DecodedCars2026 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M60i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 4dr SUV, Xdrive50e 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 375–523 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 192.1–194.1 in
- Curb weight
- 5,181–5,732 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (21.7 MPG).
- 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 34 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 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 5,558 lb (M60i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2026 standard SUV average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2026
- Lightest version 203 lb heavier
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2026 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M60i 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,558 lb | 51/49 |
| Xdrive40i 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,302 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive50e 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,732 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 | 23 / 27 / 25 | +15% | $3,300 | 360 |
| X5 xDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 25 | +25% | $3,300 | 352 |
| X5 xDrive50e Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 23 / 22 | +10% | $3,750 | 130 |
| X5 M60i xDrive Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -5% | $4,350 | 458 |
| X5 M Competition Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -25% | $5,500 | 589 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 BMW X5.
Similar 2026 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW X5 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | 357 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2026 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 BMW X3 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Tesla Model X | 352 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Critical Fasteners · Dec 4, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V837000 · 25 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 4, 2025.
Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners · Aug 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V556000 · 1,406 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X5 Plug-in Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, which can allow water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit.
- Risk
- Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the windshield seal. If any leaks are detected, the seal will be repaired and vehicle control units and wiring will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2026 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other X5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 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 →