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2021 BMW X5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

BMW X5
Pictured: 2019 BMW X5 M50d Automatic 3.0. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
M50i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV, Xdrive45e 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
282–600 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
Length
192.1–194.1 in
Curb weight
4,978–5,368 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (19.6 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 600 hp, versus about 434 hp for similar 2021 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Many owner complaints111 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 6). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version 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), 17% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

  • New hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 X5 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine335 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine282 hp3.0L 6-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine523–600 hp4.4L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

xDrive40ixDrive45esDrive40iM50iX5 M/M Competition

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistOptional
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Greer, South Carolina

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 X5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
M50i 4dr SUV194.1 in78.7 in68.9 in116.9 in65.7 / 66.5 in5,335 lb51/49
Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV194.1 in78.7 in68.9 in116.9 in65.7 / 66.5 in4,978 lb50/50
Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV194.1 in78.7 in68.9 in116.9 in65.7 / 66.5 in5,157 lb50/50
Xdrive45e 4dr SUV194.1 in78.7 in68.9 in116.9 in65.7 / 66.5 in5,368 lb50/50
M 4dr SUV192.1 in78 in68.9 in115.4 in65.7 / 65.7 in5,181 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X5 sDrive40i Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+17%$3,550383
X5 xDrive40i Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23+22%$3,550389
X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 22 / 20+6%$4,100178
X5 M50i4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$4,550488
X5 M4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-20%$5,500586
X5 M Competition4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-20%$5,500586
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2021 BMW X5 SUV RWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 BMW X5 (this car)23 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Tesla Model Y326 miNot rated23
2021 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated7
2021 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated9
2021 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★10
2021 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2021 Audi Q721 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (12)

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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V156000 · 258 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. 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 › Critical Fasteners · Feb 18, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V089000 · 9 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.
Risk
A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's 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.
Steering › Column · Jan 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Risk
A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Dec 9, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Sep 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V601000 · 4,509 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Fix
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 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 › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Aug 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V490000 · 713 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Risk
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Tires · Aug 14, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V483000 · 42 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
Risk
A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

111Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
36,400 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System37
Power Train30
Engine25
Unknown Or Other18
Air Bags7
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking6
Service Brakes5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 224/08: 324/11: 124/12: 125/01: 225/02: 225/04: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 225/09: 425/10: 425/11: 225/12: 426/01: 326/02: 226/03: 226/04: 326/05: 526/06: 126/07: 226/08: 526/09: 626/10: 224/0724/1225/0425/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 BMW X5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 25 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW X5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X5 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 X526–Not rated00
2026 X525194.1 inNot rated228
2025 X525194.1 in★★★★★563
2024 X525194.1 in★★★★★8145
2023 X523194.1 in★★★★★433
2022 X523194.1 in★★★★★175
2020 X523194.1 in★★★★★11113
2019 X522194.1 in★★★★★13193
2018 X525192.5 in★★★★★573
2017 X525192.5 inNot rated675
2016 X525192.5 inNot rated574
2015 X527192.5 inNot rated6151

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →