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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  My Baby - 2006 BMW X5
  By Ben - December 18 - 9:50 am

  I have had the car since new. It comes with Premium, Sport, Rear Climate Packages. It is a 10/05 production. I have enjoyed the premium package with the great leather and the rear shades are great! But the sport package is great when on smooth roads only when on rough roads, it gets a little bumpy. But nonetheless, I do like the self leveling suspension and air shocks that come with that. I have not had to fix anything just regular oil changes all covered under warranty, for the first four years. Now it is out of warranty and had to replace the thermostat. Not too bad knock on wood. But overall I love driving it!

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  2010 BMW - 2010 BMW X5
  By RetiredDan - December 13 - 5:09 pm

  We have had our X5d for 2 months now and love it! After the first week we took it on a test drive to Las Vegas and it performed beautifully. My wife went thru the owners manual figuring out how everything works and we were able to figure out all the features that we use without much trouble. The owners manual is great and easy to follow. So far it is just what we were looking for and the diesel is great. No more smog checks! Cant beat the power and economy of a diesel.

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  My First BMW... - 2003 BMW X5
  By J. K. Jackson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and fortunately for me it was an SUV, or rather an SAV. Ive always wanted a BMW and I appreciate the flexibility an SUV offers you. Yet now that I finally own one, Im not quite sure exactly how I feel about it--I just get mixed feelings. I love the sensation of owning a BMW. Theres a distinct difference in the overall handling, performance, roominess, and comfort from my previous SUV-a 94 Nissan Pathfinder. Yet, perhaps I may have expected more than I received. I did not test-drive other luxury SUVs, and perhaps I should have. My only regret may be that I didnt get more options.

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  BMW X5 Diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Colin - November 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought the car 10 days ago. Love it so far (never spent this much on a car). Engine is fantastic, seems really solid, and the gas mileage appears legit so far. We have 3 kids under 11, and it probably isnt the best family car in terms of space (compared to a minivan), but we did it anyway since its so much fun.

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  So far so Good - 2007 BMW X5
  By goodgame2009 - November 30 - 9:56 am

  I didnt want to pay for the premium price for a new X5 so I got a use one. Pro: Good driving overall, great dealer service. Get used to hear people tell you "nice car or suv". Con: little sluggish with V6, I want a V8 now but of course you will have to pay for it (Gas). Back cam broke and dealer replaced it no charge. But the part only lasts three years for a back up cam? I hope BMW does a better job.

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  Finally a High Performance Diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Rick - November 28 - 10:34 am

  What a great road machine. Typically amazing BMW handling with an torquey (425 ft. lb.) diesel to slice through traffic and pull you down the open road. This machine not only has great performance and luxury, it also is a very low emission (check the white glove tail pipe test) high efficiency engine that exceeds 25 mpg on the highway. I can start this vehicle in my garage with the door closed and have literally NO diesel odor after warming up for several minutes. The engine has a nice growl at idle that fades to barely perceptible at highway speeds. The fit and finish are perfect and with the technology package the is little left to ask for in terms of amenities. Many 1,000 mile trips ahead.

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  X5 best SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By MS - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Well-made, handles like a dream. Much more practical than my Range Rover. Exterior looks compact, but it has a lot of interior room, especially rear passenger leg room.

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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!