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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  Love to drive it - 2007 BMW X5
  By waserdo - April 7 - 2:34 pm

  The X5 has been a pleasure to own and drive. BMW has made owning this car a pleasure to have with a wrap around warranty program that covers everything including brakes and always being available to cover your needs. The car in all the time I have had it, has only needed oil changes and a brake change. Thumbs up BMW.

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  Best luxury SUV on the market today... - 2003 BMW X5
  By GR - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely tops in build quality and style, my X5 is exceptional. Not only will the German engineering and quality last for years, but the glamour quotient will as well. Exceptional.

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  Impressive Ride and Drive - 2007 BMW X5
  By DRF - March 13 - 10:09 pm

  After in-depth comparisons to Mercedes ML 320 CDI, ML500, Lexus GX 470 and Cadillac Escalade, the BMW X5 won me over quickly in a variety of areas from build and finish to actual ride, drive and handling. Most of the others offered spongy-swaying rides, not the X5. The V8 is a beast and the 6 cylinder is more than adequate and the mileage is much better. Certain option packages are well worth the cost like the Premium package, the Technology package, Sport package and definitely the Active Steering as well as the Comfort Assist. The Active Steering provides an incredible increased handling effect. And 4 yrs/50k mile bumper to bumper INCLUDING maintenance is sweet as well.

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  Cant Say Enough About the New X5 - 2007 BMW X5
  By anon5 - March 12 - 10:52 pm

  BMW has done an outstanding job with this redesign. The old and new X5 both perform well, but the new X5 adds REFINEMENT to the equation. Wind/road noise are hugely reduced. Interior quality is greatly improved. The sport package with active suspension hugs the road, yet gives very smooth ride quality with minimal lean in corners. Contour seats are excellent, although the active "massage" seats are a little weird (like having a python slowly undulate under the seat cushion). No squeaks, rattles. No defects. I tire of the computer-challenged press who constantly complain because they cant learn all iDrive features in a 10-minute test drive. I love the control it gives over vehicle functions.

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  Beautiful but its the last US made BMW Ill get - 2014 BMW X5
  By JC Car Enthusiast - March 5 - 11:53 am

  I will start by saying that I consider my self a BMW enthusiast. This is my 5th BMW and sadly my first review, were I feel compelled to put out there, what my disappointments have been. I understand that one can be the unlucky bearer of a rare lemon. However the abysmal difference of expiereiences with this, my first US made BMW makes me believe that there could be fundamental quality control differences between plants. Here is what went wrong: loud ringing on the right-rear column (4 visits to repair), transmission box failure (1 visit, but the engine sounds funny, when going up a hill, ever since), cargo door would open on its own (3 visits where I was mostly blamed for "inadvertently hitting the open button", until on the 4th visit, they found that there was in deed an issue), failure of the soft-locking mechanism (this being the worst of all issues, as the doors would open by themselves while the vehicle was being operated!!). I swear this to be true. It took 4 visits as well, where BMW service centers would refuse to fix the problem since they had to "witness" the issue happening. The challenge being that if the episodes would happen at random, the service tecnitians could not drive around the car for days until they actually saw the phenomenon happen. So of course, as a customer, to have to deal with the disbelief of the dealerships, while being forced to drive around when doors can open at any time, is beyond frustrating. I believe that BMW still makes very good product, but I have moved my vote of no confidence in the North Carolina quality control and for the first time in 15 years, I steered off from BMW SUVs.

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  Underpowered - 2007 BMW X5
  By Frank - February 26 - 4:49 pm

  Bought new 2007 X5 sight unseen. Ordered in October, picked up car in January. In gently rolling area the X5 3.0 seems underpowered. The transmission is constantly shifting and feels like it is straining. If you really put your foot on the gas, its not as noticeable. Love the design, in fact am trading in for the X5 4.8. Its going to cost, but my mistake.

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  Best SAV on the Road - 2004 BMW X5
  By Brett Merrington - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this sav, I had a 2000 4.4 and love my new 2004 4.4

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  BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By Ted - February 23 - 5:03 pm

  Great car runs well, build very good, exterior design the best, interior excellent, mileage good, performance excellent.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! - 2004 BMW X5
  By BMWfinatic - February 17 - 8:23 pm

  My second bmw. I absolutely love it. Amazing ride, comfort and I feel so safe driving down the road. It is perfect for wanting a fun, nice car with the suv (or "SAV") versatility. Handles great in all weather. I was a little disappointed with the depreciation, considering my last one really held its value. Will only buy BMW for the rest of my life. no other car company can come close to their customer service, quality, performance. BMW really stands behind their product.

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  New to me X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By steveo - February 14 - 9:39 am

  Ive owned a couple BMWs before (both M3s)... and have always loved the X5 design. We drove the Volvo XC90 and was pretty close to buying one. After driving the X5, I didnt even have to think again about it. Its still a little pricey for 2 years old... but I think I like this car just as much as my 2003 M3. Crazy.