BMW X5 hybrid interior, dashboard & comfort

As you’d expect from BMW, the X5 hybrid's interior is finished to a high standard, with the excellent iDrive infotainment system spread across a pair of 12.3-inch screens. Occupants will be comfortable – even on long journeys – thanks to the twin-axle air suspension, which is a standard feature.

BMW X5 hybrid dashboard

The latest X5 boasts a minimalist and driver-focused dashboard design, with a large screen dominating the upper half of the central dashboard and two slim rows of physical controls, one immediately below the air vents and the other further down. It all feels very high-tech yet uncluttered, in the best tradition of BMW interior design.

Equipment, options & accessories

The xDrive45e hybrid engine is offered in two different trim levels: xLine and M Sport. xLine is the cheaper of the two, but still comes with 19-inch alloys, ambient interior lighting, gesture control for the infotainment, a 12.3-inch dashboard screen, DAB radio and wireless phone charging.

Also standard are LED headlights and foglights, parking assistance, rain-sensing lights and wipers, heated front sports seats with a power-adjustable driver's seat, a powered tailgate and leather upholstery. M Sport includes all of the above, but ups the wheel size from 19 to 20 inches as well as adding BMW M logos inside and out and applying an aggressive-looking M Sport bodykit to the exterior. You also get run-flat tyres and upgraded brakes with this model.

Several option packages are available, including the Comfort Package (adding heating to both front seats, as well as power-opening doors), the Comfort Plus Package (with a temperature-controlled cup-holder, scented air system and massage seats), the Technology Package (with a Harmon Kardon audio system, head up display and camera-based parking assistance) and the Visibility Package (with BMW's laser lights and automatic high-beam adjustment).

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

The 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' setup is standard on both specifications of the X5 hybrid. It incorporates the BMW Connected App, to allow for remote management of charging, as well as BMW TeleServices to help you organise servicing and an eCall function to put you directly through to the emergency services. It also encompasses BMW's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant', which is a voice-activated interface for the car, allowing you to control many of the infotainment system's functions using natural speech inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is included, too.