2018 BMW X5 Review

2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance 4dr SUV Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Strong performance from every model
Luxurious and comfortable cabin that lives up to its price tag

Cons

Less legroom for second-row occupants
Optional third-row seating is very tight

What's new

M Sport package now includes Premium package features
Part of the third X5 generation introduced for 2014

The 2018 BMW X5 serves as a benchmark for the modern luxury performance crossover SUV. It impressively combines the attributes you normally associate with a BMW sedan and then adds true utility. A wide range of engine choices and trim packages ensures buyers can find the right configuration for their needs.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$263/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The X5 engine options include a turbocharged six-cylinder (300 horsepower, 300 pound-feet of torque), a diesel six-cylinder (255 hp, 413 lb-ft), a powerful V8 (445 hp, 480 lb-ft) and a plug-in hybrid (308 hp, 332 lb-ft). No matter what's under the hood, the X5 simultaneously provides a comfortable ride and sporty handling, and the X5's all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction in wet weather or the occasional trip off pavement.

There are a few downsides to the X5, with the main one being interior space. It's just not as roomy as some rival crossovers with third-row seats. Some of those rivals have fresher and newer designs, too. But overall we think the X5 is a solid pick if you want a luxury vehicle that offers a great combination of performance and utility.

Notably, we picked the 2018 BMW X5 as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018 and picked the 2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs for 2018.

What It's Like to Live With

Want to know even more about the fourth-generation BMW X5? Our team of experts have tested a 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i as part of our long-term program, which is where we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own.

Read our long-term coverage to see what we've learned about various aspects of the BMW X5, such as its undeniable seat comfort, class-leading In-cabin technology, performance and reliability.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.3 / 10

The 2018 BMW X5 serves as a benchmark for the modern luxury performance SUV. It impressively combines the attributes you normally associate with a BMW sedan and then adds true utility. A wide range of engine choices and trim packages ensures buyers can find the right configuration for their needs.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 BMW X5 (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current X5 has received minor revisions, including changes to the infotainment unit and a shuffling of options and trims structure. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X5.

Scorecard

Overall	8.3 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.5

Driving

9.0

Surprising agility and strong, willing engine choices competently move this heavy SUV around. We tested the base turbocharged six-cylinder version in this rating and found it more than adequate.

Acceleration

9.0

The 300-hp turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine is smooth and refined and has plenty of torque. There is some slight throttle hesitation from a stop. Shifts from the automatic transmission are similarly smooth.

Braking

8.5

Adequately firm pedal is easy to modulate in driving around town. Its stopping ability in a panic situation is limited less by its brakes and more by its all-season tires.

Steering

8.0

The precise steering doesn't necessarily tell you about every divot in the road, but it doesn't feel synthetic either. Effort is substantial but not off-putting at parking lot speeds.

Handling

8.0

A heavy vehicle at 4,836 pounds, the X5 manages to get around corners feeling sharp-footed, never ponderous. Capable and confidence-inspiring. Our test car was equipped with the optional Dynamic Damper system.

Drivability

9.5

It's hard to fault the X5 for its driving dynamics, given its class of vehicle. This is an accomplished machine that sweats the details of the primary driving controls.

Comfort

8.5

The cabin appointments are first-rate, and the X5 comports itself well on the road. Few faults to be found apart from some extraneous noise, which is likely a consequence of the run-flat tires.

Seat comfort

9.5

Superb comfort and support from the seats, which are well-suited to long-distance driving.

Ride comfort

8.5

The X5's suspension is tuned on the firm side, yet it's still capable of absorbing most road imperfections. From time to time, the ride gets choppy on rough pavement, but this is the exception and not the rule.

Noise & vibration

6.5

Road noise is present to a degree that is not quite up to the standards of the class. There's also prominent wind noise from the driver's side windshield pillar at elevated freeway speeds.

Climate control

The system is easy enough to understand and use, but the vents don't put out sufficient cooling air in terms of volume and temperature. The vehicle takes too long to begin feeling comfortable after sitting in a parking lot.

Interior

8.0

Richly appointed and easy on the eyes, the cabin is a well-engineered space. Cargo room is a tick bigger than before, but it's still not exceptional. The running boards aren't well-designed.

Ease of use

9.0

The controls are logically laid out and easy to access. The X5's knob-based multimedia system (iDrive) is preferable to many touchscreen-based systems.

Getting in/getting out

5.5

Ingress is — ironically — severely hampered by the running board extensions, which are too narrow to be useful. It's also a rather large step up into the cabin.

Driving position

Plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment. There's a very wide range of movement in the telescoping wheel, too. When you're all set, the gauges are very clearly visible through the steering wheel, too.

Roominess

8.5

Lots of headroom and plenty of space to sprawl out, both up front and in back.

Visibility

8.0

Great view ahead and to the sides. The substantial rear pillars block the view over your shoulder. Good thing there's a backup camera, but it's an optional extra.

Quality

9.5

Panels are well fit with consistent gaps, and no squeaks or rattles were to be found. The interior oozes quality. This is a well-made crossover.

Utility

7.5

The X5's cargo area isn't cavernous, given the exterior dimensions, but it's appropriate for the segment. The rear hatch is split into two halves — a hatch and a short tailgate. There's a reasonable amount of interior storage space for your personal items.

Technology

This X5 benefits from years of constant refinement of BMW's iDrive system, and the 2018 version features Apple CarPlay compatibility. The audio and navigation systems both work quite well.

2018 BMW X5 models

The 2018 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that is available in 35i, 35d, 40e and 50i trim levels. All have all-wheel drive (xDrive) except for the 35i, which comes standard with rear-wheel drive (sDrive). A high-performance X5 M variant is reviewed separately. There is seating for five passengers, and an optional third-row seat increases capacity to seven.

Standard features for the 35i and 35d models include 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding and heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate, and front and rear parking sensors.

On the inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, BMW Assist emergency communications, a 10.2-inch central display screen, BMW's iDrive infotainment interface, a navigation system, voice controls and a nine-speaker sound system.

The 40e plug-in hybrid includes all of the above, along with adjustable suspension dampers and rear air suspension (optional on all other X5s), along with hybrid-specific instrumentation and additional iDrive menu items.

The X5 50i includes all of the features found in the 35i along with keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, upgraded front seats, four-zone climate control and 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.

Options include the Luxury, xLine and M Sport equipment lines that have different wheel designs (up to 20 inches), color schemes, and trim and upholstery types. The M Sport also includes sport front seats and shift paddles for the transmission.

Other bundled options include the Premium package for all but the 50i (keyless ignition and entry, four-zone climate control and satellite radio) and the Luxury Seating package (multicontour front seats with ventilation).

The Driver Assistance package adds a variety of driver safety aids, and you can get even more with the Driver Assistance Plus package. The Dynamic Handling package for xDrive models adds adaptive dampers, a rear air suspension and a body-roll mitigation feature for improved road holding. The Lighting package bundles upgraded adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam headlight control.

Other options for the BMW X5 include Apple CarPlay, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system, upgraded or extended leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim and manual sunshades for the rear windows. All X5s except the hybrid can be equipped with second-row comfort seats (with fore/aft and recline adjustment) and a third-row seat (includes the rear air suspension). You can also order a rear-seat entertainment system and a night-vision camera system.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#12 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW X5 from 2008-2022.}

$833/yr

vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.79x/yr

vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

17.8%

vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 BMW X5.

5 (62%)

4 (17%)

3 (7%)

2 (5%)

1 (9%)

4.2

40 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 40 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

BMW X5 35d

Kim C, 11/19/2019

2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

Outstanding torque and mileage. After 18,000 miles, the average mpg is 28.4. We have averaged 80 mph for 600 miles at over 31 mpg. No repairs, just yearly fluid changes. Very comfortable, quiet and a great all around vehicle. After 31,000 miles no issues and average mileage almost 29. We really enjoy the diesel performance and mileage over the gas equivalent. Too bad they have gone away …

Reliable, safe, high MPG, flawless.

Vin Tanner, 03/25/2018

2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

This is our 2nd X5 35d. Both have been trouble free. Mileage is much better than projected. Will have to choose other brand now that BMW has dropped diesels.

Devastated! 2018 X5 40e broke my heart

Maggie, 06/29/2022

2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

I purchased a 2018 BMW X5 40e and have loved it! It has been my favorite all time car! I have done all of the scheduled maintenance at the BMW dealership. It has 40,000 miles but the 4 year warranty expired 3 months ago. The drive train malfunction light came on and suggested that I not turn off the car because it may not restart. I had it towed to the dealership. The service …

More than you expect

Mark G, 08/09/2018

2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

Previously had a ML350 bluetec. The ride, handling and performance are superior on all counts. And that is not even counting better MPG. The only three area's that I find the X5 short in are backseat room, specifically legroom, slightly smaller cargo area and confusing and lacking equipment packages. My thought is that a number of options on the X5 for a luxury SUV could and should …

See all 40 reviews of the BMW X5

Write a vehicle review

2018 X5 Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

sDrive35i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$57,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$263/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the X5 models:

Active Blind-Spot Detection: Warns drivers when there are vehicles or objects in the vehicle's blind spots.
Active Driving Assistant: Helps drivers avoid calamity by combining front collision mitigation, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning.
Rear Axle Air Suspension: Keeps the car level when heavily loaded, ensuring consistent high-speed handling and braking performance.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover18.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2018 BMW X5 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

What It's Like to Live With

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Which X5 does Edmunds recommend?

2018 BMW X5 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

BMW X5 35d

Reliable, safe, high MPG, flawless.

Devastated! 2018 X5 40e broke my heart

More than you expect

2018 X5 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}