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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW X5
  By Christine Willsch - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The BMW X5 is the first new car I have ever owned and I will never drive anything but a BMW. The performance and handling of this luxury SUV makes it feel as if you are driving on clouds. Once you have driven a BMW nothing else can hold a candle to this ultimate driving machine.

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  The best car yet... - 2006 BMW X5
  By samsam - August 28 - 2:08 pm

  Recently purchase CPO with only 28K on it. Absolutely love it. You cant beat BMW CPO - they had the car ready in mint condition, the warranty is excellent, and I still have over 20K left on included maintenance and 0.9% financing (unheard of for CPO!). The X5 handles like a dream and I personally think this model is better looking than the redesign in 2007. The interior is top notch and the power seems way stronger than the HP rating - that speaks to great engineering. No rattles, solid like a tank. Im actually getting up to 26mpg on highway trips and 18mpg average overall.

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  I got what I hoped - 2009 BMW X5
  By Aussie_Rob - August 24 - 9:30 pm

  I have been researching an SUV (Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol, Discovery 3 or Bimmer) for 4 months and after a lot of deliberation went for the X5 turbo. I couldnt be more thrilled with what I got. The turbo is smooth and delivers great performance and yet is amazingly fuel efficient for a large vehicle. Im 63" and so there is plenty of space, great driving position and visibility. I had an E90 325 manual and the X5 isnt any slower and the handling isnt vastly different. My wife thought paying this much for a car ($90k Aussie) was ludicrous but shes already a convert - "its very comfortable isnt it??" She never liked the 325. So Im wrapped - so far anyway.

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  Very Happy with Diesel X5 - 2009 BMW X5
  By NorthernVABMWdriver - August 9 - 1:52 pm

  This is my 6th X5 and probably my favorite. I like the idea of driving clean-diesel and a more fuel efficient SUV without much trade off in performance and comfort. Acceleration is excellent it feels faster than performance numbers indicate. Diesel engine clatter does not intrude into the cabin you would not know its has a diesel engine from the interior. I custom order my BMWs and this one took only 9 days from production start to delivery.

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  X-5 Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By Lakerdad - August 6 - 2:23 pm

  Clean burn diesel engine and great fuel mileage, no black smoke or smell. A little bite noisy when standing by the car. When staying inside of the car, cannot tell the difference between gas and diesel engines! It is the first BMW I own. Hopefully the quality as good as Japanese products!

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  Our First Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By pedalian - August 1 - 1:06 pm

  Purchased this as a demo vehicle, have put over 4000 miles on it so far. The diesel is amazing. This thing has power! My wife drives it to work every day on the freeway, getting about 28mpg on the highway. Our combined average is 24.5 (according to the computer). Very comfortable to drive. We do have the 3rd row seats and they are pretty useless except for kids under 12. We checked out the VW Tourareg TDI as well and liked it too, very much. Almost got it instead, but we got better financing through BMW Financial. No regrets. Engine can use B5 biodiesel according to the manual, and I have been using that as well. No issues. (I mix 100% biodiesel at 20:1 ratio with regular diesel).

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  BMW Lover - 2005 BMW X5
  By BMW Lover - July 30 - 10:16 am

  i purchased my x5 used and love it. fun to drive. had no problem so far.

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  2006 BMW X5 4.4 CPO - 2006 BMW X5
  By Steve - July 29 - 10:25 pm

  This X5 has been great so far. Had 26,500 miles on it fully loaded. Absolutely pristine condition inside and out. Excellent driving on winding roads and certainly plenty of power for the freeways. Gas mileage could be better so still getting used to that. Only design flaw I find is the Navigation unit and its location for glare and the cup holders. Both were rectified in the 2007 but getting this for $35K I consider a good deal versus pricing of new models.

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  Better than all the rest. - 2005 BMW X5
  By bennette - July 29 - 8:22 pm

  This vehicle truly lives up to its nickname the ultimate driving machine. From the time I first sat in this vehicle it has done nothing but impress me. I love to drive it, I find myself making excuses to run errands just to drive it. Also I have not one problem. I will only drive BMWs from now on.

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  Best Damn SUV out there - 2005 BMW X5
  By deep - July 24 - 2:20 am

  Great SUV. this is my second one. The 4.4 has great power but a little more pricy than the 3.0. Great feel and handle. The sports package is a little more bumpier but that maybe the feel you desire. If you desire a softer feel you may want to choose the one with out the sports package. Eitherway, Great auto. NO PROBLEMS at all. I drove my old 3.0 leased x5 to the ground with no maintanence for about 2 years. It still felt and functioned as if it was new. Cant beat the looks and the bmw 7 series engine that this has. A MUST HAVE!!!