BMW X5

Name: 2021 BMW X5
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

After we put the redesigned BMW X5 through our test program, there was no debate: it’s among the best SUVs we’ve tested. It is a luxurious, slick, and well-rounded vehicle. With each new generation, the X5 has become more refined and comfortable, but less of a crisp-handling SUV. We think this redesign optimally balances comfort, agility, power delivery, and interior quality.

2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

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BMW X5

vs. Similar Cars

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BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2021

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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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

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

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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2021 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2021 BMW X5

$26,825 - $55,075

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Audi Q8

$30,100 - $67,300

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

$ NA

30 miles

20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 BMW X6

$32,775 - $56,550

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Genesis GV80

$23,925 - $34,825

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Land Rover Defender

$22,775 - $47,500

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Land Rover Range Rover

$25,725 - $74,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Lexus RX

$30,725 - $36,925

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Lexus RX Hybrid

$33,950 - $36,925

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2021 Lincoln Nautilus

$20,175 - $26,825

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2021 Maserati Levante

$22,850 - $65,675

EPA MPG 16 mpg

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$28,000 - $57,900

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Porsche Cayenne

$32,025 - $74,775

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

3-liter 6 turbo (335 hp)
3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (389 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (600 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (523 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (617 hp)

8-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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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.