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:
Showing 951 through 960 of 1,143.00-
The best Luxery/Performance SUV/SAV/etc. - 2003 BMW X5
By alik61 - August 30 - 10:00 amThe best I ever had. Fun to drive in any weather sun/rain even more amaised. Luxery all over. AWD all weather sport and some unility and a lot of fun to drive.
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A - 2003 BMW X5
By david lee - August 18 - 10:00 amTHE BEST SUV EVER BUILT. IT HANDLES LIKE A DREAM. NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO IT.
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Outstanding vehicle!!! - 2003 BMW X5
By Max405 - August 18 - 2:00 amI Love it! Its every bit a sportscar, not a truck. Through the hills it carves the turns at 50mph like a BMW 1/2 its size!! The 8 cylinder sounds like a million honeybees when you press the throttle. The interior is amazingly luxurious. The seats are perfect. The Orange glow on the light wood is magical. There is only one thing you can say, Its a BMW. You will never want for more.
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BMW is BMW after all - 2001 BMW X5
By candyman6688 - August 13 - 2:00 amThe car is amazing, great quality, design, ride and etc. When going 80 MPH it feels like 40 on a regular car.
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2001 X54.4i - 2001 BMW X5
By Beachbum - August 13 - 2:00 amPros: Engine Power-its a 540 with a fridge on the roof. This SAV gets up and goes. Digital stereo has amazing sound Overall comfort supperior to any other SUV. Plenty of leg & shoulder room. Great for long drives. Handles just like any other BMW - like ridding on rails. VERY safe car -5 Star rating. Cons: I use the BMW Term SAV is stead of SUV - since there is little utility in the cargo bay. They need to stretch the cargo bay 1-2 feet more. No wonder they offer a travel trailer to pull behind the X5. Fit and Finish of the door pulls. Mine have been replaced twice, my finger nail scratches the finish off.
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I LOVE MY X5 - 2002 BMW X5
By LA95CAM - July 23 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my X5. Before I purchased my X5 I drove a few other luxury SUVs and found that the X5 was the best overall in handling, comfort and performance.
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2002 X5 with 26000 miles - 2003 BMW X5
By jamsk - July 6 - 2:00 amMy third BMW. The last was a 528i. The X5 3.0 offers BMW handling and ride with the attributes of an SUV. Plenty of power, reasonable Highway mileage (20) no need for a larger engine. I love it except for the seats being too hard and get uncomfortable over the long haul.
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What is happening to BMW Quality/Service - 2001 BMW X5
By TEM - July 3 - 2:00 amI have had major problems with my X-5. Most seem to have been electrical. It is in the shop every other month. The problems range from dieing while driving to headlights and directionals burn outs. The car only has 23000 miles on it and should not be experiencing such problems. On the other hand, BMW service has deteriorated. The dealership even scratched the vehicle and refuses to pay for it. Corporate has been no help with resolving the issue. I will never buy another BMW.
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OSSOM - 2003 BMW X5
By BRIAN LEE - June 25 - 10:00 amGREAT CAR- VERY FUN TO DRIVE AND ZIP AROUND TOWN. A FUN CAR TO DRIVE IN ON CURVY ROADS.
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the truth - 2000 BMW X5
By mujo - June 16 - 2:00 amcar has gone to the shop many times. now i have about 38000 miles rain sensor,door locks,door knob drivers side,front suspension,computer in dash gone bad.All little things. car is under warranty so it is ok but for 57000$ ??????
