Overview & Reviews

The BMW X5 was this German automaker's first entry into the luxury SUV segment. Realizing that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, BMW designed the X5 for on-road performance and handling. Short overhangs, a relatively compact size (the original was 4.5 inches shorter than the 5 Series sedan of the time) and car-based underpinnings combined to give the X5 its superb on-road performance. Built at BMW's first American assembly plant in South Carolina, the X5 quickly became a huge hit for BMW in the U.S.

The first-generation BMW X5 only sat five people, a disappointment for those who wanted greater capacity. This concern was addressed with the second-generation model, which offered a third-row seat and room for seven, along with more cargo capacity. Despite this growth, the X5 remained very entertaining to drive as luxury SUVs go. The latest, third-generation X5 stays the course with subtle, evolutionary changes that fortify the X5's standing as a fine choice, new or used, for a midsize luxury SUV that seats five or seven.

Current BMW X5
Redesigned for 2014, the current BMW X5 remains about the same size and weight as the previous-generation model and looks mostly similar. The most noticeable visual difference involves the blended-into-the-grille headlights. Among the improvements are a slightly roomier cabin, a second-row seat that is split into 40/20/40 sections and the adoption of the eight-speed automatic transmission for the diesel-powered engine.

The three main trim levels are the familiar 35i, 35d and 50i, with the numbers indicating what's under the hood. The "sDrive" moniker refers to rear-wheel drive (35i only), whereas "xDrive" indicates all-wheel drive, which is optional for the 35i and standard on the other versions.

The 35i models feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive35d comes with a diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive50i gets a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 good for 450 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. All have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment for the 35i and 35d include xenon headlights, a sunroof, a power liftgate, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, power and heated front seats, a 10.2-inch central display screen, the iDrive controller, a navigation system and a nine-speaker sound system. The X5 xDrive50i is equipped very similarly, though it has leather upholstery and upgraded front seats. Optional highlights include three major equipment lines (Luxury, xLine and M Sport), adaptive cruise control, added safety features, a premium sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

On the road, the third-generation X5 exhibits virtues like sharp steering, competent handling, a supple ride and effortless high-speed interstate cruising. The interior is elegant, with solid construction and high-quality materials. Models with the upgraded and extended leather options are particularly impressive. From the driver seat, you're presented with classic BMW gauges and a large central display screen with crisp graphics. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types.

Utility can also be a concern, though. The second-row seats are comfortable, but rear legroom is merely adequate. Although it increases seating capacity to seven, the optional third row is even more cramped and really only accommodates children. All things considered, however, the latest X5 is a great choice for a midsize luxury crossover SUV.

Used BMW X5 Models
The second-generation BMW X5 was introduced for the 2007 model year and ran through 2013. This X5 was bigger, more luxurious and smoother riding than its predecessor. This X5 was initially available as the 3.0si (260-hp 3.0-liter inline-6) and the 4.8i (350-hp 4.8-liter V8). Both had six-speed automatic transmissions. These models were renamed xDrive30i and xDrive48i for 2009, the same year the turbodiesel (265-hp) xDrive35d debuted. The term "xDrive" refers to the standard all-wheel-drive system.

The following year BMW updated the iDrive interface, while 2011 ushered in the new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engines, whose outputs stood at 300 and 400 hp, respectively. The gas engines had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the turbodiesel stayed with the older six-speed automatic. At that point, the model lineup consisted of the X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 xDrive35d. For 2013, an M Performance package debuted; in addition to cosmetic upgrades, it added 15 hp to the xDrive35i and 40 hp to the xDrive50i. The even higher-performance BMW X5 M model was offered from 2010-'13 and is reviewed separately.

These BMW X5s offer a fair amount of utility thanks to standard all-wheel drive and an optional third-row seat. They're also quite sporty, as they infuse spirited acceleration and Bavarian handling chutzpah into the high-riding body of a family-friendly crossover SUV. As such, these second-gen X5s remain very attractive for those who want the "S" in SUV to actually mean something.

In Edmunds road tests, our editors found this X5's handsome cabin very accommodating, with comfortable seating for the first two rows. Materials and build quality were top-notch, and the iDrive system by this time had become one of the better multifunction electronics interfaces available. The heavy steering at low speeds and a smallish "kids-only" third-row seat are the only sour notes in this otherwise sweet midsize SUV.

The original, first-generation BMW X5 was produced from 2000-'06. It was initially offered with one engine only: a 4.4-liter V8. A 3.0-liter inline-6 debuted the following year. Though the six-cylinder offered superior fuel economy and adequate overall performance, it was often criticized for its lack of off-the-line grunt. The 4.4i reached 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. One note to buyers looking at a first-year BMW X5: All X5 models manufactured after June 2000 (starting with the '01 model year) benefited from important structural changes that improved occupant protection in frontal crashes.

In 2002, the high-performance BMW X5 4.6is debuted, boasting a 4.6-liter V8 making 340 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The midlevel X5 4.4i saw an 8 hp increase to 290 for the year. Towing aficionados welcomed a new version of the stability control system that aided trailer towing, and BMW finally made a CD player standard in its luxury SUV.

In 2004, the first-generation X5 received its most extensive update. A new front fascia received BMW's signature corona ringed headlamps, optional adaptive headlights and new foglamps. The year also marked the introduction of BMW's new all-wheel-drive system, xDrive. Compared to the previous setup, xDrive was far more capable, with its ability to transfer 100 percent of the engine's torque to one individual wheel. (The old system could only distribute torque front to rear.)

Also noteworthy for 2004 was the replacement of the high-performance X5 4.6is with the 355-hp 4.8is model. BMW also installed the V8 engine from the 2002 7 Series sedan in the midlevel X5 4.4i, which raised output by 35 horses to 325 hp.

In reviews, we typically praised the first-generation BMW X5 for its carlike ride and handling, its wide range of engine choices and its top safety scores and equipment. Oft-noted downsides included its lack of off-road ability and small cargo area.

User Reviews:

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  First Class - 2003 BMW X5
  By kks - January 24 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable, capable and attractive vehicle. It does everything well. If I could change it in any way, perhaps more room behind the rear seats would be a plus. I would buy one again...and I rarely buy the same vehicle twice!

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  BMW X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By rod sturger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great overall vehicle Performance with the 3.0 is great. Quick responsive and not the gas guzzler of the 4.0s. Great interiors great option packages. Fast Safe Reliable. Be sure to Get the Extended Maintainance package

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  a practical suv... - 2003 BMW X5
  By Andrew Parker - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty well known fact that probably 99% of people who own suvs dont go off road, and even if they wanted to, they would soon realize that there "SUV" was not really capable. On the other hand, the X5 is a pratical suv, or a sporty van. Vans are the ideal vehicle of america. It carries kids, luggage, trash, new tvs, and whatever else. It also offers the driver a higher seat. Only problem though is the lack of beauty, styling and power. The X gives you the practicality of van, in a sports cars body.

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  great sav - 2003 BMW X5
  By z/man - December 17 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd bmw x5 love it

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 BMW X5
  By x5 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle drives like a dream,dealership is fantastic and performance is everything they said it would be. Cant wait to get my next one.

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  BMW X5 makes my ear cloudy - 2007 BMW X5
  By Tamara Taylor - October 8 - 9:18 pm

  I het cabin pressure build up in mu right ear sometimes when I am driving my BMW X5D.

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  Shoulda remembered not to buy Euro car w 40k+miles - 2008 BMW X5
  By poor car - October 5 - 4:50 pm

  The reason being is you dont know how it was treated, and boy has this car been costly. Worst car Ive ever owned in terms of reliability. Not worth the "privilege/pride" of "...but its a BMW." Seems theres 2 kinds of reviews here, crummy car & I love it but its expensive to maintain (wait till you get more miles on it)! Bought used at 72,500k miles and in 3 months we were moving/driving from Seattle to AZ. Wed had it checked before the move & I asked the mechanic "is summer heat in the desert a factor with reliability at all?" He chuckled at the question. 1) paid $400 to check car & replace oil cooler seal & filter stand gasket. 2)&3) 15 miles into the moving trip the transmission slipped & did so 5-6 times on trip to AZ. Over $10k repairs for this & replacing the catalytic converter, and the mechanics said 4) it desperately needed a "system update" which had it in the shop an extra 3 days. 5) The USB port went out right away. The A/C is kind of annoying because you never feel the left drivers side vent on you unless its blasting. 4 months later 6) the water pump went out at 81k miles along with 7) thermostat assembly: $1300. 8) The suspension needed work signal by one of many times warning light come on: about $1000. If you worship a car & devote much money to it- this is the car for you!

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  Ultimate Citiy/Suburb Road Warrior - 2003 BMW X5
  By ep - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 4.4i X5 is the ultimate commuter SAV for the 21st century. Its tremendous acceleration and tight handling makes it one of the best performing SUVs. It tops the Mercedes ML class easily. The X5 can get out of ANY situation in the snow, from 2 inches to 3 feet, it is almost impossible to get this car stuck. The allwheel drive system is wonderful and makes the car stick to the road and travel deeper into corners than you thought possible for such a heavy car. If you dont mind spending the money, the X5 has the best combination of comfort, with a perfect seating position, and style, with sleak bodylines from every angle.

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  Ultimate Citiy/Suburb Road Warrior - 2003 BMW X5
  By EP - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 4.4i X5 is the ultimate commuter SAV for the 21st century. Its tremendous acceleration and tight handling makes it one of the best performing SUVs. It tops the Mercedes ML class easily. The X5 can get out of ANY situation in the snow, from 2 inches to 3 feet, it is almost impossible to get this car stuck. The allwheel drive system is wonderful and makes the car stick to the road and travel deeper into corners than you thought possible for such a heavy car. If you dont mind spending the money, the X5 has the best combination of comfort, with a perfect seating position, and style, with sleak bodylines from every angle.

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  WOW WOW WEEEEEE - 2014 BMW X5
  By john drennon - September 26 - 8:54 am

  It is a premium car if repairs are need, so proper maintenance is essential. BUT, it is a wonderful automobile. Lots of extras, a sound system like none other, bells and whistles that have bells and whistles. Plus it is just plain well built. An enjoyable ride. Im already anticipating my next BMW.