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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  good - 2003 BMW X5
  By digital - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Just a daily driver.

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  BMW is Spot On - 2010 BMW X5
  By RP Diesel - November 28 - 8:37 am

  I have had my 2010 X5 35d for ten days now. The first thing to note is that BMW has finally got the iDrive system correct. This version is the best system of this kind I have seen (I have the Toyota and Acura navs also). The diesel is getting over 31mpg on the highway and 23.5mpg in and around town. That is on my second tank. The fit and finish are flawless. Acceleration is excellent. The Parking Assist system is extremely good and may be the best feature. I struggled with what to purchase, I made the right decision. I even avoided the 2009 X5 knowing the iDrive was going to be improved - WOW did it.

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  One of a kind vehicle - 2010 BMW X5
  By mrf - November 26 - 8:06 pm

  Simply put, there is nothing like this vehicle in the market in 2009-2010. Name another vehicle that rockets from 0 to 60 in less than 7 seconds and gets 32 MPG on the freeway! No short cuts in manufacturing, unmatched interior quality, exceptional handling and lots more. Dont try to save money on the options. This car should be had with all the bells and whistles. Well worth the investment. Tried all the competitors. None impressed me as much as this car. Have had it for a week now and have to say that the car delivers on the promise!

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  BMW 2006 X5 - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jason Hoppa - November 24 - 10:28 am

  Best vehicle that I have ever owned. We now have 2 BMWs. Very reliable and great in any weather.

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  X5 Diesel Pros and Cons, mostly Pro - 2009 BMW X5
  By NorhternVA - November 23 - 9:34 pm

  5,000 mile review: This vehicle is about compromise: V8 performance and SUV comfort with less pollution and up to 30 mpg highway. But theres no mistaking that this is a diesel. You can hear the clatter at low RPM. BMW designed the X5 model with a loud exhaust note, mistakenly thinking that buyers equate noise with performance. Add the diesels louder, gravelly engine note to the already loud X5 exhaust note and you get a noisy driving experience. It quiets down at highway speeds, but the exhaust noise is constant, intrusive, and can be annoying. In the first 5,000 miles, mpg was 24.5 mixed and 29.5 highway. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs over 2.5 tons and isnt broken in yet. This might be a good choice if you are willing to trade drive-train refinement for the comfort of an SUV that gets great mpg and pollutes less.

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW X5
  By RM - November 19 - 5:00 pm

  I love my BMW, great car, lots of power, best at taking turns at high speed. I dont know any other SUV like this one out there. I had X5 3.0 before and 4.8 doesnt compare - it is in a different league with the power and the sound of engine. I think its stick shift is the best, iDrive works fine, not sure what others referring to, all need my car to do is play a CD :). Bottom line - great core NOTHING compares, it is made for the driver. I do have side boards and I love them, yes, for short people hard to get out but I am tall and have no problem, it is actually funny when short dudes complain how difficult to get out... Love the car - it was made for me! :)

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  This Diesel ROCKS!!!! - 2010 BMW X5
  By Coty - November 17 - 10:21 pm

  The diesel engine is truly the best everyday engine for this SUV. If you are test driving one of these, put the transmission in "DS" and 6th gear at about 40 mph and hit the throttle! The torque moves this vehicle with authority that the gas (non x5M) engines just cannot muster. I managed 27.9 mpg on a 175 mile trip which beats a coworkers Lexus RX400 hybrid and the x5 is much more engaging to drive than the RX. I may be in the minority, but I think the diesel engine sound is pretty cool and I dig the sound when accelerating with the windows down. You will turn some heads in parking lots when they hear that growl and turbo spool up.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW X5
  By Matt Riley - November 9 - 10:00 am

  After I purchased this vehicle, I was really excited. It drives just like my 5 series and has the same wheelbase too. The sport suspension is a little rough, but worth it because you get all the extras. The 18" rims look great and so do the chrome exaust tips. This is an AWESOME vehicle and I would recomend that you go and test drive one at your local dealership.

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  Gotta love it - 2005 BMW X5
  By bimmer girl - November 7 - 12:23 pm

  Our car now has 90,000 miles on it, and I still smile every time I drive it. It is so responsive, and tight around the corners, that I often forget that Im in a huge SUV. I was almost ran off the road one day with my 2 kids in the back, and I fought to keep the vehicle on the road, but the BMW handled so well, that we got back on track and on our way. I truly believe that in any other SUV we would have tipped and crashed. People keep mentioning gas mileage, but they forget they bought a performance car! Indy cars and jet planes dont get great mileage either! I think its pretty good- we average about 22 and got 28 on a long highway trip!

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  No regrets so far... - 2006 BMW X5
  By Ralph Whitsitt - November 4 - 12:07 pm

  Got a great deal on an 06 X5 and took the plunge purchasing my first BMW. Its amazing how smooth and quiet the vehicle is at highway speeds compared to the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee I owned previously. Granted, the tires probably have a lot to do with that, but engine and wind noise are way lower too. Love the grunt that the 3.0 inline six delivers--it loves to rev!! I was a little concerned about the gas mileage, but its been a big improvement over the Explorer, getting 23 or 24 mpg for pure highway driving. Premium unleaded can get a bit expensive when prices are up and synthetic oil drives up the cost of oil changes, but so far Im dealing with it and loving the way it drives!