2020 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M50i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 335–523 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 192.1–194.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,978–5,335 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 11 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2020 standard SUV (19.5 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 523 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2020 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints113 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 5). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,335 lb (M50i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 18% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- Lightest version 271 lb heavier
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 X5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M50i 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,335 lb | 51/49 |
| Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 4,978 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,157 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 192.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 115.4 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,181 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 sDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +18% | $3,550 | 390 |
| X5 xDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +17% | $3,750 | 396 |
| X5 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 487 |
| X5 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 487 |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 582 |
| X5 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 582 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X5 SUV RWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
| 2020 BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X5 (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2020 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2020 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (11)
Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Sep 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V644000 · 145,102 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
- Risk
- An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) › Software · Aug 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V576000 · 105,588 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
- Risk
- A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Apr 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic · Feb 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V678000 · 83 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
- Risk
- If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Aug 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V465000 · 21 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering · Jul 28, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V434000 · 7 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
- Risk
- A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 27, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V684000 · 257,473 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Rack · Aug 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V631000 · 12 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2020 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 39 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2025 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2024 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 145 |
| 2023 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 33 |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2021 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 111 |
| 2019 X5 | 22 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 193 |
| 2018 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 73 |
| 2017 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 75 |
| 2016 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 74 |
| 2015 X5 | 27 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 151 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →