2020 BMW X5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Those on the lookout for a new SUV will be thrilled to know that the king of kings is coming to the nearest dealership. The BMW X5, which is renowned all over the world for its class and functionality, is finally rolling its 2020 edition model, much to the delight of avid fans of this German engineered luxury vehicle.

Though the question what’s not to love can technically apply to all BMW automobiles, there is just something extra special about the 2020 BMW X5. It will astound everyone with its ultra chic presence and eye catching sophistication that makes it a pleasure to look at. It is highly responsive, which makes it a joy to drive. Above all else, it is comfortable and endowed with high quality features synonymous to its brand, which makes it purely blissful to ride.  

What’s New for 2020?

One of the most notable of its newest features is the arrival of the completely new sDRive40i 2020 BMW X5. This is the most affordable (not in the universally accepted standard of cheap/ affordable price) BMW X5 released to date. This base crossover trim is the only rear-driven option, as opposed to the rest of the BMW X5 line-up—the xDrive40i, xDrive50i, and M50i—which is all wheel drive.  Rumors abound that a super powerful BMW X5M with an almost 600 plus horsepower is due to arrive anytime soon. The sDriv40i and xDRive40i can be equipped with an optional third row. 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 BMW X5 – The Pros

There are numerous reasons why people love the BMW X5. The brand name alone is enough to elicit confidence because its reputation precedes it. Everyone in the world is familiar with the BMW brand that has been around for more than a century. Here are the top 10 reasons why drivers must consider the 2020 BMW X5 as a welcome addition to their garage:

1.  Ultimate Styling that Screams Class and Sophistication

Every 2020 BMW X5 gets 20 inch wheels that are above standard. They also come equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a more luxurious feeling under the palms. The power adjustable heated front seats are outfitted with supple leather-like upholstery. It is also designed with a brown fine wood high-gloss trim inserts that totally give off a classy vibe. There is also panoramic moon roof for added visibility, keyless ignition for ease of access, and LED lights that are brighter and use less power.

2.  Safety is Paramount

The 2020 BMW X5 will make every driver and passenger feel totally safe and secure in its interiors. The X5 is equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features and active safety features on every trim. This includes active lane control, blind spot-monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

3.  Reduction of Driver Fatigue

Some of the driver tasks can be partially automated in the 2020 BMW X5, which reduces driver fatigue. Features like daytime pedestrian protection, cross traffic alert, speed limit information, active blind spot protection, lane departure warning, city collision mitigation, frontal collision warning, and the like all work together in assisting the driver maneuver the car safely into its intended destination.

4.  Peace of Mind with Extended Warranties

Purchasing the 2020 BMW X5 will give its owners the peace of mind because of its extended warranties. New cars have a bumper to bumper warranty protection and power train warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles. This comes with a free roadside assistance for the next 48 months, regardless of the miles consumed.

5.  Ample Storage Space

The 2020 BMW X5 is a leader in this department because it trumps its competitors when providing storage space. This is critical for families that haul a lot of stuff and business owners that need to ferry around huge boxes from various places. The interior cargo space of the X5 is 33.9 cubic feet; and when the rest of the seats are folded, it can give as much as 72.3 cubic feet that is really larger than what other competitors provide.

6.  Wonderful Infotainment System

There is a dual 12. 3 infotainment system and digital instrument cluster system in the 2020 BMW X5 that is a cut above the normal standard. These displays are definitely much larger even in its competitors. BMW understands the importance of mobile gadgets, so they have installed a wireless smartphone charging system for easy charging. On top of that, Apple CarPlay is available, so the driver and passengers can get to enjoy their phones features, like their playlists, while in the car. It comes with 3 USB ports, quality speakers, Bluetooth, and a radio.

7.  Awesome Parking Assistance

The BMW X5 model come s with the Parking Assistant Plus, which helps drivers ease their cars into tight parking spaces without breaking into a sweat. On top of that, this comes with a 360 degree camera system that allows the driver to look at all the sides of the car before he makes a move. This added safety features gives the peace of mind that the driver will not bump into anything and end up scratching or denting their precious vehicle.

8.  Fantastic Convenient Features

The X5, even the entry model, gets a free subscription to the Connected Package professional. This includes remote services to help the driver with navigation, BMW Connected plus which offer connectivity, real-time traffic information, USB map updates, and concierge services that you can reach for advice at any given time. All of these features were designed to make life the driver’s life a lot easier.

9.  Confidence to Drive in All Road Condition

Except for the sDRive40i 2020 BMW X5, the rest of the X5 BMW models are all wheel drive. This kind of drive train, where all the tires are rolling to propel the car forward, means that the vehicle gets better traction on the road.  It also allows your vehicle to perform better even in slippery conditions. Having the functionality of an all wheel drive X5 means the drivers can confidently go out in all types of weather and less than stellar road conditions because the drive train is there to help with car maneuverability.

10.  Comfortable and More Seating Space

The base configuration of the BMW X5 2020 model has five seats, but it can be easily and cheaply upgraded with a third row seat. This increases the seating capacity for 5 to 7, which makes a great choice for families with a lot of kids. The seats are spacious and supportive, the front ones offering lumbar support and added heating. Even the second row seats are tall people friendly, so comfort inside the X5 is guaranteed. The third row may feel too cramped for some grow-ups, but in sticky situations, it is good to know that people can still find a seat in the back.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 BMW X5 – The Cons

Even if the brand is BMW, there are still some minor details that will not please everyone, and that is indeed a fact of life that no one and nothing is truly perfect. Here are some very minor issues that can deter clients from the X5:

1.  Overly Sensitive Gesture Controls

Some of the controls that are based on human gestures are overly sensitive that they border on annoying. A few quick arm or hand motions will activate some features that shouldn’t even be on in the first place. A perfect example of this is turning the volume speakers up too high, even if the was not the intent in the first place. Those who often speak while gesturing with their hands will find these ultra sensitive controls intrusive and irritating.

2.  Too Expensive Add-ons

It is very easy to stack on a few additional grand to the purchase price if drivers opt for the very tempting add-ons. If price is an issue, sticking those guns to the base trim should mitigate this problem.

3.  Third Row is Way Cramped

The third row seat feels rather extraneous as it leaves very little space. It feels as if this design was an afterthought. For large families that constantly need the additional seats, then this cramp third row seat could very well be the deal breaker.

4.  Steep Subscription Fees

BMW is alone among automakers for charging steep subscription fees for Apple CarPlay, which is a real downer because everyone is reliant on their gadgets. To get access, it will cost $80 per year after the first year. And Andriod Auto seems to have been left in the dust.

5.  Steering Assist Is Quite Rough

This observation is bordering on nit-picking but it is still a very valid minor gripe against the X5. When the steering assist is engaged, the vehicle feels quite jerky. Even if the lightest response setting is chosen, there seems to be something pulling the on the vehicle. However, this may not be noticeable to the other drivers.  

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The Mercedes Benz GLE 450 cannot match the X5 when it comes to performance because even the X5’s base engine is slightly stronger and more fuel efficient. The BMW handles far better than the GLE 450 as well. In terms of interior comfort, the X5 has no slouch in the back, so it makes rear seating far more comfy than the GLE 450. On top of that, the X5 has an available third row, which the GLE 450 doesn’t offer at all. Having the capacity to carry more people comfortably makes the BMW X5 totally better than its Mercedes Benz GLE 450 counterpart.

Another fierce competitor of the BMW X5 is the Volvo XC90. Performance-wise there really is not contest between the two brands. The BMW X5 comes out way ahead of the Volvo XC90 because the X5 handles better, has a more powerful engine, and very fuel-efficient. On top of that, the X5 has a far better score when it comes to predictability ratings when compared to the XC90. Between the two, the X5 is the clear and obvious choice.

Bottom Line

The latest 2020 version model of the BMW X5 has kept the tradition of offering power, luxury, comfort, and even off-roading abilities. The versatility and reliability of the BMW X5 cannot be denied. It remains true to quality German engineering where build quality and safety are paramount. While a few of this model’s tech features may seem wonky, with the third row feeling impractical and cramped, the X5 still leaves a great impression on all that will come across it.