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2018 BMW X5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

BMW X5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Engaging performance no matter the model
  • Luxurious interior
  • Comfortable ride

Cons

  • Not much legroom in the back rows
  • Less storage than rivals
  • Steering can be a little soft

Mileage (EPA estimate)

14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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2018 BMW X5 delivers comfortable performance

The 2018 BMW X5 is a class-leading luxury crossover SUV that combines the fun, dynamic driving experience of a BMW sedan with the utility of an SUV. It can be had in a host of trims and packages, with an optional third row that increases its utility. That third row is a bit cramped, but it will do in a pinch and speaks to the jack-of-all-trades quality that the X5 possesses.

On the base trim, the sDrive35i, the X5 generates more than 300 horsepower with a six-cylinder engine. All other trims are all-wheel drive and receive the xDrive moniker. Other engine options include a V8 (xDrive50i) diesel (xDrive35d) and a plug-in hybrid (xDrive40e). The plug-in hybrid provides 13 miles of all-electric range according to the EPA.

No matter the engine, the X5 delivers a wonderful combination of performance and utility. Its one flaw may be its lack of interior space compared to its rivals. Overall cargo space is merely adequate and legroom is lacking in the second and third rows.

All BMW X5 years

What is new for the 2018 BMW X5?

  • Rear A/C Seat(s) and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SDrive35i trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The XDrive35D trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The XDrive35i trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

2018 BMW X5 trims

Curious how BMW X5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SDrive35i:

  • 300-hp, 300-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Memory Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • View our BMW X5 SDrive35i inventory

XDrive35i:

XDrive35D:

  • Includes all features available on the XDrive35i
  • 255-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Turbo Diesel Engine

XDrive50i:

  • Includes all features available on the XDrive35D
  • 445-hp, 480-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Leather Seats
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our BMW X5 XDrive50i inventory

M:

  • Includes all features available on the XDrive50i
  • 567-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • View our BMW X5 M inventory

BMW X5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 BMW X5

What We Like

Driving: The X5 is a pleasure to drive and is easy to maneuver around curves despite its size. It's also plenty powerful for a midsize SUV, boasting more than 300 horsepower from its base engine. 

Comfort: The cabin features quality materials and is a nice place to spend time during a long drive. The driver's seat is 10-way adjustable, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position, and the seats offer decent padding and support. 

Interior: The interior lives up to BMW's luxury standards and is intuitively designed. Controls are well marked and the use of physical controls is easy to understand and use. There's also ample head and legroom in the first two rows. 

What Needs Improvement

Utility: Storage space lags behind some of the X5's competitors, particularly in the interior of the SUV. The cargo area is fine, but also less roomy than in some similar vehicles. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

7 customer reviews
2
1
2
Average

RepairPal gave the BMW X5 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X5 12th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X5

BMW X5 features and specs

SDrive35i 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

300

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

22.4

Wheelbase

115.5"

Overall length

192.4"

Width

76.3"

Height

69.4"

Leg room

F 40.4"/R 36.6"

Head room

F 40.5"/R 38.8"

Front tires

P255/50WR19

Rear tires

P255/50WR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

595/5952 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 BMW X5 FAQ

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