Overview & Reviews

After last year's refresh, the 2012 BMW X5 returns with some previously optional features becoming standard. Most notably, the xDrive50i now comes with the navigation system as standard.

• Steadfast high-speed stability.
• Athletic handling
• Huge list of features
• Potent and efficient engines
• Luxurious and comfortable interior

• Ride may be firm for some
• Hefty price.
• Standard steering is stiff at low speeds

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 24.00

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  Fun to drive but have software issues - 2012 BMW X5
  By will1over - February 5 - 5:49 pm

  I took delivery of my X5 4.4L V8 in January 2012. The performance and body design of this vehicle are without a doubt awesome. Its interior layout and idrive system are equally impressive. Nonetheless, I am disappointed with the rear entertainment system. My DVD player will activate when initially placing a DVD in the player (when the vehicle is on), However it will not resume play using the DVD play button. Additionally, the DVD player volume control button does not work. I was informed by one of the local BMW service departments that the problem is a software issue and that BMW is seeking a solution.

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  Expensive, but Very Nice - 2012 BMW X5
  By tmbmw - January 12 - 8:17 pm

  Picked mine up at the BMW performance center in S.C. Excellent experience and highly recommended to anyone purchasing a BMW SUV. I got to push the car a little and it truly let me know how safe this car is on the road. Sold my 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T and it was well worth the move.

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  Dont want to drive anything else. - 2012 BMW X5
  By mhmt - November 23 - 1:14 am

  I have been driving BMWs since 10 years. The diesel X5 is so far, and by far the best BMW, I have driven. Car moves like a sedan with the power of diesel engine. Its the best option to buy in the USA Market.

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  Great vehicle! - 2012 BMW X5
  By drsevrin - November 8 - 11:31 am

  I have had my X5 for 4 months now and it is a dream to drive. I get approximately 18.3 mpg in mostly city driving. It handles the snow very well. The x-drive is amazing. Great handling, great acceleration but there is a slight turbo lag which does not bother me. The iPhone hookup is great. Music sounds great on the premium sound system. Seats are very comfortable and supportive with the comfort seat option. The vehicle is very "smart" and has lots of electronic customizations available through the iDrive. The iDrive is abit overwhelming at first but after a week or so one can figure it out with ease. Ventilation is great in front and back. Exterior fit and finish is impeccable.

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  New X5 - 2012 BMW X5
  By stevemn1 - September 29 - 11:22 pm

  Just purchased my first BMW. Previously drove Infiniti M35X. Also considered new Mercedes M Series, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes E Class, but liked X5 too much to wait for the new Mercedes M. IDrive system has been relatively easy to learn. Owned car for several weeks now. Great freeway vehicle. Good overall comprise between sporty ride close to a typical german sedan and interior room of SUV -- all in a medium size overall package that is reasonable to park/maneuver in an urban environment. Very satisfied so far.

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  good car - 2012 BMW X5
  By tommyycar - September 27 - 1:46 pm

  As with all BMWs, the quality of the car is good. I think (especially compared to the Lexus LS I traded for this) that the Idrive is very easy to use. The only thing I dont "get" at all is the electronic transmission shifter. Instead of clicking into gear, its basically a switch. You have to squeeze the buttom on top and one on the side to put it in park rather than just shifing to park. Sometimes I dont push the buttons right and it doesnt go into park and I lurch forward.

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  LOVIN MY 2012 BIMMER - 2012 BMW X5
  By just_us3 - July 18 - 8:32 am

  We have had 12 brand new cars in ten years-if I had bought my X-5 ten years ago I wouldnt have owned so many different models. I Just upgraded from a 2010 BMW X-3 due to having a second child and needing the extra space. We are currently stationed in Germany and so we got our X-5 tax free(yes we pay tax to license it in some states still doesnt come close to $63,000 USA price-and theyre built in the USA. The benefits of the technology and drive far outweigh any cons people would put on this vehicle. If you have a problem with the I-drive, then you need to take computer classes. The computer is easier to operate than any GPS that Ive ever owned. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!

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  Excellent & fun to drive - 2012 BMW X5
  By ravix5 - June 15 - 2:03 pm

  Had this 2012 X5 for over 3 weeks and put 1200 mi already. Used to drive 525i now got this X5 for the 3rd row. Though its a truck the drive is more like a sedan. Never felt the higher CG during turns. This a BMW in all aspects and make you feel at home if you had driven any BMW before. luxury, performance & looks of course. The only issue I faced is the lag (1 to 2 secs)between you hit the pedal and picking up speed. Theres no lag from a stop and go but when you are at 50 and want to jump to left lane or pass someone you will feel it. Once it picks up then it can go to 80 and 90 without sweat and very stable at such higher speeds. Not so much of an issue for a calculated-fun driver.

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  Not for Family - 2012 BMW X5
  By Reza Ghandi - August 27 - 2:19 pm

  High tech high performance and safe and overal uncomfortable, sporty and rough drive and very hard steering !

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  2012 BMW X5 Issues too many already! Disappointed. - 2012 BMW X5
  By T B K - February 9 - 6:09 pm

  Bought it used 58k miles , first day the battery died, took it to BMW dealer, labor+parts+programming $475, called the dealer i bought it from (not BMW car dealer)and they sent me the check for the full amount. After 2 months engine overheating, towed the car to the dealer, water bump +thermostat +flushing coolant and a few more flushing all trans, etc plus aliment, $1800 for water bump and thermostat+ the other things all together came up to $2500 after$300 discount, we went to pickup the car asked for discount and got the bill down to $1978. very very disappointed about the quality of BMW, shame on them. I went to the dealer i bought the used car from and requested they pay for the issue under the New York lemon law, waiting for them to get back to me. I decided to buy extended warranty 5years/100k which comes first , covers almost everything(engine,turbocharge,trans,brakes,drive axle,steering,gasket,seals,brakes,electrical,a/c) , for $3700 plus tax comes up to $4000. Do you think I did the right thing by getting warranty(already in two month and cost me $2500 to fix twice)? Is it a good price for the plan? Anyone has any similar issues and experience etc..? Found this article online" BMWs are reliable, but Japanese cars actually have a better track record. BMW models are officially rated “average” or “below average” by auto magazines and hobbyists. Though the company promises long intervals between servicing, the fact is that their turbocharged models often have more problems more often" For reliability, it is below average according to Consumer Reports. The main problems occur in the electrical system and the cooling system for the engine. It rated even lower in the J.D. Power and Associates study, which gave the 2012 X5 just two out of five stars. This study found most problems in the electrical and cooling systems, as well as slight problems with the engine.So be aware BMW buyers !! My second car is a Honda and it drives and feels better than BMW!! And its half the BMW price brand new !