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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  Horrible X5 - 2010 BMW X5
  By Nancy - December 27 - 10:40 pm

  Lost wiper in heavy rain storm, one of the windows insisted to open on the freeway and flooded my car. The next day it magically cured itself. Alarm goes off on its own. I have observed this myself. Nothing passed by my X5 with loud music or exhaust. MY dealer cant figure it out. The battery is excellent. Lost the drivers memory seat, fixed it then it was the passengers memory seat. Whats next? When the car goes over a bump, the rear wiper and washer are on. You all get the idea...

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  Fed up of inconsistent diagnostics - 2009 BMW X5
  By faizal ali - October 19 - 9:01 pm

  My BMW is under 6 months old with less than 4000 miles and has been back to the dealer for the same problem. It has an annoying vibrating sound from the engine. The dealer changed the power steering pump and problem still exists now I am told it might be an engine mount. I would like to return this truck because I am fed up of the inconsistency of what a new car should have. I should have kept my infinti qx4.

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  Love It AND Hate It - 2012 BMW X5
  By TQuinn - September 5 - 11:21 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 14 month. It has been on a flatbed truck FOUR times!!!! Thermostat failure caused car to shut down while I was driving on the parkway - stuck for 3 hours. Brakes seized and calipers would not free the front wheels - stuck for 2 hours. Coolant reservior EXPLODED - coolant everywhere - stuck for 3 hours. Oil Tank EXPLODED - oil EVERYWHERE - stuck for 3 hours. The only saving grace is that my local dealership has excellent service and has provided me with a loaner vehicle every time mine was in the shop (it has gotten to the point that I feel it needs repairs whenever it is dirty so I at least get a free wash out of it....). The X5 is pretty. It handles very well. It has great pick-up and braking capacity.......but it has ZERO reliability. NEVER AGAIN!

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  Incredibly expensive to maintain the V8 Bi-Turbo - 2012 BMW X5
  By Stephen Slayton - February 10 - 8:07 am

  Constantly requiring expensive maintenance. Bought with 60K miles in 2015. Have spend $10,000 -- and this it at least 1/3 less than what the dealer would charge. EVERYTHING requires massive labor and parts are amazingly expensive. My 6th BMW, but my first V8 Bi-Turbo.

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  Dont buy the 2003 BMW X5 junk junk junk - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mayormiller - February 9 - 2:28 am

  I dont know if BMW is still making the X5, maybe they corrected the problems but I know their customer service sucks they will not address the problems with the transmission shifting on its own on flat land going up a hill is cool going down and hell put it in neutral but Im flat land is going to shift 3rd to 2nd 4th the 2nd 3rd to 2nd 4th second drives you crazy surprised the engine didnt explode in the one of the engine leaks oil everywhere

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  Not what I expected from a BMW. - 2005 BMW X5
  By 1stBMW - December 6 - 1:25 am

  I have just about 14,000 miles on my X5. Not aerodynamically designed... if it is windy and im traveling faster than 70 miles, there is a whistling noise coming from the front of the windshield. The luggage compartment cover is also rather annoying due to its rattling. This is not what I had expected from a BMW.

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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!