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2020 BMW X5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

BMW X5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Powerful engine performance
  • Luxurious and comfortable interior
  • Spacious cabin and cargo area

Cons

  • Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
  • Limited interior storage
  • Wide doorsills impede ease of entry and exit

Mileage (EPA estimate)

13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

A luxurious midsize SUV with plenty of power

If you are shopping for a luxury midsize SUV that can help you master your commute, shuttle your family around town, and carry your belongings to where they need to go, the BMW X5 is a stand-out choice. Originally introduced in 2000, the 2020 X5 is in its fourth generation and boasts an array of V6 and V8 engine options and trim levels with premium features to reflect your active lifestyle.

All BMW X5 years

What is new for the 2020 BMW X5?

  • The X5 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Competition, M, M50i, and sDrive40i.
  • X5 trims have been upgraded with Adjustable Suspension, Heated Steering Wheel, Head Up Display, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking and Fold-Away Third Row features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The xDrive40i trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

2020 BMW X5 trims

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

sDrive40i:

  • Includes 19-inch v-spoke light-alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, two 12.3-inch touchscreen displays with voice recognition, a navigation system, a panoramic moonroof, and more.

  • View all BMW X5 sDrive40is in stock

xDrive40i:

  • Includes the same standard features as the sDrive40i, but adds an xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and an additional exterior color option (Carbon Black Metallic).

  • View all BMW X5 xDrive40is in stock

xDrive50i:

  • Adds a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, four-zone automatic climate control, and 20-way power multi-contour front seats with memory functions for both driver and passenger.

  • View all BMW X5 xDrive50is in stock

M50i:

BMW X5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 BMW X5

1. Upscale interior

BMW X5: Front Seats | CarMax

The 2020 BMW X5 is an excellent choice for singles, couples, or families with its five-passenger seating configuration that comes standard on all trim levels. If you need additional space to carry two more occupants, the sDrive40i and xDrive40i trims offer an optional third row that's best suited for children. Inside the cabin, handsome leather upholstery provides a premium feel to xDrive50i and M50i trims and is contrasted by high-gloss wood and aluminum details. After a long day at work, you'll feel rejuvenated as soon as you slide into the 20-way power multi-contour front seats (xDrive50i and M50i trims), which include additional power-adjustment functions for extra shoulder and thigh support.

2. Invigorating performance

BMW X5: Engine | CarMax

With three engine offerings, the 2020 X5 lets you customize your performance to suit your lifestyle. The base 3.0L V6 provides a solid foundation with 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque on sDrive40i (FWD) and xDrive40i (AWD) trims but the turbocharged 4.4L V8 is the ideal choice if you're looking for a true powerhouse. The 2020 BMW X5 is also capable of 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque on the xDrive50i trim and a massive 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque on the new M50i trim. The X5 matches this spicy performance with a standard adaptive suspension that ensures excellent handling over rough surfaces and composed cornering on twisty roads.

3. Innovative tech

BMW X5: Tech Dash | CarMax

The 2020 X5 is packed with innovative tech features that will enhance your time behind the wheel. BMW's latest iDrive infotainment system with voice recognition comes standard and boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with vibrant graphics, a navigation system, and Apple CarPlay® compatibility. You can control the screen by tapping and swiping or use a knob and touchpad located on the center console. The 2020 X5 also comes standard equipped with numerous driver-assist features, like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, all inspiring confidence with each mile.

4. Plentiful cargo space

BMW X5: Trunk Cargo | CarMax

Whether loading up after a shopping spree or filling the trunk with your kids' hockey equipment, the BMW X5 offers cavernous cargo capacity for your belongings. Behind the second row is 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is easily accessed using the horizontal-split power tailgate that comes standard on all trim levels. However, if you need to prioritize cargo room over passenger space, folding the rear seats reveals 72.3 cubic feet of volume. For smaller storage items, the cabin of the X5 also boasts a locking glove box and a front-seat center console with a power outlet and a USB-C port with three-amp charging ability.

5. New M50i trim for the 2020 model

BMW X5: Backseats | CarMax

New for 2020, the BMW X5 offers a performance-oriented M50i trim with a 4.4L turbo V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The engine is backed by an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and works in conjunction with an M Sport differential, M Sport exhaust system, and an Adaptive M Suspension. Combining true sports car performance with SUV comfort and convenience, the X5 M50i delivers incredible handling and traction on various road surfaces and in challenging weather conditions. If you like fast acceleration, you'll love the 2020 X5 M50i's powerful performance. According to BMW, the SUV's 4.4L turbo V8 can fly from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds when new.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 BMW X5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of BMW X3

If you're shopping for a five-passenger SUV with robust performance and available all-wheel drive, the BMW X3 is worth a look. Redesigned in 2018 as part of its third generation, 2018–2019 models start with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Whether driving around town or on family road trips, you may love how smooth and composed the base model rides. But if you're craving athleticism, the 2018–2019 M40i is equipped with a 355 hp turbocharged 3.0L V6 with 369 lb-ft of torque, along with a sport-tuned suspension and sport exhaust. The 2017 X3 is also a great pick if you like having options. Available in four trims and with three powertrain choices, including a diesel, the base 2017 X3 sDrive28i is well-equipped with these standard features:

  • 18-inch wheels

  • Power liftgate

  • Leatherette upholstery

  • Eight-way power front seats with driver-seat memory functions

  • Bluetooth connectivity

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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

sDrive40i 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

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

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

330

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

21.9

Wheelbase

117.1"

Overall length

194.3"

Width

78.9"

Height

68.7"

Leg room

F 39.8"/R 37.4"

Head room

F 40.8"/R 38.7"

Front tires

P265/50HR19

Rear tires

P265/50HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 BMW X5 FAQ

More about the 2020 BMW X5

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Alpine White

  • Ametrin Metallic

  • Arctic Gray Metallic

  • Black Sapphire Metallic (Drive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i)

  • Carbon Black Metallic (xDrive40i, xDrive50i, M50i)

  • Dark Graphite Metallic (Drive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i)

  • Jet Black (Drive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i)

  • Manhattan Green Metallic (Drive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i)

  • Mineral White Metallic

  • Phytonic Blue Metallic

  • Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Interior details

  • Maximum cargo volume is 72.3 cubic feet.

  • Five-passenger seating comes standard while seven-passenger seating is available with an optional third-row seat on sDrive40i and xDrive40i trims.

  • Leatherette upholstery comes standard on sDrive40i and xDrive40i trims while xDrive50i and M50i trims boast leather upholstery.

  • A split-opening power tailgate comes standard on all trim levels.

  • Three-stage heated front seats come standard on all trims.

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