The 2019 BMW X5's Online Configurator is Going to Take Some Getting Used To

TopSpeed

By Kirby Garlitos

Published Jun 19, 2018

I managed to get through it, but not without a few raised eyebrows

The BMW X5 has arrived and as expected with models of its status, so too has its online configurator. We’ve gotten adept at these online configurators to the point that it’s become common for us to start working on our own versions of the just-released model just so we have an excuse to play around with it. This time, I’m taking the controls of the BMW X5 online configurator to see what I can do to create the X5 of my dreams. You don’t have to like what I end up creating, but that’s the beauty of this exercise. If you don’t like what I did, you can go make your own.

The BMW X5’s online configurator starts off with the model choice that’s going to be configured. Since we’re doing this for the new X5, that’s where we’re going. From there, we get to pick the variant and subsequent engine option that goes with it. I’m picking the xDrive40i because the other available choices are diesels. I’m not picking those.

Now that I’ve picked my X5 variant, it’s time to dig in on the good stuff. First up is the exterior and I’m calling my shot. I’m not settling for different names of the same shade. I’m going for the flashiest color available, and in this case, it’s BMW Individual’s Sunstone. Sure, I’m going to pay a little extra for the color, but I’m not the type who’s going to keep the colors of my new X5 muted. It is a bit surprising that there are only eight available colors in the X5 configurator. I expected a lot more, but at least I got the color that I wanted. Others might not be as fortunate, though, especially if they’re of the same mindset that changing a name doesn’t mean it’s not black anymore.

Ok, so my rant’s over. Now, onto the wheels. At first, I was tempted to go for a set of 18-inch wheels, but it didn’t look right on the X5. It made the tires look fat. So, I opted for the 21-inch 744 21 bicolor, and not only does it give a spot-on wheel-tire visual balance ratio, it also comes with a run-flat system. Sweet!

Move to the interior and once again, there aren’t that many interior trims to choose from so I went with Aluminum Tetragon because it looks cool. I will have to change the leather to black instead of brown to complement the aluminum trim better.

The packages available to the new X5 are extensive. Unfortunately, their also confusing. That’s actually a big theme of the X5 configurator. It can get confusing really fast, especially if you don’t know how online configurators work. You add a piece you think you like, and then add a line or a package that requires you to remove the piece you just added. It also doesn’t help that some of the package offerings don’t have any photos available. How exactly are we going to see if we like the package if there are no visuals to support it.

Fortunately, the “additional equipment” section had a complete offering so I threw all my frustrations that way. There are plenty of added goodies to choose from, but for my X5, I opted for a panoramic glass sky roof, front lumbar support, a massage function on the front seats, and a two-axle suspension kit. I’m paying an extra $10,000 or so for all these equipment, but I think that’s money well-spent. On a side note, BMW is also offering cup holders for an extra $300. That’s the opposite of money well-spent. Those cup holders should’ve been on the SUV, to begin with.

Overall, I like the way my X5 turned out. It’s a stunner on the outside, and it’s got plenty of amenities inside that should make for a comfortable ride. My X5 also ended up costing over €81,000, which converts to about under $95,000 based on current exchange rates. It's a far cry from the car's €58,000 base price, but that's what happens when you add options and account for taxes.

The configurator itself could've been better and less confusing. But I’ll take my wins where I can get them.

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