BMW X5

BMW X5: Which Version to Buy and Why

The BMW X5 choice depends primarily on whether the priority is economy, performance, drivetrain, or powertrain type. Across the supplied catalogue, the model appears in seven generation and restyling records, all as an SUV 5-doors, spanning March 1999 onward.

The BMW X5 choice depends primarily on whether the priority is economy, performance, drivetrain, or powertrain type. Across the supplied catalogue, the model appears in seven generation and restyling records, all as an SUV 5-doors, spanning March 1999 onward. The clearest economy-led choice is the third-generation 25d 2.0 AT Steptronic with 231 hp, 500 Nm, RWD, and combined consumption of 5.3 l/100 km. For stronger diesel performance, the fourth-generation M50d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic offers 400 hp and 775 Nm. Among the current restyled versions, the 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic combines 490 hp, 700 Nm, a 4.8-second acceleration time, and measured combined consumption of 1.1 l/100 km. The M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic is the performance leader in that range, with 530 hp, 750 Nm, and 0–100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

BMW X5 generations and the versions worth comparing

The first generation ran from March 1999 to January 2004 with six versions, followed by a restyling from April 2003 to October 2006 with seven versions. Both were SUV 5-doors models. The original range covered 184–347 hp, while the restyled range reached 360 hp. Early buyers can compare Manual and Automatic transmissions, both with AWD. The original 3.0d 2.9 MT takes 10.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h, while the restyled 4.8is 4.8 AT does it in 6.1 seconds, a difference of 4.0 seconds.

The second generation ran from August 2006 to May 2010 with eight versions, followed by a restyling from May 2010 to September 2013 with eight versions. Both used the SUV 5-doors body. The earlier range uses 6-speed Automatic gearboxes throughout; the restyled selection mainly uses 8-speed Automatic units, although 35d 3.0 AT xDrive retains six gears. The restyled M50d 3.0 AT xDrive produces 381 hp and 740 Nm, compared with 286 hp and 580 Nm for the earlier 3.0sd 3.0 AT.

The third generation ran from October 2013 to January 2019. The database lists thirteen modifications and shows twelve, all with an SUV 5-doors body and an 8-speed Automatic gearbox. It offers the broadest drivetrain choice in the supplied data: AWD versions sit alongside RWD versions, and the engine selection includes Diesel, Gasoline, and Plug-in powertrains. Output ranges from 218 hp to 450 hp.

The fourth generation ran from June 2018 to January 2023 with eleven SUV 5-doors versions. Every listed version has an 8-speed Automatic gearbox and AWD. Its engines include Diesel, Gasoline, and Plug-in choices producing from 231 hp to 530 hp. The restyling began in February 2023 and contains six versions. It adds a choice between RWD and AWD while offering outputs from 286 hp to 530 hp.

BMW X5 engine specs and drivetrain comparison

Repeated names are distinguished by output where necessary.

BMW X5 performance and fuel economy

For the fastest measured acceleration in the catalogue, the fourth-generation M50i 4.4 AT xDrive Steptronic and the restyled M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic both reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The M50i records combined consumption of 10.7 l/100 km; consumption for the M60i is not measured. The restyled 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic is only 0.5 seconds slower, reaches 250 km/h, and records 1.1 l/100 km combined with CO₂ emissions of 26.

Among diesels, the fourth-generation M50d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, delivers 775 Nm, and uses 7.2 l/100 km combined. The third-generation M50d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic takes 5.3 seconds and uses 6.7 l/100 km, so the newer version gains 19 hp and 35 Nm but consumes 0.5 l/100 km more.

Economy-focused buyers should compare the third-generation 231 hp versions. The RWD 25d 2.0 AT Steptronic records 5.3 l/100 km combined, while the AWD 25d 2.0 AT xDrive Steptronic records 5.6 l/100 km. Both deliver 231 hp, 500 Nm, 7.7-second acceleration, and a 220 km/h top speed; AWD adds 45 kg and 0.3 l/100 km in the measured combined figure.

Missing figures matter when comparing listings. Acceleration and top speed for the second-generation 30d 3.0 AT xDrive with 211 hp are not measured. They are also not measured for the restyled first-generation 4.4i 4.4 AT with 329 hp. Fuel consumption for the fourth-generation 40i 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic versions with 340 hp and 333 hp is not measured, and the same applies to the current 40i MHEV sDrive Steptronic, 40i MHEV xDrive Steptronic, and M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic.

BMW X5 dimensions, weight, clearance, tank and wheels

Kerb weight varies materially between comparable versions. In the current range, 40i MHEV xDrive Steptronic weighs 2165 kg, or about 5.7 kg per hp. M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic weighs 2345 kg, or about 4.4 kg per hp. The 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic weighs 2420 kg, the highest current kerb figure, but its 490 hp still gives about 4.9 kg per hp.

The first generation uses 92-litre tanks and has ground clearance of either 180 mm or 203 mm. Its restyling uses a 93-litre tank and 203 mm clearance. Both second-generation phases use 85-litre tanks and 222 mm clearance, the largest clearance shown in the data. The third generation retains an 85-litre tank with 209 mm clearance. The fourth generation uses a 69-litre tank with 214 mm clearance, while its current restyling increases tank capacity to 80 litres and keeps 214 mm clearance.

Recorded wheel choices include 255/50 R19 and 285/45 R19 for the second-generation-restyling M50d 3.0 AT xDrive. Third-generation choices include 255/50 R19, 275/40 R20, and 315/35 R20 on 50i 4.4 AT xDrive Steptronic. Several fourth-generation versions list 275/40 R21 and 315/35 R21. The current 40d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic lists 255/55 R18 and 265/50 R19. Wheel sizes for versions without an entry are not measured.

Gross weight is also useful when comparing heavy powertrains. The current 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic has a gross weight of 3200 kg, against 3045 kg for M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic and 2885 kg for 40i MHEV xDrive Steptronic. Gross weight for the third-generation 35i 3.0 AT Steptronic is not measured.

Which BMW X5 version should you buy?

Choose the third-generation 25d 2.0 AT Steptronic with 231 hp if measured fuel economy is the main criterion and RWD is acceptable. It combines 500 Nm with 5.3 l/100 km and weighs 1995 kg. Choose the otherwise equivalent 25d 2.0 AT xDrive Steptronic with 231 hp if AWD matters more than its 45 kg weight increase and 0.3 l/100 km consumption increase.

Choose the fourth-generation M50d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic if diesel torque is the priority. Its 775 Nm is 75 Nm above the fourth-generation 40d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic, while its 400 hp is 60 hp higher. It reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds sooner, although combined consumption rises from 6.4 to 7.2 l/100 km.

Choose the current 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic when the desired combination is Plug-in propulsion, AWD, strong acceleration, and the lowest measured combined consumption in the supplied data. It offers 110 hp more than 40i MHEV xDrive Steptronic, carries 255 kg more kerb weight, and accelerates 0.6 seconds quicker.

Choose M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic for the strongest current Gasoline specification: 530 hp, 750 Nm, and 4.3 seconds to 100 km/h. Its combined consumption is not measured, so it cannot be given a reliable economy ranking from this catalogue.

For an older V-shaped, non-turbo Gasoline version, 4.8is 4.8 AT is the strongest first-generation-restyling choice at 360 hp and 500 Nm. It gains 31 hp over the 329 hp 4.4i 4.4 AT and reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds; the comparable acceleration figure for that 329 hp 4.4i 4.4 AT is not measured.

Price, sale availability, reliability, engine-oil type, coolant requirements, warning-light diagnosis, and maintenance history are not measured in the supplied data. They therefore cannot decide the comparison here. On catalogue evidence alone, the strongest recommendations are the 231 hp third-generation 25d 2.0 AT Steptronic for economy, the fourth-generation M50d 3.0 AT xDrive Steptronic for diesel performance, the current 50e 3.0 PHEV xDrive Steptronic for the Plug-in balance, and the current M60i 4.4 V8 MHEV xDrive Steptronic for maximum Gasoline performance.