2023 BMW X5 vs 2022 BMW X5: Which Is Better?

Shell out for the new 2023 BMW X5 model if you want to, but you won’t find much, if any, difference from its former 2022 version.
Written by Abbey Orzech
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The 2023 BMW X5 is currently running $1,000 more expensive than the 2022 BMW X5 even though there are little to no changes, and the 2022 version offered the exclusive Black Vermillion trim. 
The BMW X5 has had a long journey to get where it is now. It emerged into our driving world in 1999 under a different name—BMW E53—and has since changed the game of midsize SUVs. The most recent 2022 and 2023 models come with significantly more features than their ancestor, but how do they compare to each other? What will one of these Bimmers bring to the table that the other doesn’t?  
Here to break down the BMW X5 2022 and 2023 models is
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and go-to resource for car owners. We’ll talk pricing, engine specs, fuel economy, safety ratings, and more. And, of course, we’ll show you how to save big on your
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2023 BMW X5 vs 2022 BMW X5: what’s the difference?

The X5 sits among BMW’s most popular vehicles for its punchy engine, smooth handling and versatile utility. As BMW’s first SUV on the market and the SUV to change the SUV game upon its arrival, the X5 figured out the right balance as both a passenger vehicle for the family and an athletic sports vehicle that is downright fun to drive.  
So what is the 2023 model bringing to the table that wasn’t previously there? Well, there’s a new optional vegan faux leather on the seats—but not much else. It has even lost a feature or two. 
To really get an idea of what the higher 2023 X5 price is getting you, let’s break down what the most recent two years of X5s offer.

Pricing

Depending on the trim level you go for, the 2023 BMW X5 costs between $1,000 and $2,600 more than its predecessor. It may be no surprise that the xDrive45e hybrid and M50i performance options are the priciest, but check out the table below for the full price breakdown between each year’s trim levels.
Model
2023 MSRP
2022 MSRP
BMW X5 sDrive40i (Base) 
$61,600
$60,600
BMW X5 xDrive40i
$63,900
$62,900
BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid
$65,700
$63,700
2022 BMW X5 Black Vermillion Edition
N/A
$83,295
BMW X5 M50i
$85,400
$82,800
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MORE: BMW car buying guide

General specs

The prices are different, that’s for sure. So how about the engines? 
Unfortunately, the 2023 X5 is not offering any upgrade to the powertrain options for these two models. You’ll find the same parts and power setup across all three engine types. From the towing capacity to the horsepower output, the 2023 BMW X5 and the 2022 BMW X5 are working with the same powertrains. 
2023 BMW X5
2022 BMW X5
Base engine (sDrive40i, xDrive40i)
3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower)
3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower)
Upgrade engine (M50i)
4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine (532 horsepower)
4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine (532 horsepower)
Hybrid engine
3.0-liter six-cylinder engine w/one electric motor (389 horsepower)
3.0-liter six-cylinder engine w/one electric motor (389 horsepower)
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic (all trims)
Eight-speed automatic (all trims)
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive RWD (sDrive40i) / All-wheel drive AWD (all other trims)
Rear-wheel drive RWD (sDrive40i) / All-wheel drive AWD (all other trims)
Maximum towing capacity
6,603 lbs
6,603 lbs

Fuel economy

Both the 2023 and 2022 BMW X5 models have the exact same powertrain options and since you won’t find much difference in their body build and curb weight, you can expect the exact same fuel economy ratings: 
  • Base engine (3.0-liter) w/automatic: 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
  • Upgrade engine (4.4-liter) w/automatic: 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
  • Hybrid: 20 mpg combined / 50 MPGe / 30 miles all-electric range
Keep in mind that these are just the EPA-estimated ranges and your specific gas mileage will depend somewhat on how and where you drive. Overall, the numbers up there aren’t stellar and a good handful of the X5’s midsize SUV brethren have it beat. If fuel efficiency is high on your priority list, it’ll be best to opt for the xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid model

Safety ratings

When it comes to driving safety, the 2023 and 2022 BMW X5 models earn great praises—as long as you choose the Executive package. Both models have received four-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave them both, with the Executive package, a spot with the 2022 Top Safety Picks.
When either of the basic models (sans Executive package) of the 2023 and 2022 BMW X5 were tested, they ranked P for Poor once they got to the headlights. The difference between these options is that the ranked G for Good upgraded package uses an LED projector for the low beams and an LED reflector for the high beams, while the basic package has LED projectors all around. 
With just the projectors, it was noted that the headlights produced an excessive glare. Obviously, an excessive glare is counterproductive to clear vision, so keep that in mind when selecting your drive packaging. 

Styling and interior changes

Again, the 2023 BMW X5 isn’t pressed to switch things up much if at all, and we can see that in the unchanged styling and interior. Here are some of the technology, comfort and styling features you’ll find in both:
  • Vehicle anti-theft system and alarm 
  • Keyless start 
  • Rear parking aid
  • Hands-free liftgate 
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel 
  • Rain-sensing wipers 
  • HD radio 
  • Cooled driver seat
  • Seat memory 
  • Navigation system 
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility 
If your ideal driving experience includes all the bells and whistles, you’ll want to gravitate toward the X5 M50i. It keeps the features of all trims before it and adds a head-up display, heated armrests, adaptive headlights and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound audio system. 

Special edition

If there is one glaring difference between the 2023 BMW X5 and the 2022 BMW X5, it’s that the 2022 model came with a special edition trim. The Black Vermillion Edition of the 2022 BMW X5 holds itself similarly to the xDrive40i model with a few key differences. 
Number one is the price. With only 350 Black Vermillion special edition Bimmers released in the US, it packs an MSRP of $83,295. For that hefty price tag, you’ll get a full black and red out that reaches everything from its interior upholstery and accents to the front grille and brakes. The Merino Black leather upholstery and glass shift knob really make you feel the luxury, but the powertrain matches that of the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine of the xDrive40i (nearly $20,000 cheaper), so it won’t necessarily handle any better.  

2023 BMW X5 vs 2022 BMW X5: which should you buy?

Knowing that the style, interior, fuel economy and powertrains of the 2023 and 2022 BMW X5 are identical, you’ll probably want to opt for the cheaper model. But that’s not to say that the 2023 BMW X5 hasn’t totally grabbed some folks out there, and if you happen to be one of them and you don’t mind paying an additional $1,000 to $2,600, go for it! 
Both model years are highly rated and pack a punch behind the engine while still prioritizing comfort room for passengers, so you can’t go wrong either way. 

How to save on BMW insurance

Regardless of your choice between the 2023 BMW X5 and the 2022 BMW X5, you’ll probably want to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to your
BMW insurance costs
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