The 2019 BMW X5 is all-new and rides on a platform that also underpins the larger X7. The X5 features two new engine options, a suite of active safety tech and an improved infotainment system. A rear-drive variant could arrive within the year and a high-performance M model should follow along with a plug-in hybrid. The base 2019 X5 comes standard with adaptive dampers, BMW’s iDrive system with two 12.3-inch screens, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and LED headlights. Moving up to the Convenience tier adds keyless entry, four-zone climate control, and satellite radio. Opt for the Premium tier and that gets you a head-up wireless charging, gesture control, and enhanced USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The Executive tier gets you BMW’s adaptive LED Laserlight system, soft-close doors, heated and cooled cupholders, and remote engine start. The 2019 X5 xDrive40i comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbo I-6 with 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 456 hp and 479 lb-ft is included on the X5 xDrive50i model.
BMW’s Active Driving Assistant is standard and bundles together blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and speed limit information. You can upgrade to the Active Driving Assistant Professional for additional active safety tech like traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and an evasion aid system that helps you avoid obstacles. The 2019 X5 has 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the first and second row in place and 72.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. BMW hasn’t released cargo capacity for models with the optional third row. When properly equipped, the 2019 X5 can tow up to 7,209 pounds of payload. In a 2019 First Drive, we said that the standard 3.0-liter turbo I-6 provides plenty of power and offers good high speed stability, especially with the available active steering system. Steering is quick to respond while the rear-wheel steering system makes the X5 easier to maneuver at narrow roads. For its size, the BMW X5 has lively handling with minimal body roll on pavement. Get the crossover off-road and it’s surprisingly capable, especially with the available Off-Road package. The interior is luxurious with high-quality materials and plenty of creature comforts. BMW’s active safety tech, however, lacks polish—the steering assist is jerky when it brings the crossover back into its own lane.
Audi is making a clear effort to bring hybrid and electric technologies to many of its cars, but the Q5 hasn’t gotten the memo yet. It’s powered by a single engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on every Q5. The combination is good for an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 combined, which is average among similar vehicles. In the safety department, the Q5 is up to date. Audi’s pre sense suite of safety technologies is included on all Q5s, including low-speed automatic emergency braking. The upper trims get even more tech, up to adaptive cruise control and a limited AI-driven traffic jam pilot. 995 destination charge), the Premium is no slouch. Leather upholstery is standard, along with heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, and a seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The exterior has 18-inch alloy rims, xenon headlights, roof rails, and automatic wipers. 1,500), which adds eight-way power front seats with memory settings, keyless entry, remote start, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, and satellite radio. 50,945. For the price, buyers get the panoramic sunroof included, along with 19-inch wheels and full LED headlights. The driver gets Audi’s impressive “virtual cockpit,” a 12.3-inch digital display that shows everything from audio controls to Google Earth. A few extra safety sensors join the array, including rear cross-traffic alert. Features from the Premium trim’s Convenience Package are also standard. 1,450) swaps in ventilated sport seats for the front row, with rear side-window shades as a bonus. 750) adds heated rear seats and a heated three-spoke steering wheel. 1,300) does exactly what it promises and blacks out the exterior. 950). Nixing the sunroof is a no-cost option. 54,845, the Q5 Prestige pulls out the remaining stops. The premium sound system is standard, along with a surround-view camera and parking assist. The driver gets a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and a limited AI traffic jam pilot. The Warm Weather, Cold Weather, and Black Optic Packages all remain in place, and standalone options (where non-standard) remain the same as the Premium Plus trim. The 2019 Audi Q5 Premium Plus gets excellent tech, but it sees a huge price hike. Better value is found in the base trim, which holds plenty of luxury for most buyers.
