So what has changed for the new X5 G05 II LCI? Can the new X5 LCI tow? Maximum BMW X5 towing capacity?

So what has changed for the new X5 G05 II LCI?  Can the new X5 LCI tow? Maximum BMW X5 towing capacity?

The BMW X5 G05 has received a nip and tuck after about four years on the market, with changes inside and out as well as underneath the hood. X5 LCI (mid-cycle refresh) started production in 04/2023.

The X5 LCI is actually an extensive mid-cycle makeover. Redesigned bumpers front and rear, an optional iconic glow kidney flanked by slimmer adaptive matrix headlights, bolder LED taillights with X-shaped graphics, a new interior complete with a must-have curved display and a bunch of new assistance systems.

Changes begin at the front where the redesigned headlights are now 35 millimetres (1.4 inches) narrower than before and feature arrow-shaped daytime running lights. The DRLs point outwards and double as the turn signals. These new headlights lend the front fascia a sleeker appearance and flank gently updated kidneys, now offering illumination -the grille automatically lights up when one of the doors is opened and can be manually turned off from the iDrive.

BMW’s designers also worked on the front bumper’s air curtains. Moving at the back, the 2024 BMW X5 LCI boasts updated taillights with fibre-optic light elements and a fresh take on the “L” theme by having a horizontal layout to form an “X” motif.

M-specific design upgrades include: glossy black roof rails, and a Shadowline trim. The back of the vehicle hosts a trapezoidal exhaust finisher and a dark apron inlay. Go for the optional M Sport Professional package and BMW will give the grille surround a matte black look while the exhaust tailpipe trim receives a black chrome finish. In addition, the headlights are darkened and the M Sport brakes come with either blue or red calipers.

The cabin is where the most significant changes are happening. The facelifted X5 gains BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch instrument display sharing a single bezel. 

The curved dash has finally made its way into the X5 range. The very large high-res panorama display is in essence a touchscreen which can alternatively be accessed via the iDrive controller’s last appearance in this model, as well as by voice and gesture control and the multi-functional steering wheel.

The switch to new hardware also brings changes to the center console with most of the controls now integrated into the big display. Slimmer central air vents were necessary to make room for the enlarged screen, and you’ll also notice a small gear selector replacing the old bulky lever.

A new ambient light bar glows in front of the passenger seat, and BMW also added a puddle light and pulsating welcome lights in the door opening for a little pizzazz as you enter the vehicles. The seats are now wrapped in a vegan leather-like material called Sensafin.

The steering wheel is also new and we also notice a different dashboard as a result of the new dual-screen layout. The seat design, meanwhile, stays untouched.

Rear seat space is more than sufficient in the second row. The headroom is excellent, even with the panoramic sunroof fitted, and there’s plenty of legroom for tall teenagers.
The large windows mean it feels bright in the second row, and all the amenities you’d expect feature. There’s a fold-down central armrest, air vents with their own temperature controls, and decent door bins for road trip snacks.

There are also four USB ports back there. Along with the two USB-C ports at the base of the transmission tunnel, there are two on the front seat back alongside a tablet mount for the kids on long road trips.

BMW is sticking with its popular split tailgate, which makes it easier to slide heavy things into the boot – and doubles as a seat on picnics or taking the kids to their weekend matches.

The adaptive cruise control smoothly maintains a gap to the car in front, the lane-keep only intervenes when it really needs to, and the blind-spot monitor doesn’t engage mysteriously. BMW makes it simple when for example towing to turn off the the driver assistance functions by placing a button prominently on the dashboard to access all your driver assist settings.

A new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes an extra 40 horsepower over the outgoing car. The new PHEV 50e has an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. This e-motor delivers an extra 83 hp compared to its predecessor, now at 194 hp. With the power of the combustion engine and electric motor combined, the powertrain will deliver a total of 483 hp giving only 4.6 seconds to get to 100km/hr.
Aside from having an extra 94 hp, the xDrive50 also gets a nearly 25% boost in battery capacity, now at 25.7 kWh.

If you purchase the Hybrid-PHEV be aware boot will shrink from 650-1870 to 500-1720 litres and the towing capacity will be reduced from 3.5 to 2.7tons

If you are looking for a X5 LCI towbar, be aware that all X5s manufactured from 04.2023 now have a digital rear lighting cluster.  This means a special towbar wiring kit is required as traditional universal kits will not work.  Our LCI X5 towbars all come with a compatible wiring loom.

The adaptive M suspension with adjustable dampers comes standard on the X5 M60i, and is optional on the X5 40i variants. The xDrive50e, meanwhile, comes standard with air suspension that is optional on other models. The M60i models come with standard rear-wheel steering, and all X5s and X6s come with 20-inch wheels, with the choice of upgrading to 21- or 22-inch wheels with performance tires. There is also an optional new Highway Assistant feature that allows for hands-free driving on highways

The X5 scored 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 75 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 71 per cent for safety assists.

As usual, the X5 is one of the sharper SUVs out there that are actually pleasant to drive. Need an X5 LCI towbar, we have you covered order your BMW X5 G05 II towbar today.