Updated December 29, 2021
Why is this information important?
This is the most important page of information that you will find about this vehicle. At SUV Power Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
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The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by BMW. The made its debut in 1998 as the E53 model. It was BMW’s first SUV and it also featured all-wheel drive and was available with either manual or automatic transmission. In 2006, the second-generation X5 was launched, known internally as the E70. The E70 also featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic transmission. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model.[2]
BMW marketed the X5 as a “Sport Activity Vehicle” (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. The X5 heralded the shift from light truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to crossovers underpinned by unibody car platforms that would come to fruition in the late 2000s. Among German luxury automakers, while the Mercedes-Benz M-Class had beaten the X5 to the market by more than a year, the X5 was the first to use a unibody chassis, whereas the M-Class used body-on-frame construction until its second generation.
X5s are manufactured in Greer, South Carolina at the Spartanburg BMW plant. Some assembly operations are also performed in Russia by Avtotor, along with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is also modified for armoured, security versions in Mexico at the BMW de México Toluca plant.
Starting with the X5, BMW’s “SAV” series has since expanded with derivatives of other number-series models, first in 2003 with the BMW X3 compact luxury crossover, and then in 2008 with the BMW X6 midsize luxury coupe crossover which shares its platform with the X5.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – BMW X5
- Price: Starts at $77,500 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q5, BMW X5, Lexus RX
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $11,600 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE
At SUV Power Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5
Forbes: 83 / 100
USNews: 8.4 / 10
Edmunds: 7.9 / 10
J.D. Power: 78 / 100
Car Connection: 72 / 100
BGR: 4.5 / 5
What the critics have to say…
BMW’s extensive SUV roster started with just one vehicle: the original BMW X5. Now in its third decade of production, the BMW X5 is currently one of the most compelling choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
— Edmunds
The 2022 BMW X5 is a principal player in the premium midsize SUV/crossover class and an incredibly capable machine. It could even be described as the godfather of premium crossovers. The original X5 was a real trendsetter, and successive generations have seen it evolve to this lofty point.
— Kelley Blue Book
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
The six-cylinder engine doesn’t disappoint. It is responsive enough for weekend fun and smooth enough for a daily driver. BMW also offers an optional off-road package that enhances the X5’s capability to take on dirt roads and trails, though this is by no means a true off-roader.
The steering is “numb”, giving you little feel of the road. Driving often feels soft and floaty.
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The 2022 BMW X5 has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
BMW X5 Warranty
BMW covers the 2022 X5 with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
With the optional air suspension, the X5 rides fairly smoothly, but you will still feel road imperfections. At highway speeds, road and wind noise is minimal.
The front seats are very supportive with a broad range of adjustability for different body types. Lumbar and upper bolsters are adjustable.
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
Getting in and out isn’t as easy as many other vehicles in this segment, but once you’re in, there’s ample room for the front passengers and good headroom, knee room and shoulder room for the rear passengers. The X5 has a great tech package, but it isn’t intuitive.
Visibility is poor. The X5’s surround-view camera system is excellent when parking, and views out of the front and sides are commanding. Get the optional surround-view camera system to help with parking maneuvers. Blindspots make it hard to see pedestrians, bikers or those annoying drivers who want to sit on your back quarter.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
BMW’s latest iDrive system is fantastic, but it isn’t intuitive. Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is standard, as is Android Auto. The X5’s native navigation and voice commands are excellent.
Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are excellent, but the operation of the active lane centering and auto high beams occasionally has issues. Automatic parking and 3D surround-view mode are sometimes challenging to use.
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The X5 has a roomy cargo area and a useful power tailgate/liftgate system that’s works better than most.
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
The X5 is one of the priciest vehicles in this segment, and that’s before adding any options. The build quality is exceptional. The durable leather, excellent use of soft-touch materials, tight gaps in all interior panels, and a general feeling of solidity have been BMW hallmarks.
BMW gives new owners a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty, which is on par with the rest of the segment. There’s also four years of roadside assistance, with no mileage limitation.
IS THE bmw x5 A GOOD SUV?
The 2022 BMW X5 is an excellent luxury SUV. The X5 has a wonderful interior, an expansive cargo area, and an excellent infotainment system. It comes packed with standard driver assistance features, and its adaptive suspension balances a comfortable ride with lively handling. The X5 also packs a muscular yet fuel-efficient six-cylinder base engine, not to mention punchier hybrid and V8 options. Few SUVs are this well-rounded.
SHOULD I BUY THE bmw x5?
The 2022 BMW X5 should be on your shortlist if you’re shopping for a luxury midsize SUV. That said, you have many great options, from the Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE to the Porsche Cayenne. You may want to check out some of these alternatives before you buy.
THE FINAL WORD
The 2022 BMW X5 is a win-win type of vehicle. It is comfortable and fun to drive, well featured and looks great.
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.