BMW X5

Name: 2005 BMW X5
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Overall, the X5 3.0i is a very good vehicle, with agile handling, precise steering, an impressive drivetrain and a comfortable interior. The X5 felt stable and secure on our track with very balanced behavior at its limits of adhesion, with appropriate help from its stability control program. However, the X5 is ultimately compromised by a choppy ride.

2005 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2005 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

2005 BMW X5

$3,700 - $4,700

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Acura MDX

$4,225 - $4,625

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Cadillac Escalade

$5,550 - $6,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Land Rover LR3

$3,700 - $4,925

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lexus GX

$ NA

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lexus LX

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lincoln Aviator

$4,675 - $5,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lincoln Navigator

$4,250 - $4,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Land Cruiser

$12,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo XC90

$3,475 - $4,350

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3-liter 6 (225 hp)
4.4-liter V8 (315 hp)
4.8-liter V8 (355 hp)

6-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2019 X5 is one of the best vehicles we've ever tested. The xDrive40i's smooth 335-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine makes the X5 quick and easy to drive smoothly, yet it gets a decent 23 mpg overall. We don't think there is any reason to opt for the V8-powered xDrive50i. The ride is comfortable and impressively steady and composed. The impeccably finished, luxurious cabin is whisper quiet, and the seats are all-day comfortable. Handling isn't sporty but is very competent. Controls have an initial learning curve but prove to be logical once mastered, and the infotainment system works seamlessly. An M50i version, with a 523-hp, turbo V8 engine, was new for 2020. The optional driving assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance, with automatic lane change with eye glance introduced in 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

The 2014 redesign brought a smoother ride but less crispness and reduced agility. We would choose the standard six-cylinder engine to get the best blend of performance and fuel economy. Most X5s came with the optional Premium package. The backup camera is the only option we consider a must-have. While iDrive continues to flummox, its features have improved with faster response time and better voice controls. BMW offers a Driver Assistance Package, which includes lane departure, forward collision, and pedestrian warnings, along with city collision mitigation, a rear camera and head-up display. You can also get the Driver Assistance Plus option, which adds blind spot detection, surround view cameras and speed limit info. A plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-liter twin turbo four-cylinder engine joined the lineup for 2016.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign is longer and adds an optional, kids-only third row. The six- and eight-cylinder engines are powerful and the diesel version got 22 mpg in our tests. Even though iDrive makes the controls more complex, we like the handling, smooth engine, comfortable seats and impeccable fit and finish. Overall though, we think the complicated controls and stiff suspension will frustrate most buyers. A turbodiesel is available.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

More sport than utility, BMW's 'big' SUV started out with a stiff ride but comfortable seats and a plush interior. With the 4.4-liter V8, it accelerates like a sports car, with outstanding handling and braking to boot. While the 3.0-liter inline six is plenty powerful, our X5 tester equipped with this engine lifted two wheels in our avoidance maneuver testing -- despite the presence of stability control as standard equipment. For that reason, we rate its emergency handling as poor. While improvements to the platform for 2005 models cure that problem, handling is still unsettled at the limit. Cargo capacity and rear-seat room are modest. The X5 holds 35.5 cubic feet of cargo. Payload is 1,290 pounds, 220 of which can be loaded on the roof. Properly equipped, the X5 will tow 5,000 pounds.