The BMW X5, and the BMW X5 xDrive 40e, is one of the most popular midsize luxury SUVs in America. Last year, BMW sold more of them than Acura MDXs, Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs, Nissan Pathfinders, and Toyota Siennas. In the segment, only the Lexus RX rolled off of showroom floors faster in 2020.

For 2021, BMW makes numerous minor changes to the X5 lineup and one significant improvement. The new BMW X5 xDrive 40e is a plug-in hybrid electric version (PHEV) of the SUV. It gets a new drivetrain with more power and more than double the electric driving range. It replaces the previous-generation X5 xDrive40e, and because it supplies plenty of performance, it also replaces the X5 xDrive50i.

Otherwise, BMW makes the following changes to the 2021 X5:

Expands the X5’s infotainment offering with standard SiriusXM 360L satellite radio with a one-year All Access trial subscription, new wireless Android Auto (in addition to the existing Apple CarPlay), additional integrated applications, and enhanced cloud-based BMW Maps technology
Adds remote engine starting to the Convenience Package
Offers a new Drive Recorder system that stores up to 40 seconds of video from the front and rear cameras
Upgrades the driving assistance technology with standard cyclist detection, while the available evasive steering assistance now reacts to pedestrians
The Off-Road Package, rear-seat entertainment system, heated and cooled cupholders, soft-close automatic doors, and a few other features are no longer available.