The 2018 BMW X5 boasts specs that ultimately prove that grand luxury and sporty SUV performance can seamlessly coexist. The X5 is one of the German manufacturer’s most popular fleet of SUV models. With consistent yearly improvement and fine-tuning, in 2018, BMW perhaps finally achieved the X5’s goal of rugged performance and inimitable driving experience. This luxury SUV merges spacious, functional aspects with sleek European aerodynamics. BMW’s X5 has been a staple in the crossover-coupe category. This car has merged luxury performance with the brand’s sporty DNA since 2006.
The 2018 BMW X5 has specs that make it more than just an SUV. They make it a statement of engineering prowess. It comes in five distinct trims, each offering unique features and driving experiences. Starting with the sDrive35i, this trim provides a solid foundation for those seeking a luxurious and capable ride. The xDrive35i adds BMW’s renowned all-wheel-drive system, enhancing stability and traction. The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid also offers a combination of performance and efficiency. The xDrive50i delivers a more powerful experience with added luxury features. And the high-performance M50i trim introduces sportier elements for a more exhilarating drive.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 BMW X5 with its specs…
Exterior Design and Build
The 2018 BMW X5 continues the brand’s legacy of combining bold, athletic design with luxury SUV comfort. The exterior flaunts classic BMW styling, with sharp, sculpted lines and a prominent front grille. This all results in an imposing road presence that sets it apart from rivals. The updated kidney grilles and standard adaptive LED headlights enhance its modern appeal. The X5 also offers drivers a mix of sleek sophistication and functional lighting technology.
In terms of trim variations, each model of the 2018 X5 has its unique design elements. The xDrive40i trim, the base model, features standard 18-inch wheels with optional upgrades. The xDrive50i steps it up with more premium 19-inch wheels and extra chrome accents. The M Sport package adds aggressive touches such as a sportier front bumper and gloss-black exterior trim. This particular model is perfectly crafted for those seeking even more style and performance. The high-performance X5 M introduces distinctive quad exhausts and a more athletic stance. It differentiates itself from other trims with larger 20-inch wheels and exclusive M styling.
These trims cater to varying tastes, and all share the X5’s signature athletic proportions and dynamic silhouette. The 2018 X5 also benefits from a refined suspension system, which includes double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setups. These help to provide both comfort and handling precision. With wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches across trims, drivers can fine-tune their vehicle’s appearance. The 2018 X5 also boasts updated taillights and a sculpted rear bumper, contributing to a more refined and dynamic overall look.
Interior and Technology
The 2018 BMW X5 interior specs blend luxury with practicality. It delivers an elegant and comfortable experience for both drivers and passengers. The cabin’s spacious layout is focused on providing a relaxing ride. This is shown with a driver-centric cockpit designed for convenience. The 10.2-inch iDrive 6.0 display is intuitive and provides easy control over media, navigation, and climate settings. While not as large as newer 2023 models’ displays, it still offers a responsive and clear interface for seamless connectivity.
Inside, premium materials like leather upholstery, wood trim, and brushed aluminum accents elevate the atmosphere. This feature complements a refined and comfortable space. The standard 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system ensures superior audio quality, allowing passengers to enjoy an immersive listening experience. Optional upgrades, such as ventilated front seats and premium leather options, further enhance comfort.
Higher trims, like the M50i, come with additional luxury features like heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and exclusive M details. The higher trims are complete with add-ons that cater to drivers looking for a sportier touch. In terms of technology, the 2018 X5 doesn’t have the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered by the 2023 version, but it still supports Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth for smartphone integration.
The 2018 X5 comes equipped with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Its tech and safety features remain competitive for its time. The overall interior layout is spacious, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. Behind the rear seats, the 2018 X5 offers up to 76.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, offering generous storage capacity for its class.
Engine and Performance
The 2018 BMW X5 specs showcase BMW’s overarching dedication to performance. They offer a range of powertrains that balance power, efficiency, and reliability. While not as advanced as the 2023 model, the 2018 X5 provides impressive engine options that cater to diverse driving needs. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i trims feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine ensures a smooth and responsive drive.
The xDrive50i trim steps up the performance with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The model produces an impressive 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. This trim is perfect for drivers seeking a sportier experience without sacrificing the luxury and refinement BMW is known for. The xDrive40e iPerformance plug-in hybrid also combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 308 horsepower.
It is amongst the first to offer the versatility of electric-only driving for short distances while maintaining the power of a traditional engine. All trims in the 2018 X5 specs lineup come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and responsive acceleration. Although the 2018 X5 doesn’t match the 2023 model’s speed benchmarks, it still delivers a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds in the xDrive35i trim and 4.7 seconds in the xDrive50i trim.
The xDrive models feature BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability across various terrains with alloy wheels. The suspension system across all trims is tuned to deliver a balanced ride, blending comfort and agility. Adaptive suspension options in higher trims further refine the driving experience, allowing drivers to tailor the ride to their preferences.
Driving Experience and Handling
The 2018 BMW X5 upholds its specs and reputation as a premium luxury SUV with cruise control. It still manages to deliver a blend of comfort and practicality on the road. While it lacked the refinements of later models, the 2018 X5 laid a solid foundation for the lineup’s evolution. The xDrive35i trim offered a smooth, capable drive, perfect for families and urban commutes. Meanwhile, the xDrive focused on delivering extra power without compromising on luxury.
The suspension system provides a comfortable ride on most surfaces, although it lacks some of the adaptive features found in newer X5 models. Its handling controls on the steering wheel are also respectable for an SUV of its size. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth power delivery and efficient shifts, introducing the enhanced responsiveness introduced in subsequent updates. Chassis dynamics were solid for the time, even approximating the precision of modern iterations.
The 2018 X5 performs well on winding roads and somewhat leads more toward comfort than sportiness. It is an X5 that guarantees a refined and luxurious driving experience. The 2018 BMW X5 features a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, improving stability and cornering precision. Its double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear sets up exceptional ride comfort without sacrificing agility. Unique to its time, the model also employs a preemptively adjusted power distribution based on real-time road data.
Dimensions
Across the 2018 BMW X5 lineup, the wheelbase held steady at 115.5 inches, contributing to its poised and stable driving dynamics. Its overall dimensioned length of 193.2 inches, width of 76.3 inches, and height of 70.5 inches gave it a commanding yet agile stance on the road. The xDrive35i trim has a curb weight of 4945 pounds, while the high-performance xDrive50i trim weighs in at 5180 pounds. The expansive dimensions reflect the X5’s robust fleet of engines and additional hardware.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy ratings for the 2018 X5 were competitive within its class. The xDrive35i trim offered 24 mpg on the highway with an approximate range of 470 miles, earning EPA ratings of 21/18/24 mpg (combined/city/highway). The xDrive50i, with its more powerful V8 engine and fuel tank, returned 20 mpg on the highway and a range of around 390 miles, achieving EPA ratings of 17/15/21 mpg. The diesel-powered xDrive35d stood out with an impressive 29 mpg highway rating and a combined EPA score of 25 mpg, ideal for long-haul fuel efficiency.
2018 BMW X5 Weaknesses
The 2018 BMW X5 specs, while impressive in many ways, aren’t without flaws. For one, its ride quality can feel overly firm compared to some of its competitors. The sporty, dynamic driving experience often comes at the expense of comfort, particularly on rough or uneven roads. Rivals like the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE or Audi Q7 offer more cushioned rides. These SUVs are better suited for long-distance drives or bumpy terrain. Even with adaptive suspension, the X5’s focus on sharp handling makes it less forgiving in everyday conditions.
The fuel economy is also subpar for certain models and fuel types in the 2018 X5’s lineup. For instance, the gasoline-powered xDrive50i struggles with efficiency, delivering just 17 mpg combined. This is a significant drawback in an era where fuel consciousness is a priority. BMW addresses this flaw with the diesel-powered xDrive35d which fares better with 23 mpg combined. Although, admittedly, this does very little to nothing at all to offset the lineup’s inefficiencies.
The infotainment system, while advanced for its time, also shows its age in certain aspects. BMW’s iDrive interface is functional but can feel unintuitive for first-time users. Owners report requiring a steep learning curve to master its many features. Additionally, the absence of Android Auto integration leaves a gap in connectivity, especially for buyers expecting seamless smartphone compatibility. An occasional lag in system responsiveness further detracts from the user experience. Overall the 2018 X5’s tech may feel less cutting-edge compared to its rivals.
The X5’s air suspension system has also garnered mixed reviews. While it delivers exceptional comfort and adaptability, it has been known to falter in colder climates. Issues like uneven leveling or system warnings have been reported. Interior noise is another area where the 2018 X5 specs fall short. Though the cabin is well-crafted, it doesn’t achieve the same level of sound insulation as some competitors. Wind and tire noise at highway speeds can be intrusive, which detracts from the overall premium, tranquil experience.
The X5’s impressive lineup of trims offers significant variety, but the cost of upgrades can escalate quickly. Buyers looking to add advanced packages or performance options often find the final price surpassing competitors. Even in the used market, well-equipped 2018 X5 models remain pricey. This can be considered a drawback for budget-conscious luxury SUV buyers.
Competitive Analysis
The 2018 BMW X5 stands as a remarkable contender in the mid-size luxury SUV market. This is in a segment taking on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90. The X5 exudes a blend of sophistication and athleticism that sets it apart from competitors. Its only real shortcoming is lesser cargo space than its major rivals. However, its superior driving dynamics and upscale features ensure a satisfying ownership experience.
It also decimates its competitors’ equivalent 2018 SUV models in terms of road performance. The xDrive35i trim delivers a seamless mix of power and efficiency, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers. Meanwhile, in performance testing, the xDrive50i reached 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. This showcases the capability of both trims on highways and winding roads. It clocked the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 106 mph, braked to a stop from 70 mph in 173 feet, and maintained a wheel-independent 0.87 g on a 300-foot skidpad.
Compared to more comfort-focused rivals, the X5 is tuned for those who appreciate engaging dynamics that make every drive feel rewarding. Despite being five years older, the 2018 model retains much of BMW’s signature engineering precision. Competitors like the Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7 cannot replicate the X5’s harmonious balance of power and practicality. It’s precision handling and balanced chassis engineering also expose the GLE’s soft suspension and the Q7’s clumsy understeer as glaring flaws.
With its specs, the 2018 X5 is one of the few luxury SUVs that effortlessly bridges the gap between a performance vehicle and a family hauler.
Pricing
The 2018 BMW X5 lineup offers buyers competitive pricing across its trims, balancing luxury and performance. The xDrive35i trim, starting at $57,200, provides an excellent entry point to the luxury SUV market. BMW’s intuitive iDrive system, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety technologies set a strong standard for the segment. The xDrive50i trim starts at $74,050, adding a 445-horsepower V8 engine, upgraded interior finishes, and advanced driver assistance features for those seeking more power and refinement.
The X5 M trim starts at $101,700. It features a 567-horsepower twin-turbo V8, M-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling that rivals pricier performance SUVs. This trim demonstrates the X5’s capability to blend family-friendly functionality with track-ready dynamics. Although the price may be steep, it’s often advertised as tailor-made for high-performance enthusiasts.
Even in the used market, the 2018 X5 specs retain their value, with base trims often priced around $48,500. The 2018 BMW X5 offers a more compelling blend of powertrain options and luxury features. Its pricing aligns well with its premium attributes, making it a standout choice for buyers seeking a balance of cost and capability.
