2025 BMW X5 40i ‘Silver Anniversary’ Review: The Off-Road X5 Performs Surprisingly Well

      Andrew P. Collins

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      I found myself enjoying the 2025 BMW X5 40i Silver Anniversary Edition much more than I anticipated. While it may seem like an unusual mix on paper, in person, it appears fantastic and offers a smooth ride. This vehicle exemplifies how significantly changing just the tires can alter the aesthetics and demeanor of a car.

      When the X5 and its past and present competitors, the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz ML (now known as GLE), were launched around the turn of the millennium, they were surprisingly unconventional. Ironically, 25 years later, the current X5 stands out as one of the most traditionally styled and conservatively designed BMWs. While other models have embraced exaggerated grilles and features, the X5 maintains a clean and sophisticated appearance.

      The Silver Anniversary Edition evokes a sense of ruggedness compared to other modern X5s, reminding us of the original’s image as an adventure vehicle—though it wasn’t truly that. A select few accessories offer visual distinction, but many components in the $10,000 “Off-road Package” (as indicated on the pricing sheet for this limited-edition model) prioritize aesthetics over performance advancements. Nonetheless, it provides power and traction, which can take you quite far from paved roads.

      Overall, it serves well as a luxury vehicle—or Sport Activity Vehicle, as BMW refers to its crossovers.

      The Basics

      The 2025 (and 2026) BMW X5 is available in five variants: the 40i in all-wheel drive (xDrive) or rear-wheel drive (sDrive), the more powerful 50e hybrid, the robust M60i twin-turbo V8, and the M Competition boasting a roaring 617 horsepower. The 40i xDrive is definitely the recommended option—the 3.0 turbo inline six offers a commendable 27 mpg while achieving 0 to 60 in just over five seconds. The AWD 40i has a starting price of approximately $70,000, while my test vehicle was equipped to just above $80,000.

      The complete Silver Anniversary equipment list includes the M Sport differential (essentially an automatic rear locker), a two-axle air suspension for multiple ground-clearance levels, and 20-inch M Star-Spoke Bicolor 740M wheels, which surprisingly allow for ample sidewall. This package also features Live Cockpit Pro (a highly informative gauge cluster), a heads-up display, and an extensive array of luxury amenities. For clarity, here’s the list:

      

      - Carbon Fiber trim

      - Extended Shadowline Trim

      - Harman Kardon surround sound system

      - Heated Front Seats, Armrests & Illuminated Kidney Grille

      - Live Cockpit Pro (Includes HUD)

      - M Shadowline Lights

      - M Sport Differential

      - Remote Engine Start

      - Roof rails in High-gloss Shadow

      - Shadowline exterior trim

      - Trailer Hitch

      - 2-axle air suspension

      - 20″ M Star-Spoke Bicolor 740M

      

      The xOffroad Package incorporates more functional features like underbody protection, off-road drive modes, and an xOffroad camera that lets you utilize the 360-degree parking camera at speeds up to 22 mph to monitor obstacles.

      However, the most significant feature impacting this vehicle's off-road capability is not found in either of those bundles; it is the Silver Edition option equipped with General Grabber all-terrain tires. These tires feature deep grooves and substantial tread blocks, providing excellent loose-surface grip and an impressive visual appeal. They are 275/45R20, measuring approximately 29.7 inches in diameter. Dressed in Lime Rock Grey with all the black accents and these formidable tires, the Silver Anniversary X5 certainly has a striking presence. I find the illuminated grille somewhat cheesy, but the other accents and lighting elements are sharp and bold.

      The interior is spacious, accommodating four adults and a considerable amount of cargo. You and your partner could easily tackle a few flea markets in this SUV and fit some vintage finds in the back. If something doesn’t fit in the cargo area, you can opt for BMW OE roof racks for this model.

      I appreciated the comfortable seats, which have a robust, yacht-like feel. My wife and I traveled for six hours across New England, and it was quite pleasant. The driving position is active but not overly high, and visibility from the driver’s seat is also commendable. Most interior materials are of good quality, with wide, elegant armrests on the doors. However, in certain areas, it appears as though the designers may have lost interest, as some aspects seem unfinished. The headlight button looks weirdly out of place, and the center console has a large expanse of carbon fiber that, while nice, feels somewhat under-decorated aside from the prominent