Makes›BMW›X5›2023

2023 BMW X5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 600 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2023 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.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 39 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 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), 14% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

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

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 X5 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 X5 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine282 hp3.0L 6-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine335 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine523–600 hp4.4L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

xDrive45exDrive40iM50isDrive40iX5 M/M Competition

Safety & driver-assist features

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

Built in: Greer, South Carolina

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 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+14%$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%$4,550486
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
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.2 MPG2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2023 BMW X5 SUV RWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2023 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 BMW X5 (this car)23 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Tesla Model Y330 miNot rated17
2023 Porsche Cayenne19 MPGNot rated2
2023 Land Rover Defender20 MPGNot rated9
2023 BMW X325 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Audi Q721 MPGNot rated3
2023 Tesla Model X348 miNot rated17

Recalls (4)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Dec 6, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V821000 · 552 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Risk
Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint · Apr 6, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V253000 · 235 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk
A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Dec 19, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V942000 · 4 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
Risk
A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Visibility › Windshield · Nov 2, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V820000 · 47 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit.
Risk
An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

33Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
6,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train8
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other8
Engine5
Structure › Body4
Service Brakes3
Suspension1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 122/12: 223/01: 123/03: 223/04: 223/05: 123/11: 224/01: 124/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/08: 125/04: 125/06: 225/08: 125/12: 326/02: 126/03: 326/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 222/1023/0323/1124/0625/0425/1226/0526/08max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 BMW X5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 5 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 6,000 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 2023 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
2022 X523194.1 in★★★★★175
2021 X523194.1 in★★★★★12111
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 →