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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  2010 BMW x5 Diesel first quarter - 2010 BMW X5
  By Old_Navy - April 2 - 11:51 pm

  First of all Bellvue could not have treated me better. I had been to to other dealerships locally in the Portland area and they were unsat. My only complaint is the Nav system that cant find anything and the sound system. The nav system has Probability of Success for finding something of less than .5. You could go to the vendor website and enter the lat long, but if you dont know where it is then you dont know lat long either. The radio will tune to both HD and standard signals and sometimes both which is the problem. Like an echo due to signal lag. Sound is not exceptional. Ride is great with the Multi contour seats. Overall car is great though Diesel performs well. Moon roof is nice

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  the shop guys call it a truck - 2009 BMW X5
  By woolly - March 31 - 7:53 am

  Love that diesel note at idle. Reminds me of being in Europe. Cant hear it at speed. Surprising punch with dual sequential turbo. Feels best at 80 mph. Gets an honest 26 mpg at that rate. Town is 17/18. Electronics are suspect. Clock wont boot sometimes. Nav screen will not come up on occasion. Had three Nav heads installed on warranty. Probably fixed. Had an alternator go out, took three weeks to get replacement. Dealer made a courtesy payment! With all those gears it is hard for trans to select medium takeoff velocity. Easy is fine and stoop on it and it flies. The middle is hard to attain. I love/distrust this car and will probably trade before warranty expires.

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  Never Again - 2005 BMW X5
  By Infiniti G - February 26 - 11:35 pm

  Creature comforts are very nice and fun to drive but horribly unreliable. At 42,000 miles started to sound like a diesel, alternator bearings bad and then completely failed. Cheap oem crimp style hose clamp on transmission recovery bottle failed which is also positioned directly above alternator.Dealer service technicians incorrectly diagnosed as having a bad high pressure power steering hose.Found out they wanted 1500 for repair and I towed it back home to fix myself for $150.Eats break pads and rotors for lunch,repld with better aftermarket.Brake pad sensor is poor design and you must replace sensor at pad change or your brake pad warning light will stay illuminated.

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  This luxury SUV stinks big time! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Hollie - February 9 - 4:19 pm

  I purchased this car used. The list of problems goes on and on and pretty much resonates what I have read from others so far: Tires have to be replaced every six months due to excessive wear and tear, coolant tank and hoses had to be replaced and the car is still leaking coolant, and best of all, after 100k miles, it needs a new transmission. The cost? $6,000! The X5 has far too many mechanical failures to deal with which ultimately makes this model not worth it in the end.

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  BMW never again!! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Alessandra - January 13 - 4:11 pm

  Bought the car with sport package including 20" wheels. Wished Ive known then what I know now. Replace the rims several times($1,100 each or $275 to fix),once 3 were crack at the same time. If I run over a pothole for sure 1 rim will crack. In the city its hard to avoid potholes when traffic is too close behind. Those rims have run flat tires,so NO spares,NO car until new rims arrive(about10-12 days). Now there is a problem with the battery,it gets "awaken" for no reason,which means battery is dead,so key is stuck,NOTHING works,had the car jumped and running would not get into gear. Pick up car today(1 week),left window was open during rain,left door & seat controls soaked including leather seat

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  This is the best- handling SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By RAW - January 7 - 12:43 am

  Still driving this 2005 in 2010, and intend on keeping it. This is the best- handling SUV - perfect size, balance, pick-up. I like it better than the 2006 model, which is wider and feels less nimble. If the seats are too hard for you, buy a Buick. They are just right for a sporty drive. And personally, I love the sound and feel of the heavy clunk of the doors. Heavy they are, safe they are, also. Yet the X5 4.4i never makes you think youre driving a tank (hello Range Rover!). Ive never driven any other SUV that had the handling characteristic of this X5. BMW got that one just right.

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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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  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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  Great Car - 2005 BMW X5
  By goodx5 - November 3 - 3:57 pm

  We purchased this new in 2005 and have 110,000 miles on it now. Was in the shop a few times right after we bought it, but it hasnt been back (other than scheduled maintenance) since. The car is incredibly reliable and is as solid as a rock. You can tell the build quality and safety by the weight of the doors. Great heated seats, panorama sunroof, and comfort. Holds up to wear and tear very well driving around three busy sons. Definitely would buy another.

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  Has some problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By BobbyB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love driving the X5. Ive actually had 2 of them and highly recommend paying up for the 4.4. I had major electrical problems with my first X5 that the dealership couldnt fix. The second one (4.4) has been perfect. The X5 has been recalled more than most SUVs.