How to use your
BMW X5 xDrive40i

Step on the brake and press the START/STOP button on the right of the steering column (not the center console). On models with Digital Key Plus, your phone in your pocket counts as the key.

Classic BMW joystick on the console — press the side unlock, push forward for R, pull back for D, press the top P button to park.

Drive modes are accessed via the 'M Mode' / Setup button on the center console. Available modes typically include Personal, Sport, Sport+, Efficient, Adaptive, Track. Each mode reshuffles throttle mapping, steering weight, adaptive dampers (if equipped), exhaust valves, and stability-control thresholds. On performance trims, an 'Individual' or 'Custom' slot lets you save your favorite combination so you can recall it with one click instead of nesting through menus.

The driver display is a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Use the steering-wheel left thumb-pad to cycle layouts (Classic, Sport, Navigation, Minimal). When in Sport / Track mode the cluster automatically swaps to a wide tach with gear indicator and tire-temperature readout. The head-up display brightness, height, and content are configured from Settings → Displays → HUD.

Infotainment runs on BMW iDrive 8.5 / 9 with curved display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; pair from Settings → Connections the first time, then it auto-connects whenever your phone is in range. "Hey BMW" wakes the in-car assistant for nav, climate, calls, and messaging without touching the screen. The main display also hosts vehicle-specific apps: tire pressures, performance data recorder (where fitted), drive-mode customizer, and the camera views.

Standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Toggle each system individually from the driver-assist menu (steering-wheel left-pad → Assistance). A surround-view camera and parking assist may be optional — turn them on once in settings and they default to active in tight spaces from then on.

Premium unleaded (91 or 93 octane) is required on BMW performance models — the engine timing is set for it and lower octane causes audible knock and reduced power. Fuel-cap release is a button on the driver door panel; the cap is capless (just push the nozzle in).

Beyond the physical key, this car supports BMW Digital Key Plus (iPhone / Apple Watch). Set up phone-as-key from the My BMW app app: it provisions a secure credential to your phone's wallet so a tap on the door handle unlocks the car and placing the phone on the wireless charging pad authorizes ignition. You can also share temporary keys to family members (with optional speed and area limits on performance trims) directly from the app.

A few things every new owner tells us they wish they'd known on day one:

• Set up the head-up display brightness and content (speed + nav arrows + assist status) the first day — once it's tuned to you it's the most useful screen in the car.
• Download the brand app (My BMW app) and pair it with your VIN before your first long trip — remote climate, charging/fuel-level checks, and remote lock-status save you walking back to the garage in winter.
• Lower the load floor (rear cargo area) for hauling and raise it for everyday — this is the most-missed feature on every modern luxury SUV.