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 Ultimate Drivng Machine - 2006 BMW X5
  By Butterfly - July 6 - 3:58 am

  This vehicle REALLY is the ultimate driving machine. Ive enjoyed driving it every time! This car even makes going to the grocery store fun. Its the little things I appreciate!! I can hardly wait for the seven passenger!

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  The Best Alternative To A Range Rover - 2003 BMW X5
  By Rny330 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  If youre in the market for a new SUV and you want something classy, swanky, and very fun to drive, but want to save bucks instead of getting a Range Rover, so you can afford a seven series, this is the way to go...

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  Is this really a BMW - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jack Bruce - May 31 - 12:42 pm

  This 06 X-5 was a replacement for a "Lemon" 05 of exact color, type and equipment,I think they just swapped plates on the vehicle. The 05 had a bad transmission and sunroof both of which were finally replaced after five months of disgusting arguments. The 06 still had the same problems, those being transmission that didnt know what gear it wanted to be in and a sunroof that leaked and would not close as it was designed to. I have owned seven BMWs and generally thought they were some of the best cars built, this was also my third X-5, but definitely my last. I could go on and on with the problems but there is not enough room in this review. Stay away from this vehicle it is not worth it.

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  My X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By Fred - May 29 - 12:37 pm

  Excellent handling in corners and the best brakes I have ever experienced. Feels very nice when seated in it. A seemingly very safe passenger cabin. 3.0 liter engine is a bit under powered.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 BMW X5
  By Frosty05 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 4.4 and have thoroughly enjoyed this car but have had reliability and feature problems (mis- marketing of towing feature, horrific cup holders...). The acceleration, braking and overall handling are similar to a sports car. I describe the vehicle as an SUV sports car. I tried out many SUVs and none compared in handling and power to the X5. We are sadly selling the X5 (see below). We bought an H2.

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  Lots of Repairs - 2001 BMW X5
  By Expeditiondrivernow - April 16 - 10:50 am

  First, this truck was fun to drive. But......This truck needed dealer service about 20 times in three years, beginning the day I brought it home new. Battery discharged in the winter. Goofy electronics problems. Trailer towing was no problem for the drivetrain, but the subframe bent from the tongue load towing a trailer supposedly within the rated load. The cupholders would only hold one at a time due to the intersecting circles-- an aftermarket cupholder corrected this. Due to the frequent dealer visits and lack of confidence I wouldnt drive it to Canada or any remote places like I had intended...I bought a used Jeep for the trips far away from a BMW dealer.

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  Drive train ok but POS vehicle on top of it. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Dissatisfied - April 7 - 8:13 pm

  Drive train is good, but extremely expensive to maintain and has some very poor engineering designs. Accessories are low quality, high rate of failure and expensive. The electronics have the worst programing logic and a high rate of failure. It would be passible if you could put a real vehicle on top of the drive train. Spent a lot of money for nothing.

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  The Best Value SUV Used. Nothing Better! - 2001 BMW X5
  By James .D - April 3 - 1:04 am

  I have had two 01 BMW x5 4,4s and I never had any real issues with them. The first X5 was bought used at 49k and I had the lower control arms changed under warranty. I had it until 79k and nothing else but oil changes were done. I sold it and bought the same model with 69k and every single option as the other was just a 4.4 with no extra options. I had to change the AC Climate control module. I did the repair in 15 minutes. At 78k just did front brakes and coolant flush. I do not baby my vehicles and both x5s have held up very well in NYC. If you want an SUV that handles and drives great, this is it!

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  A great used SUV bargain - 2003 BMW X5
  By PaulGinAZ - March 31 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased a 2003 X5 3.0 Sport for my wife last March with 41,000 miles and all options except for cold weather pkg. In the 14000 miles since then we have received excellent service from the dealership and aside from replacing the OEM Michelin tires with Kuhmos and replacing the battery the vehicle has been flawless, safe, quiet, and rattle-free. Insist on service records and if you can buy the extended maintenence package (3 year 50k including all services, oil changes, and brakes) for $1000 like we did you should be in the clear.

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  Perfect - 2001 BMW X5
  By First BMW - March 24 - 3:14 pm

  Ive owned this BMW for about 5 yrs. I have 71k on it and nothing has gone wrong so far thank GOD. A lot of people complain about many different things but I think the problem is on how fully loaded you get it. There is a saying " If you go German, then you go all the way". I believe this because Ive purchased only BMW my whole life and each time its been "FULLY LOADED" This means Sport, Premium, Winter package, and every other bell and whistle that goes with it. Try it, I did, and I love it....