2021 BMW X5 review
BMW X5 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Impressive engine options
- Long list of cabin features
- Spacious cargo area
Cons
- Not much cabin storage despite the interior space
- Wide doorsills make entry and exit more difficult
- Blind spots are created by small mirrors and wide roof pillars
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Turbocharged power wrapped in luxury.
With stunning good looks, a plush interior, and adrenaline-inducing performance, the 2021 BMW X5 is a force to be reckoned with. When it comes to midsize SUVs, the X5 is a solid performer. For 2021, the BMW X5 is available in four trims (sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and M50i) and has three different engine options. The xDrive45e is a newcomer for the 2021 model year and is a plug-in hybrid. While we currently do not have many 2021 BMW X5 models on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the BMW X5 with similar features.
All BMW X5 years
What is new for the 2021 BMW X5?
- The Competition and XDrive50i trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- X5 trims have been upgraded with A/C Seat(s), Remote Start, Third Row Seat, Android Auto, CD Audio, and DVD Video System as standard equipment this year.
- Leather & Suede Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
- The M50i trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Air Conditioning, and Head Up Display as standard equipment.
- The xDrive40i trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The sDrive40i trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The M trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
2021 BMW X5 trims
sDrive40i:
Includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sport front seats, 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and more.
xDrive40i:
Adds all-wheel drive, power-folding heated side mirrors, heated front seats, Sirius XM satellite radio, and more.
XDrive45e:
Adds electric motor and plug-in hybrid system, anthracite headliner, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
M50i:
Includes 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, available remote start, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and more.
BMW X5 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW X5
1. Four sporty trims
From the base sDrive40i to the muscular M50i, the 2021 BMW X5 is not short on sporty features. Whether it's powered by the 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine or the twin-turbo V8, the X5 is a thoroughbred — built for speed and engaging handling dynamics. If you want extra grip, available all-wheel drive can take the X5 to the next level. The 2021 BMW X5 comes standard with 19-inch wheels and is available with up to 22-inch wheels.
2. Driver-Assistance technology
When it comes to popular driver aids, the 2021 BMW X5 delivers. Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2021 BMW X5 also offers an available semi-autonomous driving mode — ideal when you want to let the car do some of the work for you.
3. Turbocharged power
Regardless of the model you choose, all 2021 BMW X5 trims come with a turbocharged engine. The standard 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine churns out a healthy 335 horsepower — plenty of grunt for most activities. If you want even more power, the M50i produces a thunderous 523 hp with its twin-turbo V8.
4. Stylish exterior
There's no doubt that the 2021 BMW X5 is a looker. Its strong styling highlights the sporty nature of the X5, accentuated by luxurious lines and high-end appointments. With a large dual kidney bean grille, chrome exhaust tips, and satin aluminum trim, the BMW X5 stands out from the crowd.
5. Plenty of creature comforts
The 2021 BMW X5 offers a host of luxury appointments so your road trips can be as enjoyable as possible. All 2021 X5 models come standard with features like heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Optional features on all X5 models include heated front armrests, massaging front seats, and a leather dashboard.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 BMW X5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Audi Q7 brings street cred with its cutting-edge exterior, finely tuned handling, and lovely interior. The second-generation Q7 (2017-present) features Audi's distinctive grille and headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, and a flexible interior for all your cargo needs.
The three-row, seven-passenger Q7 comes with Audi's Quattro AWD system as standard, paired with one of two engine options: a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder with 252 hp or the optional supercharged 3.0L V6 with 333 hp (2017-present models). The 3.0L V6 delivers an estimated 7,700-lb. towing capacity, when properly equipped.2 The Q7 is fun to drive, and the beautiful interior materials will have your passengers enjoying the ride, too.
The 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige impresses with:
19-speaker Bose® 3D sound system
Four-zone climate control
Head-up display and virtual cockpit
Power soft-closing doors
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
The Land Rover Discovery was introduced in 2017. It comes with hearty off-road capabilities thanks to standard four-wheel drive and terrain response. The 2017–2020 Discovery has a very upscale interior, withs standard leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate. Here's what you can expect standard from the Land Rover Discovery in model years 2017–2020:
340-hp 3.0L supercharged V6
Panoramic moonroof and leather seats
Available driver-assist features
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 BMW X5 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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 X5BMW X5 features and specs
sDrive40i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- 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 Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Remote Start
- Run Flat Tires
- Seat Massagers
- 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
2021 BMW X5 FAQ
The 2021 BMW X5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- xDrive40i: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- M50i: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- sDrive40i: 21 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- M: 13 MPG City and 18 MPG Highway
The BMW X5 received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the BMW X5 as 11 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUV
The 2021 BMW X5 has a maximum towing capacity of between 1653 and 6603 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW X5:
- A/C Seat(s)
- Remote Start
- Rear Sunshade
- CD Audio
- Rear Entertainment System
More about the 2021 BMW X5
Color options
Exterior colors:
Alpine White
Ametrin Metallic
Arctic Grey Metallic
Black Sapphire Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Dravit Grey Metallic
Mineral White Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Interior details
Standard seating for five people
Optional third-row seat expands seating capacity to seven people
33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row; 72.3 cu ft with the second row folded down
12.3-inch digital gauge display and 12.3-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 BMW X5 received an overall 4/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.