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 X5 ROCKS!!!!!! - 2001 BMW X5
  By tom - November 26 - 3:01 pm

  We have a black on black x5 with every option 4.4L and we love it. The x5 has perfect crash scores, performance, technology, comfort, and a lot more. The x5 is the sportiest and best out of the bunch.

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  Great SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By thstone - November 26 - 12:46 pm

  I bought a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) 2002 X5 last year (2004) and after a full year of ownership I can say that this is an awesome car! The 3.0 engine has more than enough power and is silky smooth. The interior is typical BMW - clean, crisp, and functional. I opted for the standard handling package (not the sport package) as the ride with the SP was way too harsh for me and my family. Some people complain about the gas mileage, but I have been averaging around 19 MPG (50/50 city/hwy) which isnt too bad. The CPO warranty saved me around $1000 in repairs (new electric window lifts). Overall, I have been very, very happy with car.

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  THE MOST COMPLETE VEHICLE. - 2003 BMW X5
  By steve benion - November 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a sports car, luxury car, and an suv all in one. I highly recommend the 4.6is. It is a true beast with its incredible high output 4.6 motor, however the exterior gives a sporty, yet elusive appearance, when compared to what this vehicle can really do. The interior and overall ride is 2nd to none. Ive driven most all cars and suvs out there , and the ride in this one is more like a ferrari combined with a rolls royce. Yet one feels like your are hi enough to look down upon the cars, but not to hi as to make you feel as if you are unstable or will flip when taking a fast turn. At 100mph it feels like 40mph.

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  Awesome - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lorne - November 14 - 3:57 pm

  This vehicle has style, class, and enough horses under the engine to do what ever you would like. Its very versatile. One day Im going to business meeting and next Im pulling a 6600lbs boat to go fishing.

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  excellent - 2006 BMW X5
  By steven - November 9 - 10:19 pm

  It was hard to switch over to the BMW X5 4.4i for the Volvo XC90, but within hours I was in love with this vehicle. Its like driving a cloud. The weather in New England has been rough this fall and this SUV handles like a dream. Thank you.

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  Amazing - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bimmerman - November 8 - 7:59 pm

  Traded in a Lincoln Navigator for this little sports car. Best car Ive ever owned or driven. Makes driving fun, wife & I look for excuses to drive. Amazing the way it handles, accelerates and brakes. Almost feels like it anticipates your next move. Takes corners like it is glued to the road. Love the passing acceleration at all speeds.

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  Bulletproof Bavarian - 2001 BMW X5
  By Rod - November 3 - 6:19 pm

  The X5 is, by far, the best vehicle I have ever owned. It still turns heads, runs like a top, and corners like its on rails. The only thing I can say thats bad about this vehicle is that the user interface on the navigation system is atrocious, and the CD changer is in the cargo area. If Im picking nits to this degree, you can see that Im grasping at straws. I wind up negotiating with my S.O. about who gets to drive it.

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  Yes. Its umtimate driving machine. - 2006 BMW X5
  By clifford - November 1 - 3:36 pm

  4.4 with sports package and 19" wheels, it looks aggressive and really is. It can drive silky smooth, pass effortless in any speed, and stop on a dime. 3.0 is a bit lag from start, but 4.4 is really fast and fast. Cargo space is a bit tight, but who cares that in this driving machine. It drives like a sport sedan. Minimum body lean on curve. Panorama moon roof is fresh. Overall mileage is about 20miles/gallon which is not that bad at all. Im excited every morning when I sit on it. How many cars can give you this sort of excitement?

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  X5 outdoes my expectations - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bill - October 29 - 12:33 pm

  I have not been able to find a flaw in the design or structure of the 2005 X5. Everything works and in one year I have not had any problems. The new 4.4 engine is extremely responsive and very smooth. Holds the road like a vette. The price is high but worth it. I traded a 2003 for the 05 and am glad I did.

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  step up to a 4.4i - 2006 BMW X5
  By steven k - October 28 - 4:57 am

  Had a 03, 3.0 and loved it. Just bought a 4.4.Sport. Wow what a difference. BMW took out all the kinks from the old model. Real quiet inside, solid ride, agile, great acceleration. Get the sport package. Seats are more comfy. I drive this truck in n.y.c. Handles the roads unbeliveable. Fixed the annoying hatch rattle and now easy to remove rear cover. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. Gas mileage sucks. But what is perfect in life? If money is an issue you dont deserve to drive this truck, sorry...