The 2026 BMW X5 is the athlete among its midsize luxury rivals, delivering potent performance while maintaining high levels of comfort and refinement. It takes a while to get used to the controls and infotainment system, but even with these drawbacks, the X5 remains a great all-around pick.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Pros
Strong performance from available engines
Luxurious, comfortable cabin lives up to its price tag
Spacious interior and cargo area
Cons
Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots
Limited interior storage
Wide doorsills inhibit entry and exit
What's new
No notable changes for 2026
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
BMW got in on the modern luxury SUV game early with the debut of the X5 in 1999. That head start proved invaluable, allowing for development and improvement over the next two decades as smaller and larger siblings joined the lineup. The 2026 BMW X5 represents the end of the line for the current generation that debuted in 2019, yet it remains one of the best choices among midsize luxury SUVs. It takes its final bow in the same form as last year, delivering the same tried-and-true experience that made it an undeniable success.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
BMW X5 PHEV Insights
Trim:
X5 xDrive50e
All Electric Range
EPA Estimated Range not available
Charging
No charging time information available
EV Battery Warranty
No battery warranty information available
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Maximize savings on your BMW X5.
You could save$100
We’ll check your eligibility for:
Vehicle not eligible for federal EV credit
Local rebates
Edmunds does not share any data that you provide through this tool. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify programs and eligibility before purchasing a vehicle. This information is provided subject to our Visitor Agreement.
Cost to Drive
Not EPA Tested
X5
vs
$216/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
Am I Ready for a Plug-In Hybrid?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnershipEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
This is always a tough question when a vehicle is due for a complete redesign. On one hand, the current 2026 X5 remains a great choice in its class. On the other, you might be missing out on the next big thing from BMW, whether it's a new technology feature or drivetrain option. Then there's style and personality. The next X5 seems poised to adopt the upcoming Neue Klasse exterior design language, with a smaller, more subtle kidney grille from pre-1980s BMWs. The new look could easily sway shoppers one way or the other, as could the possibility of higher tariff-related prices, even though the X5 is assembled in South Carolina. It's still early in the game, so we recommend watching this space for the latest developments.
Competitors to consider
Our current favorite midsize luxury SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It's similarly priced to the BMW X5 but leans more toward opulence than performance, at least in the entry-level trims. For more generous budgets, the Porsche Cayenne is about as sporty as the class gets. By contrast, the Genesis GV80 is a relative bargain compared to the German SUVs, as is the Lexus RX that provides more economical options. Even with these rivals and seven years in production, the BMW X5 should be an all-around winner for many shoppers.
What’s it like to live with?
We added a 2020 BMW X5 to our One-Year Road Test fleet to get a more detailed ownership experience of this generation, and it did not disappoint. While there have been numerous changes and upgrades since then, many of our observations still hold true and should set expectations if you purchase one.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2026 BMW X5 is the athlete among its midsize luxury rivals, delivering potent performance while maintaining high levels of comfort and refinement. It takes a while to get used to the controls and infotainment system, but even with these drawbacks, the X5 remains a great all-around pick.
How does the X5 drive? We tested the X5 xDrive 50e, which is the plug-in hybrid X5. The hybrid powertrain makes a mountain of smooth torque. It's enough to push you back in your seat. At our test track, our test X5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. You'll also get almost preternatural handling for something so massive. It's all very impressive and, in routine driving, the quiet torque adds to the luxury feel. The brakes are strong for when you need to stop quickly.
BMW has also paired this hybrid system with a silky smooth inline-six engine, and that means when you ask for full power, all you get is smooth, easy acceleration. It isn't rattly or clunky. In fact, the engine sounds rather pleasant.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the X5? It might be class-leading in its performance metrics, but that doesn't come at the expense of comfort. The X5 is so composed, quiet and comfortable it almost surprises you on the road. Think of the X5 as your palace from the outside world. The wheels are large and perhaps that's this SUV's main fault. They tend to transmit bigger road imperfections into the cabin, and we think smaller wheels with cushier sidewalls would iron out almost everything the road can throw at them.
The seats are covered in lovely synthetic or real leather upholstery and are very adjustable. But we do think the climate control system could be better. Aside from the system being fussy to use, the fans are too weak and too loud for a car this pricey.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The X5's interior has one major issue: the difficult-to-use controls. Most of them are buried in the infotainment display menus, and it demands you tap around a seemingly endless number of apps and pages to get to where you want to go. The learning curve will be too steep for some, but those who put the work in to figure it out get to reap the goodness of the rest of this cabin.
The seats are very comfortable and there's plenty of headroom and legroom. Visibility out of all sides and windows is good, and there is ample room for five passengers. Plus, BMW has done a great job of making the X5's cabin look classy and special with high-quality materials and LED ambient lighting.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $2,984 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,984 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the xDrive50e trim.
2026 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Milwaukee, WI
How’s the tech? Though somewhat difficult to navigate through, there's very little faulting this tech suite's features. The screen reacts quickly and looks great thanks to deep blacks and great, bright colors. The sound system will be more than acceptable to most — hardcore audiophiles will want the optional Bowers & Wilkins, which our test car didn't have equipped. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both connect wirelessly and work faultlessly; our time with the X5 didn't have a single errant disconnect.
BMW's voice control system is one of the best around, and while it might still feel weird to talk to your car, the system works well enough that you'll want to use it. It can process commands like opening the sunroof, changing the temperature, turning on and off the head-up display, and more. Given how many of these functions are buried in a screen menu, this is a welcome feature.
The driver aids in the X5 remain some of the best in the industry. The lane keeping assistance works well and is primarily active on the highway, meaning it doesn't try to wrench your hands from the steering wheel on city streets. The adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are all excellent too. Our lone gripe is that, with the Driving Assistant Professional package, there's very little warning supplied for when you can no longer use hands-free driving; it only works at up to 40 mph.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? A big, flat storage area and clever clamshell trunk opening make for a useful cargo area. We tested the plug-in hybrid X5 and found that its battery pack doesn't reduce cargo volume much. In terms of cargo space, the X5 xDrive50e is a winner.
Unfortunately, the big cabin doesn't have many places for you to stash your smaller personal items. The cellphone tray is handy, but it's obstructed if you're using the cupholders, and the center console box is relatively small. The door pockets are moderately sized but don't do much to help you organize your small items. For such a luxury family-oriented vehicle like the X5, it's unfortunate there's not more cabin storage.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Hybrids are typically linked with efficiency, but the xDrive50e we tested yielded a similar average mpg as the last non-hybrid six-cylinder X5 we tested. The EPA says the X5 xDrive50e, which is what we tested, will get 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We achieved 23 mpg on average in our time with our test vehicle. The EPA also says it will go 39 miles in EV-only mode on a full charge. This is pretty impressive considering the X5's size and weight. But if you can't regularly take advantage of the EV range, the standard X5 with the six-cylinder engine will serve you just as well in terms of fuel efficiency.
Value
8/10
Is the X5 a good value? It's hard to say that anything that costs as much as an X5 is a good value, but you are certainly getting what you pay for. The build quality is superb, the interior is covered in high-quality materials, and there are never any random squeaks from the interior panels. BMW offers a warranty that's on par with competitors. Buyers will get four years/50,000 miles of basic and drivetrain coverage. You also get four years of roadside assistance regardless of mileage and three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Wildcard
8/10
The X5 will make you smile because of the silent knowledge that you're in one of the best-built, well-thought-out SUVs on the market. The plug-in hybrid version is ideal for those who live with a place to charge and make a lot of short drives. You'll see a lot of X5s on the road, but there's a reason for its popularity.
Which X5 does Edmunds recommend?
For the majority of shoppers and drivers, the base engine will easily satisfy. It has plenty of power and beats the plug-in hybrid's fuel economy if you don't have regular charger access. We suggest stepping up to the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i for its improved traction on both dry and slippery surfaces, and be sure to add the Driving Assistance Professional package to get all of the latest driver assist features.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
FAQ
Is the BMW X5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 X5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the X5 has 33.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW X5. Learn more
What's new in the 2026 BMW X5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 BMW X5:
No notable changes for 2026
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the BMW X5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the X5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the X5's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 BMW X5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 BMW X5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 X5 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 X5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 BMW X5?
The least-expensive 2026 BMW X5 is the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $73,800.
Other versions include:
xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,800
If you're interested in the BMW X5, the next question is, which X5 model is right for you? X5 variants include xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of X5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1200" height="588" fill="none" preserveAspectRatio="none"%3E%3Cmask id="b" width="1200" height="588" x="0" y="0" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:alpha"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23a)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/mask%3E%3Cg mask="url(%23b)"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23c)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23d)" fill-opacity=".15" d="M581.718 62.893c42.993 1.53 86.281 5.888 129.704 13.204 311.828 52.485 552.538 242.016 657.698 483.656-149.97-147.971-450.891-226.33-789.375-232.079-338.534.839-640.434 74.572-792.746 220.292 108.75-240.047 352.255-425.97 664.832-473.803a1041.548 1041.548 0 0 1 129.887-11.27Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23e)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M611.247 209.93a1458.84 1458.84 0 0 1 139.573 27.692c333.61 83.239 577.16 267.208 668.67 475.188-148.93-138.63-468.279-241.218-835.209-290.421-367.6-43.915-702.265-24.445-881.281 72.561 140.567-178.524 422.355-295.817 766.181-293.074 47.867.484 95.274 3.212 142.066 8.054Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23f)" d="M735.039 879.394c48.524-6.62 97.023-16.967 145.3-31.2C1227.03 746.059 1475.76 472.327 1564.28 145c-151.17 209.633-482.23 344.436-865.05 388.31C315.515 568.571-35.93 504.564-227 330.342-73.333 632.61 226.169 849.617 586.429 878.604c50.15 3.871 99.74 4.07 148.61.79Z" opacity=".3"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23g)" d="M694.222 783.712c50.956 12 103.317 20.27 156.946 24.578 385.102 31.013 738.232-146.76 952.062-439.434-231.22 151.216-613.24 158.795-1012.047 55.796C394.784 312.716 68.643 114.101-55.211-133c37.44 360.528 253.087 691.895 601.449 858.946 48.557 23.091 97.963 42.302 147.984 57.766Z" opacity=".9"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23h)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3ClinearGradient id="a" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".333" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%230A4AAB"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="c" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".334" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="d" x1="675.999" x2="879.999" y1="648.999" y2="120.999" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23fff"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="e" x1="656.5" x2="637.602" y1="213" y2="622.259" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".115" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".944" stop-color="%23017D8D"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="f" x1="398" x2="737" y1="599" y2="387" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%2300ABB5"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%2300A0B5" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="g" x1="1051.5" x2="271" y1="567" y2="575" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%230098C2"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23033E96" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="h" x1="1005" x2="986.038" y1="23" y2="587.43" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".813" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".972"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E)
