- BMW celebrated 25 years of the X5 with a special anniversary edition
- X5 Silver Anniversary Edition is priced at $81,075 and limited to 1,000 units
- Rugged focus but fewer creature comforts than the price suggests
1999 feels like an eternity ago, but that is when BMW first introduced the X5, the brand’s first SUV. They attempted to “redefine the SUV,” which is fairly common for marketing speak these days. But BMW did seem to have a lasting effect, and it’s back to celebrate with a special edition.
This is the Silver Anniversary Edition, which in typical fashion refers to a 25th wedding anniversary. The wedding in this case might refer to the marriage of “sport” with “activity vehicle,” giving us the SAV acronym, since BMW was trying to differentiate from the traditional SUV (sport utility vehicle) acronym the world was growing more familiar with at the time. A proper Silver Anniversary celebration will cost any couple a substantial amount of money, so perhaps the price tag of the X5 Silver Anniversary shouldn’t be surprising.
Favorite Feature
The Silver Anniversary Edition is basically one specification, take it or leave it. In a world of some very overwhelming configurators, it’s somewhat relieving. The so-called xOffroad package is standard, providing underbody protection, a rear locking differential, and our favorite feature, the 4-wheel air-spring suspension. It is incredibly well-damped, handling even the worst torture-test roads as well as the top competitors. The xOffroad package is an option on the 2025 BMW X5, and we wouldn’t dare order one without it. It can be lowered for easier ingress or loading, and raised for enhanced off-road capability.
This trim felt right at home in Colorado, where we tested it. The Silver Anniversary feels built for off-road, at least to an X5’s extent, with standard all-terrain tires and roof rails completing the look. Statistically, we haven’t seen many (any?) X5’s on the local trails, but at least this could be competitive on even tough trail access roads.
What It’s Like To Drive
Any driving enthusiast understands the benefit of “B58.” For those not aware, it may sound like an airplane, but in this case, it actually refers to the engine code for the 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 found in many acclaimed BMW models. (Before plane enthusiasts come at us with pitchforks, yes, the Convair B-58 Hustler is an airplane…)
The X5 offers up 375 hp and 398 lb-ft torque through the highly responsive 8-speed transmission. The X5 has never been a slouch and now boasts acceleration that impresses car enthusiasts and general commuters alike. Between power and suspension, it exudes proper BMW handling, despite its heavy SUV weight. But it’s enough to remind you that it comes from an enthusiast company with the tag line “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Heavy weight and ample power are a nightmare on brakes, but it comes with plenty of stopping power to spare.
The aforementioned air suspension dramatically aids road comfort, allowing a soft ride on road trips and stiff, precise handling in Sport mode. Other X5 trims can be equipped with 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, but the added sidewall of the tires on the 20-inch wheels standard on the X5 Silver is also beneficial in the road comfort department, though technically at the cost of some precision in corner-limit handling.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The general reaction to modern cars seems to be “bring back the buttons,” but BMW has perhaps gone too far. The center console hosts a confusingly extensive layout of buttons. But as with any new car ownership, its quirks can be learned over time. The software is also fairly complicated and would definitely overwhelm someone upgrading from their 20-year-old X5. The infotainment system, iDrive UX/UI, has come a long way, but it could really use some simplification at this point. Fortunately, the tech frills end there, as the rest of the car is beautifully simple to take in and operate.
Seats and driving position are extremely flexible and comfortable. The seats and steering wheel are heated, but there is no ventilation or massage function, which is a bit surprising given the $81,075 price. You do get a HUD and Harman Kardon sound system to help the premium feel.
Limitations
Beyond the pocketbook, the Silver Anniversary also comes with a cost in the road noise department, in part from the all-terrain tires and the whistling from the roof rails at various speeds. Fortunately, or unfortunately, they also pump in engine noise when you’re in sport mode, which is fine. You’re in a sports SUV, why not use Sport mode? But when you jump over to Eco Pro, all the fake noise subsides, leaving the subtle whistling noise and just a bit more tire noise than you might normally find in this class of car.
The options, or lack thereof, are also limiting. As mentioned, the lack of ventilated seats or a massage function, and the minimal driver-assist systems (ADAS), are increasingly disappointing as you approach the six-figure price territory. It’s actually hard to find a car these days with basic cruise control; no adaptive cruise control exists in the X5 Silver, which was frustrating given the company’s incredible ADAS capability in other models.
Lastly, there is no longer a seven-seater option, perhaps to avoid cannibalizing X7 sales. But I don’t think most people were considering the X5 for seven seats.
Key Considerations
We enjoyed my time with the Silver Anniversary X5. As somewhat of a “tech and options enthusiast,” that hopefully says something. Power, handling, and comfort intersect with all the off-roading capabilities we would ever need. The X5 in all trims is beautiful, and the Lime Rock Grey paint perfectly complements the Shadowline-darkened lighting and accents, blending into the Colorado landscape of off-road enthusiasm.
