2023 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| 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 |
| Xdrive45e 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,368 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 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +14% | $3,550 | 383 |
| X5 xDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +22% | $3,550 | 389 |
| X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 178 |
| X5 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 486 |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
| X5 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2023 BMW X5 SUV RWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X5 (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2023 Tesla Model X | 348 mi | Not rated | 17 |
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.
Not every 2023 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| 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 |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2021 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 111 |
| 2020 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 113 |
| 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 →