2019 BMW X5 Review

2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Strong performance from both models
Luxurious and comfortable cabin that lives up to its price tag
Spacious cabin and cargo area

Cons

Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
Limited interior storage
Wide door sills inhibit entry and exit

What's new

Redesigned for 2019
More interior room and comfort
Broader capability with advanced suspension and interior technology
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019

When the BMW X5 came out for the 2000 model year, it more resembled a lifted station wagon than anything that passed for an SUV in those days. Sure, it offered a commanding driving position, more ground clearance and useful cargo capacity, but BMW also made it fun and engaging to drive. Now, almost two decades later, the redesigned 2019 BMW X5 sticks to the same formula. It's larger and more tech-laden than ever before, but it can still make quick work of a twisty road.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (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

$245/mo

$254/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Its bigger schnoz — BMW's classic double kidney grille — is the easiest way to identify this new model compared to the previous-generation X5. Behind the grille is a familiar engine lineup: a 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine or a 456-hp turbocharged V8. Inside is where you'll find more significant changes. There's more space now, particularly for the second-row and optional third-row seats.

The 2019 X5 also comes with BMW's newest iteration of its sophisticated iDrive infotainment system. It features twin 12.3-inch displays, which BMW calls Live Cockpit Professional. One serves as a customizable instrument panel while the other handles all of the functions controlled by iDrive. Overall, we're pleased with the way it works.

Within the luxury SUV class, you'll be able to find other models that are faster, more exclusive, roomier or more powerful. But finding one that's as good as the X5 in all of these categories is a tall order. The X5's improved interior, combined with sharp new technology and tidy road manners, help make it one of the top luxury SUVs you'll want to consider this year.

Notably, we picked the 2019 BMW X5 as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs and Best Luxury SUVs for this year

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

7.9 / 10

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 BMW X5 xDrive40i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

The X5's six-cylinder engine has enough power, and its smooth shifting and responsiveness work well for the daily commute. And while its brakes are up to the task of slowing things down, handling can be a mixed bag. Depending on drive mode, the suspension can feel either a little too floaty or a little too stiff.

Acceleration

8.5

Plenty of power from this turbocharged engine and available launch control scoot the X5 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Though it's not the quickest in the segment, it's one of the quickest of the non-performance-oriented SUVs. In particular, the low-end pickup and midrange passing power are very good.

Braking

7.5

The initial brake pedal feel is light and vague, so you may occasionally over-brake. Thankfully, harder pushes of the pedal bring back some feedback and let you know the brakes are doing their job. Panic stops from 60 mph came out to 118 feet, better than average for the class.

Steering

7.5

The steering feels quite heavy just off-center, but oddly it lightens up once you turn the wheel as you would through a turn. In Sport, the steering weight increases and feels more natural. There's minimal tire feel through the steering wheel, but you do get some feedback with spirited driving.

Handling

7.5

Driving modes and the adaptive suspension play an important role in how the X5 handles. In Comfort, the ride is soft and the body is sluggish and feels floaty. In Sport, the suspension stiffens up and drastically reduces body motions, making for a harsher but more controlled ride.

Drivability

8.0

Shifts are smooth and quick, and can be downright aggressive in sportier drive modes. The X5 quickly settles in a lower gear on long grades and accurately holds speed when cruise control is active on long descents. Sport Plus is simply too much on the street and should only be used when shifting manually.

Off-road

7.0

Although our test car did not come with it, an off-road package is available. This package includes additional underbody protection, a limited-slip rear differential, an adjustable air suspension, and four off-road-specific drive modes. Our test car still benefited from hill descent control and adjustable ride height, though the standard traction control system isn't suited for loose surfaces.

Comfort

8.0

The X5 is a comfortable SUV for long-distance driving. And with a few adjustments to the seat bolsters and drive modes, it's competent and safe on a twisty mountain road. The climate control system is powerful enough to just set it and forget it, which is good because it's tricky to operate.

Seat comfort

8.5

The front seats are firm and supportive and have a broad range of adjustability to contour to different body types. Lumbar and upper bolsters are adjustable for cruising or sporty driving. The rear seats are softer and designed for long stints, but they're flat and don't have enough bolstering.

Ride comfort

8.0

Thanks to our X5's air suspension, the ride felt communicative but compliant. It was mostly plush over road imperfections, but impacts and pavement seams can still be felt in the cabin. Sport mode is stiffer and transmits more of the road surface into the cabin, but the impacts are well-damped.

Noise & vibration

7.0

Although you hear both road and wind noise, it's all very well-damped. But vibrations and tire noise from grainy road surfaces get transmitted into the cabin. It's as if the engineers tuned in just enough noise to keep you connected to the road. The X5 is more hushed-museum than library-quiet.

Climate control

8.5

Our test car was equipped with an automatic quad-zone system that worked effectively and quietly to regulate cabin temps. The menu operation is a bit fiddly, but the hard buttons help to simplify this half physical/half touchscreen system. The seat and steering wheel heaters work very well.

Interior

8.0

Once you're in the X5, you're presented with a technologically advanced interior that focuses on the driver. Aside from the lackluster visibility out of the front corners, our only other complaint arose from the optional running boards, which make it harder to get in and out of the cabin.

Ease of use

7.5

Though cluttered in appearance, the iDrive system is configurable, and there are multiple ways to interact with it. The mass of buttons on the center console is difficult to use, but the driving controls are all well-placed. It's easy to get in and drive, but its advanced features are difficult to use.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

The seats are set in from the door and occupants will have to shimmy while entering. To make matters worse, our test car came with running boards that exacerbated the issue. Taller drivers should avoid them, and the optional adjustable ride height makes the step redundant for shorter drivers as well.

Driving position

9.0

The excellent range of adjustability from the seats and steering wheel means drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable seating position. Power-adjustable bolsters can be made to hold you in during hard cornering or relax for extra comfort.

Roominess

8.5

There's ample roominess in all dimensions for the front passengers and good headroom, knee and shoulder room for the rear-seat passengers. A small box under the front seats takes away some toe room for rear passengers, and the middle-seat passenger will have to deal with less knee room.

Visibility

6.5

The X5's surround-view camera system is excellent when parking, and views out the front and sides are commanding. Direct views to the back are adequate if your seat is adjusted properly. The side mirrors and the door frame can hide pedestrians and other road users from view.

Quality

8.5

There's a certain quality to a BMW interior that's instantly recognizable, and the X5 doesn't stray from the formula. The durable leather, excellent use of soft-touch materials, tight gaps in all interior panels, and a general feeling of solidity have been consistent BMW hallmarks.

Utility

8.0

The X5 has a roomy cargo area and a useful power tailgate system that's great for loading bulky cargo. The rear seatbacks fold in a 40/20/40 split for flexibility, and you can lower the suspension for reduced liftover height. We found the interior storage compartments and pockets on the small side.

Small-item storage

6.5

The armrest bin can hold a few standard-size water bottles or a small camera, and that's about it. The door pockets are moderate in length and width. There's a shallow but deep pocket with an induction charger in front of the shifter, but access to this area is restricted once you use the cupholders.

Cargo space

8.5

At 33.9 cubic feet, the X5's rear cargo area is roomy. Inset tie-down loops keep the cargo floor completely flat for sliding in items obstruction-free. The X5's clever power-clamshell tailgate lengthens the reach to the very back, but it eases the loading and unloading of cargo.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

While there are upper anchors for all three rear seat positions, most lower tethers will only be able to easily reach the lower anchors when a car seat is in one of the two outboard positions. The lower anchors are well-marked behind plastic doors.

Towing

8.5

When equipped with air suspension, the X5 xDrive40i has the ability to level the load to ensure consistent handling. In standard configuration, it can tow up to 6,603 pounds, but it can tow up to 7,500 pounds when equipped with an optional factory-installed hitch.

Technology

8.0

BMW's latest iDrive system is the most advanced yet, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Helping you are its combination of menus, handwriting recognition, and voice and gesture control. iDrive gives you tons of features such as traffic and weather information and extras including parking availability.

Audio & navigation

8.5

iDrive's flexibility makes entering destinations and searching points of interest easy. Traffic info is accurate and will reroute you should conditions warrant. Our test car's Harman Kardon system reproduced music clearly with excellent mids and highs. Music can be streamed directly or through your smartphone.

Smartphone integration

8.5

With Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone calls, USB and USB-C ports, and wireless CarPlay capability, smartphone integration is excellent with fast pairing and battery charging if you have an iPhone. Android users still get excellent Bluetooth and voice commands, and Google Home and Alexa are also supported.

Driver aids

7.5

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert are excellent, while the active lane-centering system and auto high beams are only average. Automatic parking and 3D surround-view mode are clunky to operate. Driving Assistance Plus comes with all of the active driving aids, and the Premium package includes active parking.

Voice control

8.5

Voice commands work with navigation, phone, audio, and climate control, and they don't require you to remember exact syntax. Although the X5's system is very responsive and has excellent accuracy, Mercedes-Benz offers better integration. Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are also supported.

2019 BMW X5 models

The 2019 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV available as the xDrive40i or the xDrive50i. Both models have standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Many of the same packages and options are available between the two trim levels, but a few are reserved solely for the V8-powered xDrive50i. Seating for five is standard, but you can order an optional third-row seat to boost passenger capacity to seven.

The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (335 horsepower, 330 pound-feet). Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and LED foglights, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive shock absorbers and a power liftgate.

Inside, there's a power-adjustable, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a configurable digital gauge cluster display, a 12.3-inch central display, two USB ports and a 10-speaker sound system.

You also get a full suite of driver aids that include pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

The xDrive50i replaces the turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (456 hp, 479 lb-ft). Inside, the 50i comes with upgraded multicontour front seats, leather upholstery, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and four-zone climate control.

You'll want to look out for three notable packages (BMW also calls them Tiers). The Convenience package is only available with the xDrive40i. Selecting this adds keyless entry, four-zone climate control and satellite radio.

The Premium package adds a head-up display, gesture control for the infotainment system, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and enhanced USB and Bluetooth connections. The Executive package, which requires the Premium package, comes with remote engine start, soft-close automatic doors, heated and cooled cupholders, rear passenger window shades, and adaptive LED headlights with laser light.

BMW also offers a few mechanical upgrades for the X5. These include the Comfort Handling package (rear-wheel steering and an adjustable air suspension), the Dynamic Handling package (rear-wheel steering, stronger brakes, and sportier suspension and differential tuning) and the Off-Road package (the air suspension, extra off-road drive modes and underbody skid plates).

Other optional features are two exterior trim packages (xLine Design or M Sport Design), ventilated and massaging seats, semiautomated low-speed driving assistance, parking assistance, a night-vision system, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

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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 2019 BMW X5.

5 (43%)

4 (21%)

3 (8%)

2 (13%)

1 (15%)

3.6

53 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great ride

T Russell, 01/28/2019

2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

Love the phytonic blue color, the peppy v8 that has a muscle sound to it upon start. Interior is gorgeous. The upgraded B&W sound system has amazing sound clarity especially on the HD radio channels. I like the standard shifter versus crystal shifter. It’s smooth in your hand rather than the nice looking but sharp in your hands plastic feeling one. Wish all knobs though had the glass … coating. Storage is adequate and better than our Audi q7. The massage seats give you many options to choose from but really aren’t that strong of a feeling even on the strongest setting. Heated arm rest,seats and steering is warm, but not that hot. Love the interior ambient light choices. It’s very bright at night and not bad during the day. Gesture controls are easier to use than I thought they would be. Charging plate warms up my phone and while there is a chime that dings to remind you to grab it out of the car, it’s not very noticeable. Our Audi tells us “your cell phone is still in the car”. Wish the button for “auto turn off” of engine at lights would stay off until you want it to come back on but you have to reset it each time. Same with heated seats and stearing . ( our Audi stays on until you turn off ) heated and cooled cup holders are nice but it’s not that warm or cold. Wish the great looking wood covering cup holders was spring loaded so you didn’t have to pull it closed. Also would of liked drive mode to stay on last one you used like the Audi Q7 does. Each day you get in you have to push a bunch of buttons. When parking in garage and leaving key in it, it doesn’t power things down.not sure why.you have to manually do it..opening doors doesn’t do it. I like the feature of auto locking and unlocking upon approach and departure.The remote for back hatch works for opening but not closing. Kick gesture doesn’t work as quickly/ easily as our Audi. Sound isolation is very good on the road. V8 allows a quick passing of other cars on the road. Heater warms up fast but I don’t luke that it has only one button for heated and cooled seats and you then on the touch screen you have to choose the one you want.the “hey Bmw” like Siri works way better than expected for everything..heating, cooling, massage, interior lights, radio, navigation etc. I love that bmw has buttons, steering control, voice commands and touch screen choices.Apple car play is just ok. The bmw I drive works the same, but my complaint with it is that apple car play won’t stream pandora, Spotify, Amazon,or I heart radio.. only the bmw I drive will. ( in our Audi ,,,,apple car play works for all functions) I don’t like having to go between both I drive and apple car play settings. So apple car play really is only good for Waze, maps, and responding to text. So for now I’m not using it. It’s nice the idrive does send your text thru and streaming music is the best benefit, but why can’t bmw either do all functions of apple car play or adapt all functions of apple car play to the idrive system? Laser lights look beautiful on the car, but I’m not sure really what purpose it really has. Wish the back seats reclined like in Audi Q7. Leather quality was the premium choice and it’s very soft but with the stitching of patterning I believe it will hold up well. I like that you can store a heck of lot of radio channels on presets and it blends in satellite, fm, and am as one rather than going in between bands to get to satellite. Great looking suv. Expensive though with all the options. Love the look of the m package

bummer

Bill, 03/31/2019

2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

I've had the car for 6 weeks ,, 2000 miles been in for service 3 times. air conditioner keeps going out, third time now. service mgr. says its fine. this has been a bad deal for me. had a 2016 x5, never a problem. regretting my purchase. needs to go in to service now for 4th time.

Bimmer Guy 34 Years & Counting

Andreas Friedrich, 01/11/2019

2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

At 29,000 the quality and reliability of the experience continues to be outstanding. It is still the five star performer. This is why I have been a Bimmer owner since 1985. Specifically, the highlights: wonderful comfort of the ride; smooth and quick acceleration; superb performance of and information provided by instrumentation and computer systems; amount of storage is excellent …

Perfect blend of tech, comfort, and sportiness

Flip, 02/03/2019

2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I owned a couple of BMWs about10 years ago but never an SUV. For the family hauler I had Acuras and most recently a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I loved. I decided though to upgrade to a more lux SUV with the latest tech, specifically looking for some autonomous driving capability. I researched for months, also looking at MB, Range Rover, Audi, and Volvo. The 2018 X5 left me cold. It … felt a lot like my 2006 550. When the early spy shots of the 2019 X5 appeared I was interested! Boiled down, the MB was a little stuffy. The tech didn't impress. Same with the RR. The interiors look great but the electronics are slow and awkward. The Volvo was very nice but I was shocked by one odd feature. The sunroof cover is a thin mesh that let's the sun through. Unacceptable in AZ! It was blaring down on me during the test drive. Glad I drove it when it was 100 outside. And the Audi Q7 is super nice, but I think the rearend is bloated and it's a little large for me. So the 2019 X5 launches and it hit on on all cylinders... beautiful interior with awesome high res screens. Seats are nearly as good as the Volvo (which means GREAT). I loaded it with nearly all the options, so got the drive asst pro. The traffic jam assist is awesome during rush hour. Totally hands free for miles at a time, while I get a seat massage and have the news read to me. Note it will yell at you if you look away from the road for too long! The Harmon Kardon stereo is fabulous, barely needing an adjustment for beautiful thumping sound. The cooled cup holders actually get pretty cold and easily keep my drink cool. Wireless charging is nice and even gesture control is turning out to be less gimicky and more useful than I expected. Comfort access is nice with soft close doors and kick open hatch. When approaching the car everything lights up and the welcome carpet appears...nice touch. A few nits include the cheap glove box material, and a radar sensor that came loose. Trip to the shop was quick though. I wish the gauge cluster was more customizable but it's easy enough to see all info. IDrive, touch, voice, and gesture make it easy to get to the info you want. Unlike other comments, the software has been fine...no glitches to report. I've only briefly put in sport mode and punched it. It's plenty quick for an SUV. Overall a VERY nice package. Luxurious, hi tech, and quick. Very happy with my X5! UPDATE AFTER 7000 MILES... I still love my X5! It's still very comfortable and quiet, and I find myself utilizing the technology on every commute. We moved recently and the garage requires a sharp left turn. Pulling out of the garage and hitting backup assistant allows the car to pull out and retrace the route down the driveway. It's a helpful feature. The traffic jam assist is fabulous. I always watch what it's doing as someone cutting you off could require in a sudden stop, and once in a while it loses the lane and starts to drift, though that is very rare. 99% of the time it works flawlessly. It's such a great feature when taking a work call and having a sip of coffee. BTW it was a little tricky getting the system engaged at first because the instructions are poor. Here's how to do it: There are 2 modes available...regular cruise and lane keep. Engage the cruise with lane keep. When the conditions are right for several seconds (speed under 40, on a freeway, and it's tracking the lane), a 3rd cruise option icon appears for traffic jam assist. Hit mode again to engage. The steering wheel will light green when it's engaged. It will retain control until traffic exceeds 40 and then the wheel will turn red and an alert will sound. That means it's about to disengage. As I said I love this feature. It's takes the fatigue out of rush hour by allowing the car to manage all of the stop and go...just stay alert ;). I also use gesture control often. It allows you to control items without taking eyes off the road. No issues with reliability and I'm averaging 22.4 in mainly city driving. My only complaint on performance is with sudden acceleration. It's definitely a quick car but there is a 1 second lag when gunning it. Kind of bad if you have to make a sudden maneuver...I would expect more instant response. Overall I still highly recommend this car!

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2019 X5 Highlights

Trim:

xDrive40i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$60,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$245/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all 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.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to avoid or lessen an imminent frontal collision.
Two Axle Air Suspension: Keeps the X5 level when heavily loaded or towing, ensuring consistent handling and braking performance.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 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 Rollover15.9%

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