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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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW X5
  By srobey - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car to drive. It really moves when you need it to, and also when you just "want" it to. I love the way it handles with the sport package. I love the way it looks. My car is never going off road. It is a fun car!

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  Solid SUV, Great Hybrid Performance - 2017 BMW X5
  By Enthusiast Dad - August 30 - 1:09 pm

  This plugin hybrid is the future of European car makers product lines. The paired gas and electric engines with overnight charging make for an uncompromising vehicle. The standard X5 gets low 20s MPG with a normal mix of city and highway driving. With this X5 40e plugin hybird, we charge once per day and have been averaging 45 MPG per tank. The car is confident and handles great, possibly due to the lower center of gravity with the heavy battery. Charging overnight is easy with a standard 120V household plug. For $500-$1000 you can install a 3.8 KWh "level 2" charger at home to cut down the charge time from ~8hours down to about 2.5 hours. And there are lots of great parking perks at public lots when youre in an electric car, frequently with the option to charge for free. (Public charging is sometimes pay-for-charge and costs less than $2.00). Overall the vehicle is extremely comfortable, high performing, easy to drive, and well appointed with premium leather, metal trim, and real woods. Its an expensive vehicle, but not a bad value.

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  The Bubba Truck - 2002 BMW X5
  By ToneG - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Been a Ford Chevy man all my life but the wife liked the X5 and to repent for all my fishing and golf trips, and to keep taking them, I reluctantly agreed to buy har an X5. Mistake!!! Im married to a BMWer Junkie! She loves it and wouldnt have anything else! I too have come to like it more than Ill admit to her. The handling in terrible weather is awsome, and the power is unbelieveable. The brakes are the biggest and best Ive ever seen. The car has to be one of the safest ever made.

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  OH YEAH - 2004 BMW X5
  By suvlover - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 8th SUV and this is by far the best of them all!! I have owned some premium brands and domestic, and I have finally found the perfect combination of style,luxury,reliability, and flat out fun driving experience. Drive the rest and then go drive the best!!

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  MercedesML Vs. BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By Brianthebroker - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The best thing I ever did was trading my 2000 ML430 for an X5 3.0 liter. The ML is the WORST CAR I have ever owned, it spent more time in the shop than I drove it. After owning the X5 for several months I have had not one problem with it. It is the best driving SUV in its class. Also it looks the best too. Its like a tank driving in the rain and a 5 series on dry pavement. The V6 BMW has more power than my V8 4.3 liter Mercedes. Oh yeah, it uses less gas than the ML as well. Ive already decided in 2005 I will be leasing another one. TRULY THE BEST SUV....

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  my new X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By n king - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We have had three 530s but hated the new design, so we went woth an X5. Why we ever drove anything else is a mystery to me. Weve had a number of snowstorms already, and the car has been amazing, plowing through six inches of messy snow and holding its own no matter what. It feels just like a car, has a roomy, well-designed and luxurious interior, and we love it. It doesnt have that boxy feeling of many other SUVs weve driven. Weve owned BMWs for 18 years, and theres a reason for our loyalty. The 2004 X5 does not disappoint. Now all we need is a little Z4 to match.

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  X5 Review - 2001 BMW X5
  By Al2002 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will do anything that a SUV is suppose to do. Its priced similar to the Chevy Tahoe and yet drives like a sports car. I really like mine.

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  more fun than I expected - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bimmerman - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the pleasure of driving my X5 in Germany for six months before coming back to the U.S. The X5 handles like a dream especially at high speeds. Even if the rear storage space is a little tight, it has come in handy on numerous occasions. The X5 is reliable and the performance is great.

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  JUST AWESOME - 2003 BMW X5
  By DENNIS SEHNAL - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever been in, owned, drove, etc.

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  Upgraded from 4.4i to 4.8is - 2004 BMW X5
  By Tampa Rob - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I did a diplomatic purchase on this vehicle through Joern Esser at Passport BMW in Maryland Heights, MD. Reeves BMW in Tampa delivered the vehicle and did an awesome job getting the truck ready for me. All in all an outstanding ride with the performance to match and looks that are exceptional. I highly recommend this BMW to anyone in this market and especially so if you can qualify for a diplomatic sale - the savings are substanial.