The 2021 BMW X5 comes packed with technology features, but buyers will have to spend a lot of time learning the various menus and buttons to extract the most out of it. Compared to its competitors, the X5 is the jack-of-all-trades SUV and effectively handles both utility tasks and performance drives with equal aplomb.
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
What is the X5?
Available with two or three rows of seating, BMW's X5 is a midsize SUV that is very close to the top of its class. Whatever trim level you pick, the BMW X5 has a spacious and comfortable interior, an impressive range of standard features such as an adaptive suspension, and plenty of power.
The X5 is currently available in four different trim levels, the sDrive40i, the xDrive40i, the xDrive50i and the M50i. The sDrive40i models use rear-wheel drive while all the other X5 models use all-wheel drive. 40i models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the 50i models use a turbocharged V8.
For 2021, we're expecting a plug-in hybrid version with the name of xDrive45e iPerformance to surface late in 2020, with the powertrain added later to the xDrive40i model. Under the hood, the xDrive45e will have a version of BMW's inline six-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor and providing 394 combined horsepower. While official fuel economy ratings aren't out yet, we expect the xDrive45e to be more fuel-efficient than the standard X5 and have an EV-only range of about 40 miles.
The X5 is not without a few flaws but we've ranked it third in a relatively competitive class, behind the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and Porsche Cayenne.
Edmunds says
The BMW X5 is one of the most appealing midsize luxury SUVs around, and the plug-in hybrid version that's likely on the horizon for 2021 will bring more breadth to the lineup. If you were waiting for the PHEV version of the 2020 BMW X5 to come back, you may not have to wait very much longer.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.41 per gallon for premium unleaded in Oregon.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW X5 from 2008-2022.
$833/yr
vs. $735/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1.79x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
17.8%
vs. 16.5% for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
The X5 45e is an outstanding compromise between the convenience, efficiency and joy of an everyday electric car and the traditional performance and range of a BMW inline 6. Pretty much all electric most days, and the integration of electric and gas is excellent - almost imperceptible when gas engine kicks in. BMW iDrive and driving assistant tech is excellent. Fit and finish outstanding. … High voltage battery is big enough that this car earns same $7500 tax credit as full electric cars, making it an outstanding value over every other model X5.
Good Not Great
4 out of 5 stars
TJ in Seattle, 05/19/2021
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
Updated: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive 45e
I have had my X5 for about a month now, with 1200 miles of local and road trip experience. I am about 80% happy with it. I bought this to replace my wife’s 2011 Lexus RX350. I wanted something that was about the same size with a bit better performance, and a hybrid.
Size: My first and lasting impression is that this is a big vehicle, despite being a … “mid size” SUV. It feels big, parking with that long hood is a challenge (get the surround view cameras!!), demands a big parking space, turning radius is wide. It also sits up pretty high…I shouldn’t have gotten those 20 inch wheels to add to that. Getting in and out is a bit of a step (I’m 5’10”, so not short), and note you can’t avoid rubbing against the doorsill, even if you don’t get the running board. (Note you can lower the height manually, but it goes back up when you next drive.) And despite being 6 inches longer and 2 wider than my old Lexus, storage space is 20% less, and barely more than with my Infiniti QX50, a much smaller SUV. Specs don’t say it, but that battery seems to take up a lot of space vs the non-hybrid X5. Having said all that, it does have lots of passenger room, and storage is still good.
Interior: Very plush. Certainly not the softest leather in the world…but I suppose it will wear well. Nice phone charger and lots of USB’s available. And buttons for direct access to the most used features….heat, radios, etc. Storage is ok, although it would be nice to have an official sun glass space, and the glove compartment door really cramps that space in there, so nothing wide will fit. But good seating space, and the contour seats I ordered are great, once you’ve figured out what all those seat buttons do.
Electronics: Very extensive capabilities. I got the Premium pack, Driver’s Assistance, and Parking. But it is a challenge to learn them all….and I’m an engineering who likes this stuff. OK, when you learn it all, it is ok to operate and tells you what you need to know, and the displays are beautiful. But to get there, this is the first time I’ve had to really read the manual, and that in itself is a major challenge….very few diagrams and labels to work with, so I had to spend some time with the BMW expert at my dealer to get even the basics. While it is somewhat customizable, I still haven’t gotten it the way I prefer, and some things just aren’t available….like a Favorites list for my contacts. I have ended up doing a lot with the voice commands, which work pretty well. Gesture control is useless and I shut it off. Apple Car Play (fee?) and Android are included, but I don’t use them….bluetooth performance with my phone is fine. The driver’s display has several configurations, all of which have lots of information competing for your attention…..none of it is really bigger to stand out. Is that mileage number shown for gas, hybrid, combined????? What’s that symbol mean??? And the heads-up display is nice, unless you wear sunglasses in which case it is pretty invisible.
Colors/Looks: I hope you like black! BMW apparently thinks you’ll like one of their fully four choices of black/dark gray. Ok, there are also 2 whiles, one blue, and one green. Huh. No silver?? Other than white, everything is quite dark, so dirt shows up. Otherwise, it looks “ok”, but probably could do with a refresh.
Driving: OK, this is why you buy a BMW. This thing is a pleasure to drive, especially on the highway. It is powerful (even in the mountains), smooth (ok, bumps can be a bit jarring, but not bad), handles well (responsive, and no big swaying on turns), and very quiet. And all those safety packages work great! Yes, the lane keeping can be aggressive, so I’ve turned that off for local driving.
MPG: This is my first EV and I have been delighted with it. I get about 40 miles on electric, so better than the 30 mile spec. That is enough for most of my daily driving, but in some weeks I go beyond that and have been hitting about 50 mpg combined. Local driving with no battery seems to be in the 15-18 mpg range. On my recent 500 mile road trip through the mountains, I got about 35 mpg combined. (I used the adaptive mode in combination with the nav system to ration out the batteries for maximum efficiency.)
Charging: BMW supplies a mobile charger that works with 110V Level 1 charging and takes about 24 hours to fully charge the vehicle. Not adequate for an overnight charge at all. I had to install 240V in my garage for Level 2 charging that gets the job done in about 6 hours…ok, not the 3-5 the spec says, but fine for overnight.
Conclusion: As I said, I’m about 80% happy with my X5. My biggest issue is that it is just bigger than I expected, especially when parking it. But it is plush and drives well, and the EV performance is excellent.
Update: OK I have had my X5 for 9 months now and have completed a 3,000 mile road trip. The impressions listed above are all still about the same. I will reinforce that the highway driving is really excellent, with or without the battery power, and the driving aids are also very nice....really reduce stress on a long drive.
Two disappointments to add. 1) The nav system is annoying. It is a task to load a destination address, especially if in a different town or state...voice doesn't work well for a long address for sure. And the system often doesn't find addresses that are newish construction....I frequently end up in Goggle Maps on my phone in that case. (OK I could be using Android Auto more, but I really don't like it for most things.) 2) The EV charge status is all over the place. On a good day I can charge it to indicate it has 40 miles stored, but other days it will top out at 25 or so. Temperature doesn't seem to be the issue, although its charging level when I plugged in the charger does seem to impact how much more it will add. And the miles indicated may or may not be what I actually get when I drive it, especially if the indication is well below 30 miles. BMW service had no explanation. I really like the hybrid functionality, but it needs some work yet.
2021 BMW X5 Quality Review
5 out of 5 stars
John V., 07/26/2022
2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I like the responsiveness and quick acceleration of the in-line 6 Cylinder Twin Turbo. This is a fun SUV to drive with a lot of horsepower (You know you’re in a BMW). It handles well for an SUV with very little trouble in the turns. The technology is great but takes a little time to learn - Checkered Flag BMW in Virginia Beach, VA. has "BMW Genius" personnel on staff to assist you with … getting to know your vehicle, even after the sale. I would highly recommend the Heads-Up Display (HUD) System, All Wheel Drive, Paint Protect, Windshield, Tire Protection and Upgraded Leather Interior Package's. This is a great vehicle and a lot of fun to drive! I would recommend the Hybrid model to anyone looking for fuel economy as this vehicle likes/requires premium fuel only and can really burn fuel if you’re not easy on the gas pedal. I average about 16 to 18 miles per gallon combined city & highway driving (But I like the speed and performance so I’m willing to give up some fuel economy). On a long highway trip if your easy with it, you can average 28 – 30 MPG.
2nd X5...won't be our last
5 out of 5 stars
David, 03/25/2021
2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
We had a 2015 X5 x35i w/ M Sport Package and enjoyed it for all 106,000 miles that we put on it. Never had any trouble with it and it put a smile on my face every time I drove it. I'd planned to keep it for a very long time - and felt confident that we could have. The problem was that we went to the dealership and saw the '21 X5 and I was blown away by how much it's changed from the … previous generation. This new X5 is unbelievable. In an act of unnecessary gluttony, we swapped our '15 X5 in there and then for the '21 and are very happy with the new one. The software/electronics are as good as it gets. The 40i engine we bought is a blast to drive. It's substantially more powerful than the 35i engine in the previous generation. It's more roomy, and in my opinion, I think it's a nice, subtle appearance (although I loved how the previous model looked, as well). Very happy with this car. I can add that in the 106k miles we put on the previous X5, the car never developed any rattles or shakes that we've experienced with age/miles in cars from other manufacturers. This car stayed rock-solid the entire time, and I'm not sensing any reason to believe the '21 will be any different.
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