows and door locks. BMW also includes a whole package of features called Advanced Vehicle & Key Memory. This system automatically remembers and employs a number of your most recent interior settings. Some of these include audio settings, climate-control settings and your lighting preferences.

Most of the safety and security features are identical for these two trims. You get an anti-theft alarm system for both. You always get BMW's Assist eCall. This provides an emergency-request button and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification. The latter system contacts all of the appropriate emergency services as soon as you're involved in an accident.

Up front you get an ample number of airbags. The safety belts come with with automatic pretensioners. There are LATCH attachments for child-safety restraint. An impact sensor automatically disconnects the battery, alternator and the fuel pump. It then unlocks all doors and engages the hazard lights on your vehicle. The Active Protection System detects imminent collisions and then prepares several systems for an oncoming crash. The windows and moon roof will automatically shut as your seat belts get pretensioned for the impact.

Every seating position inside of the X5 has 3-point safety belts and head restraints. An acoustic warning sounds when your seat belt is not engaged. The Active Blind Spot Detection, and rear Cross Traffic Alert help you to stay aware of your surroundings as you drive. Last of all, every trim gets Front-Collision Warning and a Lane-Departure Warning.

Final Thoughts

Both trim levels of the X5 are excellent vehicles. The good news is, there isn't a huge price gap between the two. For this reason, the xDrive50i is an easy recommendation. You get a number of nice convenience and luxury features by moving up to this trim level. The fit and finish of the interior is better with upgraded upholstery and more seat-adjustment options. The premium sound system is also a fantastic upgrade. The best reason to choose the top-level trim is for the increase in power and performance. While the xDrive40i trim is a capable performer, the extra horsepower and torque from the xDrive50i makes a huge difference. It provides for a fantastic driving experience that is more akin to a sports coupe than a luxury SUV.