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 shop guys call it a truck - 2009 BMW X5
  By woolly - March 31 - 7:53 am

  Love that diesel note at idle. Reminds me of being in Europe. Cant hear it at speed. Surprising punch with dual sequential turbo. Feels best at 80 mph. Gets an honest 26 mpg at that rate. Town is 17/18. Electronics are suspect. Clock wont boot sometimes. Nav screen will not come up on occasion. Had three Nav heads installed on warranty. Probably fixed. Had an alternator go out, took three weeks to get replacement. Dealer made a courtesy payment! With all those gears it is hard for trans to select medium takeoff velocity. Easy is fine and stoop on it and it flies. The middle is hard to attain. I love/distrust this car and will probably trade before warranty expires.

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  I cant believe its a diesel! - 2010 BMW X5
  By JACK - March 28 - 9:54 pm

  I just took delivery of my 2010 X5 35D and am grinning from ear to ear from the driving experience and the superb turbo diesel engine. I have owned 3 series BMWs previously, but decided to buy something bigger. All in all, the fit and finish and the quality of materials used is second to none. The new I-drive is more intuitive than I anticipated. So far, my only complaint is that the car is a bit difficult to get in and out of. I equipped my X5 with running boards purely for aesthetics and found that it actually impedes ones ability to enter and exit the car and leaves dirt on ones pants. My experience with the car is too new to report on its fuel efficiency. The sound system is nice.

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  Update after 6500 miles - 2010 BMW X5
  By Rick - March 12 - 8:29 am

  After 6500 miles this car has not had a single problem. Average fuel economy is 26.3 mpg. Most of my trips have been 300-400 miles of highway at 80- 85 mph with 60 or so miles of urban driving. For me, this is such a perfect vehicle as it handles long open stretches effortlessly but handles like a sports car in cities and mountains. To those who have rated this car low I can only suggest either they are an anomaly or they have an agenda.

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  Worst SUV in History - 2007 BMW X5
  By emcman - March 11 - 10:34 pm

  Run from this SUV. Mine has been in the shop over 2 months. Two dead tow ins and two dead battery caused by electrical flaws. Poor customer support. It is March 12 and last time I drove it was Feb 8th. Been at dealer no end in sight. Now I have to sue them as they accept no responsibility. For $65000 get a good reliable auto. Not this.

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  battery problem - 2007 BMW X5
  By oddles - March 10 - 3:26 pm

  I have a 2007 x5, ever since we purchase this vehicle, we had problems with the engine lights which the dealership told us is the battery problem, it has took them several times to fix the part for the battery but still having problem with battery draining either low or high. Since having the vehicle for less than 2 years, we must have gone to BMW for service no less than 10 times for problem such as peeling leather, broken front venting knobs, falling door panels, unworkable menu buttons and more. Will never buy another BMW vehicle in my life ever again

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  Safety defect with BMW X5 4.8i - 2008 BMW X5
  By Sam Kawa - March 5 - 4:41 am

  I am a life long owner & loyal fan of BMW, so it is with regret i publish that my BMW X5 2007/8 4.8i almost cost the lives of my family. This BMW has now done 16,000kms (10,000miles), it has a serious electric defect preventing it from accelerating & on occasion stalls. It has been into BMW 3 times for this problem & it is now strike 3 & out for this BMW. My pregnant wife was driving the car with my 11mth old son, when the BMW failed to accelerate & stalled at a major intersection, almost causing a serious accident. We will not be driving this vehicle again. Please note i am a lover of BMW, the older model X5 i had was perfect, however due to the severity of this incident this review is out.

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  Never Again - 2005 BMW X5
  By Infiniti G - February 26 - 11:35 pm

  Creature comforts are very nice and fun to drive but horribly unreliable. At 42,000 miles started to sound like a diesel, alternator bearings bad and then completely failed. Cheap oem crimp style hose clamp on transmission recovery bottle failed which is also positioned directly above alternator.Dealer service technicians incorrectly diagnosed as having a bad high pressure power steering hose.Found out they wanted 1500 for repair and I towed it back home to fix myself for $150.Eats break pads and rotors for lunch,repld with better aftermarket.Brake pad sensor is poor design and you must replace sensor at pad change or your brake pad warning light will stay illuminated.

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  Very Poor Reliability - 2010 BMW X5
  By emc - February 25 - 6:42 pm

  Very poor reliability. I am not going to say much other than if you buy one you were warned. Maybe because they are build in the states and not Munich. Maybe because they have so much electronics that no one knows how to fix when it breaks but mine has been nothing but problems. Climate control issue, leaking of fluids and high battery discharge than can leave you stranded and has twice. The sedans seem fine and I should know as I drive loaners of 1, 3 and 5 series more than my SUV. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.

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  Poor Reliability - 2007 BMW X5
  By emcman - February 22 - 10:15 am

  Lots of power, great handling and lots of quality issues. In less than 36 months it has been in the shop a good 1.5 months. Two dead batteries caused by flawed electronics, non working air among other things. Completely dead twice so not a trust worthy car for a trip. Also issues take a long time to run down issues so it is out of service for a week or two at a time. This SUV is made in SC and not Germany and is far from reliable. When it dies it dies as everything is electronic. You need a special tool even to get it into neutral.

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  Amazing vehicle but tires are major flaw - 2010 BMW X5
  By glouis188 - February 11 - 8:33 pm

  I love this vehicle!I ordered the diesel even though I live in Minnesota and it delivers as advertised even in -18 deg.Its worth every penny regardless of the negative reviews on price and the I-Drive (which is great!).Im a car guy and this thing just rocks.Close your eyes, sign on the line and you wont be sorry. No comparison to any of the other Lux SUVs that I drove, amazing! One issue to keep in mind. The vehicle came with Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires as OE and they are awful. Since new, they have droned on so loudly that I went back to the dealer at 850 miles thinking there was an issue.There is, as they are cupping but the dealers hands are tied until 5K miles. Avoid these tires!