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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  Personal expreince with my x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By EHutty - August 5 - 5:03 pm

  The car drives great, its comfortable and was my first car. I still own this care and am debating selling it. Ive had a good amount of repairs tipcally nothing serious, both rear window regulators have gone out about 50 bucks each to replace and did it myself. I do all the repairs myself minus this most recent one. My MAF sensor went out but all i had to do was clean it. Its a fun care to have but every few weeks something small breaks and triggers your check engine light. Atleast for me. Most recently my transfer case went out and I put a new starter and replaced all hoses and things in the car. Was debating on selling for a FJ but not sure.

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  The Best Vehicle - 2003 BMW X5
  By Raymond. W. Scott - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Vehicle I have evern owned including other BMW and MB cars. By the way it does hawl very well if you know how to load it. All the stuff to add to my house and 20by 25 deck were hawled in my X5. If you have the guts to make it work for you and not be just an other show vehicle, it can handle it. Had a minor defectice Key reading chip when I first got it but that got replace and all has been a joy. My wife say say " if that think has has the female anatomy, all male will never stay with their wives unle to have children." Very true my man, very true.

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  Great Driving, poor spacer - 2016 BMW X5
  By Peter Carson - May 22 - 2:39 pm

  If want cargo area for SUV, very disappointing. Previous model much better

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  Too bad . . . . . . . . - 2003 BMW X5
  By PAX5formerowner - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved my X5 and purchased with all available options including the Nav system. Loved to drive, loved the look, but many, many quality problems. Had it in the shop 13 times for numerous problems. Traded for a Toyota Highlander and glad I did. Feel I came down a notch as far as looks and loved the feel of the bemer, however too inconvenient taking it for service every month. Need dependability and found it in the Highlander.

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  How BMW lost a 15 year customer - 2012 BMW X5
  By Don Louis - March 1 - 8:45 pm

  We bought two X5s, one in 2001, one in 2011. The 2012 X5 has 28K miles on it and warranty expired in October 15. In early October, the car called BMW and said service was required. We took it and they could not say what service was needed. We told them to replace the wipers since we were there on our $1,000+ extended service plan. So far we have gotten two sets of wipers and two oil changes for our $1000. Dont buy that plan from them. It covers little. In December 15 the vehicle was leaking oil in the garage. They determined it was leaking from a hose going to the turbocharger and fixed it as a courtesy beyond the warranty period at no charge. 45 days later it was leaking again in the same spot in the garage. This time it was determined that the turbocharger needed replaced. They agreed to replace it with a 5% deductible of $263. Each trip there is painful. The service department is grossly understaffed. Today there was one adviser there, with a line waiting to see her. She was literally running, doing her best. After a 10 minute wait to pay and a 10 minute wait to get the vehicle, I was out. The car smells like glue really strong. I got an appraisal too, no longer having peace of mind. Our $60K car is now worth $24K after 4 years and 4 months, and 28,000 miles. BMW no longer holds its value. Our 15 years of BMW loyalty are at an end. The quality of product has declined, and the dealer experiences are time consuming and frustrating. BMW is supposed to give you peace of mind and the ultimate driving experience. For us, they have failed.

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  Buy It. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Eugene Capuccio - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Buy it. Theres no better SUV on the market.

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW X5
  By patriotgp - February 28 - 10:00 am

  After buying this car because of the crash tests results, it was aukward at first. But after a few weeks it quickly became ouf favorite car. The car is shurely a drivers car. The service has been excellent. The vehicle has taken our family abuse very well and shows no sign of fatigue.

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  Buy it for the tax benefit - 2004 BMW X5
  By dogdoc - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The X-5 is clearly the best handling SUV, has all the BMW virtues (without the awful IDrive) and in 04 reasonable gas mileage. But the car is not as comfortable as a comparable sedan, and doesnt carry as much asthe new X-3! Consider the X5 a personal luxury vehicle that is stiffer and less comfortable than the comparable sedans but because its GVWR exceeds 6000 lbs, it will get you a helluva tax break if it is a business vehicle. If you are spending after tax dollars you should look elsewhere (e.g. the RX330 is much more comfortable and holds a LOT more stuff). Check with your accountant before buying!

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  Excellent combination of beauty and beast!!! - 2016 BMW X5
  By Yogesh - February 15 - 7:32 am

  Look out for the features available on X5 like luxury line, 20 inches Y spoke wheels, Premium Package, Harman/ Kardon Surround sound system, Surround view camera etc.

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  Satisfied, not thrilled - 2003 BMW X5
  By carlover14 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The X5 was a fun SUV and I enjoyed it. I have no real complaints other than the god awful dashboard layout, hardly intuitive. I just replaced it with a $3000 cheaper but better equipped ML55 AMG Mercedes. Both are identical in performance, so why spend the extra $3000? It was a no hassle SUV that I thoroughly enjoyed though.