2022 BMW X5 Tow Package: Specs, Features, Costs, And Tips

Are you considering purchasing a new 2022 BMW X5 and want to use it for towing your boat, RV, or trailer? As a luxury crossover SUV, the BMW X5 offers an ideal blend of cargo space, performance, comfort and technology. With the available tow package, it can reliably pull loads up to 7,200 pounds.

But what exactly is included with the BMW X5 tow package? How much can it tow? Is it standard or optional? What trailer hitches are compatible? And what tips do you need to know for safe towing?

The BMW X5 tow package adds critical components to make your vehicle fully equipped for towing heavy loads. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know including:

Towing capacity and max trailer weight
Details on what’s included in the tow package
Trailer hitch options from BMW and aftermarket
Whether the tow package is standard or optional
Tips for safe towing with the X5
Why the X5 can be a great SUV for towing

Let’s start by looking at the most important specification – the maximum tow rating.

Towing Capacity: How Much Weight Can The BMW X5 Tow?

When properly equipped with the tow package, the 2022 BMW X5 has a max towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. This allows you to pull a wide variety of recreational vehicles including:

Medium-sized travel trailers or campers weighing 5,000 to 7,200 lbs
Large boats up to 21 feet. Examples include pontoons, aluminum fishing boats, bowriders, and deck boats.
Two watercraft such as jet skis on a tandem axle trailer
Larger ATVs like the Polaris RZR

It’s important not to exceed the 7,200 lb tow rating when hooking up trailers or you risk damage to the drivetrain and chassis. Towing heavy loads with an undersized vehicle can also be dangerous.

If equipped with the M Sport package, the high-performance X5M and X5M Competition models can tow up to 7,500 lbs.

What’s Included in the BMW X5 Tow Package?

The BMW X5 tow package adds key mechanical upgrades and towing components so your vehicle is ready to tow safely and confidently right from the factory. Here’s an overview of what’s included:

Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch: Class III receiver rated for up to 7,200 lbs towing capacity. Provides a standard 2” square receiver to accept ball mounts. Includes trailer wiring connector.
Upgraded Cooling System: Larger radiator, cooling fan, and transmission oil cooler help prevent overheating when towing heavy loads.
Wiring Harness: Pre-wired connection for your trailer’s electrical system including lights and turn signals. Uses a standard 4-pin connector.
Heavy Duty Alternator: Produces more amps to run additional electrical load from the trailer and prevent battery drain.
Rearview Camera: Helps with hitching up trailers. Dynamic guide lines automatically adjust when turning.
Trailer Stability Control: Helps keep the SUV and trailer stable during swaying motions caused by wind gusts or passing trucks. Applies brakes individually to stabilize vehicle.

The tow package ensures your X5 has the strength, electrical system, and advanced safety tech so you can tow with confidence right off the dealer lot.

Trailer Hitches for the BMW X5: Factory vs. Aftermarket

The tow package comes with a sturdy Class III trailer hitch already installed directly from BMW. It has a 2” square receiver and includes the wiring connector. This heavy duty hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 575 pounds and is rated to pull up to 7,200 pounds.

You also have the option to install an aftermarket trailer hitch on your X5 if desired:

Curt Class III Hitch: Similar 7,200 lb tow rating and 575 lb tongue weight as factory hitch. Etrailer.com is a popular retailer.
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Hitch: Rated for up to 6,000 lbs towing and 600 lb tongue weight. Provides high ground clearance.
Hidden Hitch: Offers a 7,500 lb tow rating on the Hidden Hitch 88760 model. Designed to remain inconspicuous when not in use.

When installing an aftermarket hitch, make sure it meets or exceeds the max 7,200 lb factory tow rating. Most reputable brands like Draw-Tite, Curt, and Hidden Hitch offer compatible Class III hitches.

The factory hitch offers a seamless install without any drilling. But aftermarket hitches can sometimes provide higher weight capacities and may hang lower for easier access.

Is the Tow Package Standard or Optional Equipment?

The BMW X5 tow package is an optional extra on most trim levels. When building your X5 on BMWUSA.com, it shows up as a standalone package with an MSRP of $995.

The tow package comes standard on the high-performance X5M and X5M Competition trims to match their increased horsepower and acceleration.

If you already own an X5, you can still have the tow package installed after purchase at your BMW dealership’s service department for the same $995 MSRP plus labor costs.

Adding it at the time of your original new car order ensures the vehicle is pre-wired and set up for towing from the factory. But the aftermarket installation process is still straight forward when adding it later.

Tips for Safe Towing With the BMW X5

Driving while towing a heavy trailer brings additional challenges and responsibilities. Here are some tips for safely towing with your BMW X5:

Use Tow/Haul Mode

Engage the dedicated Tow/Haul mode when hauling any substantial load. This adjusts the transmission shift points to account for the added weight. It also activates the trailer stability assist system.

Adjust Your Driving Style

Towing requires a different driving mindset. Reduce your speed, allow for longer braking distances, and increase your following distance from other vehicles. Avoid sudden maneuvers. Accelerate, turn, and brake gradually.

Trailer Loading

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the cargo weight is positioned over the front axle. Too much weight in the rear can cause swaying. Secure the load properly and double check all tie downs.

Adjust Tire Pressure

Check the tire inflation pressures on both your X5 and trailer to make sure they match the vehicle’s recommended placard limits for carrying heavy loads. Don’t overload the tires.

Use Tow Mirrors

Attach extended tow mirrors to improve rearward visibility around the trailer on both sides. Make wide turns to keep the trailer away from curbs. Backup slowly using your rearview camera.

Regular Maintenance

Follow the enhanced maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual for vehicles used for towing. Change engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant more frequently.

Avoid Unnecessary Strain

Be sensible about the loads you tow. Just because the X5 can tow 7,200 lbs doesn’t mean you should max it out on a regular basis. Save the heavy loads for occasional use to prolong drivetrain lifespan.

Safely towing requires extra diligence and practice launching, stopping, backing up and passing with a trailer connected. Take time to build experience and confidence before hitting the open road.

Why Choose the BMW X5 for Towing?

You may be wondering, why choose the luxury X5 SUV over a traditional pickup truck or brawny American SUV for towing?

Here are some of the advantages that make the BMW X5 a surprisingly capable tow vehicle:

Powerful Engine Options: Even the base X5 xDrive40i packs a stout 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. The V8-powered X5M Competition brings 617 hp and 553 lb-ft! No lack of muscle.
Nimble Handling and Acceleration: The X5 feels athletic and eager compared to truck-based SUVs. Its car-like handling helps when maneuvering a trailer.
Advanced AWD System: BMW’s sophisticated xDrive AWD system maintains excellent grip and stability. It transfers power between all four wheels to avoid slipping. Important when towing down wet boat ramps!
Premium Comfort: Many buyers choose the X5 for its upscale interior comfort and technology. It makes those long trips towing cross-country more pleasant, especially if camping in the trailer after!
Fuel Efficiency: With EPA ratings up to 21 MPG highway when not towing, the X5 offers decent fuel economy for a large three-row SUV. More range between fill-ups.

The BMW X5 proves you don’t need a full-size truck to confidently tow recreational toys, small campers, and utility trailers. Its balanced blend of power, luxury appointments, driving refinements and towing capability make it a compelling choice.

Just be sure to add the tow package for maximum towing muscle!

Conclusion

We hope this detailed guide gives you all the essential information about the BMW X5 tow package for the 2022 model year. Towing introduces additional considerations and demands extra precautions, but the X5 has the strength, stability and premium quality to handle recreational towing when properly equipped.

In summary, keep these key points in mind:

Max towing capacity is 7,200 lbs with optional tow package
Package includes hitch, wiring, transmission cooler and heavy-duty electrical
Tips covered adjusting driving habits, loading trailer properly, using tow mode and more
Powerful turbocharged engines and advanced AWD enhance towing experience

Whether you’re pulling ATVs, a camper, or boat with your X5, towing safely requires added diligence and practice. But the BMW SUV’s blend of luxury and capability can make it an ideal tow vehicle for weekend adventures.