more about this model
Pros Powerful and efficient new engine, confident ride and handling, sublime front seats, loads of available high-tech features.
Cons Options quickly cause price to skyrocket, not as spacious as some rivals, low-mounted backseat.
The 2011 BMW X5 eases its twin-nostril nose into an alligator-infested Florida everglade, the murky water rising higher and higher toward the driver window. The BMW representative riding shotgun urges a cautious speed. "A driver vent too fast earlier and got stuck. He had to vait for an hour in zee vater." Doesn't that sound fun?
Yet big luxury SUVs like the X5 are all heading into metaphorically murky waters. With gas prices hovering around 3 bucks, green consciences expanding and governments from around the world enacting or threatening strict new emissions regulations, the future has the potential to be gloomy for the X5 and others. As such, big changes are in order for it to stay ahead of the rising tides.
Not that you could tell by looking at the redesigned 2011 X5, though. Note how BMW moved the foglights inward, raised the rear bumper reflectors a few centimeters and resculpted the lower valances front and rear. The iDrive screen is now wider. Not exactly a Heidi Montag makeover.
It's actually under the hood where the 2011 BMW X5 sees those major changes. Not only does the V8 model get the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the 7 Series, the base model now features BMW's latest twin-scroll, single-turbo inline-6 that features direct injection and Valvetronic throttle-free intake technology.
Not only does this new 300-horsepower X5 xDrive35i out-accelerate the old V8 model and produce 40 more horses and a whopping 75 more pound-feet of torque than the outgoing xDrive30i, it achieves significantly better fuel economy thanks to a bevy of new high-tech features like an eight-speed automatic and brake energy regeneration. Indeed, this new X5 is more fuel-efficient than an all-wheel-drive Ford Flex.
While we trudged out of that everglade successfully unstuck and uneaten, the BMW X5 likewise seemed capable of making a similar metaphorical escape by lowering its fuel consumption while not only maintaining performance expectations, but exceeding them. At the very least, this powertrain achievement certainly gives the X5 a leg up against competitors like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX35, Land Rover LR4, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. How does it fare in other ways? Well, trudge on.
Performance The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i is the base model in the three-trim lineup (four if you count the X5 M), but there's really nothing base about it. With 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque available, this turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 elicits a simple question: Why would you need anything else? Power is immediate and robust, without any trace of turbo lag. There is the same irritating throttle delay found in several of BMW's recent products, but this can be eliminated by selecting Sport mode and its sharper throttle response.
The eight-speed automatic produces the sort of smooth shifts and quick responses you'd expect, but more importantly, its additional ratios are a big reason for the 35i's impressive fuel-economy numbers. According to BMW, the base X5 will return 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. That's only a few mpg lower than the diesel-powered xDrive35d, which is noisier and slower off the line.
The X5 has always put a premium on its handling, however, and for 2011 that doesn't change. Its balance of ride and handling is still exemplary, and although our driving route in South Florida didn't provide many twists or turns, the X5's high-speed stability and driver confidence are indicative of (though not synonymous with) a much smaller sport sedan.
Our test car came equipped with the optional Active Steering system, an advanced variable-ratio and assistance technology available on most BMW models. Normally, we consider it a needless expense, as BMW's standard steering is typically characterized as being a hallmark for communication and response. In the X5, though, it's also characterized by a heavy effort at lower speeds. Active Steering makes things easier on your arms, so even though communication through the wheel isn't as good as with the standard steering, we think it's better suited to a vehicle like the X5.
Comfort Despite the commendable handling, the 2011 BMW X5 rides quite comfortably while still feeling buttoned down at elevated speeds. Just as the xDrive35d proved during the severe desert wind storm that struck our Fuel Sipper Smackdown 3, wind and road noise are remarkably well controlled in the X5.
In typical BMW fashion, the X5's driving position is about as good as it gets, thanks to a well-positioned power-adjustable steering wheel, a commanding elevated driver seat and excellent outward visibility fore and aft.
Front-seat comfort is excellent in standard form, but our tester's optional 14-way "multicontour" seats with adjustable lumbar and bolsters are best described as "beyond reproach." The rear seat is a different story, however, as the cushion is rather low and shapeless. A third-row seat is optional, but even if you get it, it's virtually uninhabitable by anyone old enough to remember the Clinton administration.
Function With its fully loaded features list bursting at the gills, there's a whole lot of functionality to be had in the 2011 BMW X5. Let's address some of the key points, however. For 2011, the X5 finally gets the complete up-to-date iDrive electronics interface with the addition of the 8.8-inch widescreen LCD featured in other BMWs. This, along with last year's revised controller layout and menu structure, makes iDrive an exponentially friendlier interface than loathed previous versions. Climate controls are a little complicated (especially the soft, medium and intensive Auto settings), but most other basic functions are easy to find and figure out.
Our tester came with the optional head-up display, and although it comes in handy by putting navigation directions closer to the driver's line of sight, it is mostly redundant. The optional multiview parking cameras and sideview cameras are more useful. One provides a bird's-eye image of each side of the X5, making parking that much easier, while the other gives you a helpful view when nudging blindly into traffic.
In our real-world functionality testing, the X5's 21.9-cubic-foot cargo bay easily swallows a large suitcase and a golf bag. However, with a rear-facing child seat installed in one of the backseat's outboard positions, the corresponding front seat was practically uninhabitable by those with longer legs.
Design/Fit and Finish As mentioned earlier, you'd need a side-by-side picture to tell the differences between the 2010 and '11 BMW X5s. Inside, only the bigger iDrive screen is different. In terms of quality and construction, nothing has changed: The X5 still exhibits premium materials, high-quality switchgear and strong fit and finish.
Who should consider this vehicle The 2011 BMW X5 is not an inexpensive vehicle, especially when loaded with options. Indeed, if you're looking for similar performance and handling for less money, the Infiniti FX35 is a good alternative. If you want more space for your money, the Land Rover LR4 could be a better choice. The Acura MDX is an alternative on both performance and space counts. Perhaps the vehicle closest to the X5 is the Porsche Cayenne, though it's even more expensive.
If you have your heart set on an X5, though, the xDrive35i could be the pick of the litter. The 35d gets better fuel economy, but it's noisier and slower. The V8-powered 50i is, of course, a real kick in the hind end, but you certainly don't need it, given how swift the 35i is.
Others To Consider
Acura MDX, Infiniti FX35, Land Rover LR4, Porsche Cayenne.
Used 2011 BMW X5 listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 BMW X5s for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 499 used and CPO 2011 X5s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 11,583 and mileage as low as 50,067. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2011 BMW X5. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a used or CPO 2011 X5 available from one of 2,632 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2011 BMW X5 ?
Save up to $300 on one of 35 used 2011 BMW X5s for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $11583 as of Apr 22, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 119 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2011 BMW X5 trim styles:
The used 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i is priced around $15660 with average odometer reading of 73576 miles.
The used 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i is priced around $17840 with average odometer reading of 75324 miles.
The used 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium is priced around $15365 with average odometer reading of 88398 miles.
The used 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d is priced around $16197 with average odometer reading of 99249 miles.
The used 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity is priced around $17000 with average odometer reading of 77386 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2011 BMW X5?
Available BMW X5 2011 Submodel Types: Hybrid, SUV, Diesel
Available BMW X5 2011 Trims: xDrive40e iPerformance, 3.0i, 3.0si, xDrive30i, 4.8i, 4.4i, xDrive35d, xDrive35i Premium, sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive48i, xDrive50i, 4.8is, xDrive35i Sport Activity, 4.6is
Exterior Colors: Dark Graphite Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Atlas Cedar Metallic, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Jet Black, Monaco Blue Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic, Alpine White, Space Gray Metallic, Stratus Gray Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Gray Green Metallic, Kalahari Beige Metallic, Olivin Green Metallic, Oxford Green Metallic, Sparkling Bronze Metallic, Toledo Blue Metallic, Vermilion Red Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic, Mineral Green Metallic, Orion Silver Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Steel Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic
Interior Colors: Black Dakota leather, Black SensaTec leatherette, Canberra Beige/Black Dakota leather, Mocha Dakota leather, Terra Dakota leather, Canberra Beige Dakota leather, Ivory White/Black Dakota leather, Black Nappa premium leather, Cinnamon Brown Nevada premium leather, Black premium leather, Mocha Nappa premium leather, Black, Criollo Brown Extended Merino premium leather, Beige, Beige leatherette, Gray leather, Ivory White/Black Nappa premium leather, Black leatherette, Gray, Ivory White Nappa premium leather, Sand Beige Perforated Nevada premium leather, Sand Beige leather, Sand Beige premium leather, Black Perforated Nevada premium leather, Cinnamon Brown premium leather, Oyster Nevada premium leather, Saddle Brown premium leather, Sand Beige Nevada premium leather, Black Nevada premium leather, Black leather, Gray premium leather, Pastel Green, Tobacco Nevada premium leather, Tobacco premium leather
Popular Features: USB Inputs, Keyless Entry/Start, Heads up display, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, 360-degree camera, Upgraded Stereo, Mobile Internet, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, 6000lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Sunroof/Moonroof, Third-row seating, Leather Seats, Pre-collision safety system, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Navigation, Parking sensors, Cooled Seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Heated seats
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), diesel
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Used 2011 BMW X5 Overview
The used 2011 BMW X5 is offered in the following submodels: Diesel, SUV. Available styles include xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A), xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A), and xDrive35i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Pre-owned X5 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine or a 0-liter diesel engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2011 X5 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed shiftable automatic.
