The 2026 BMW X5 is an oldie but a goodie, blending a luxurious, high-tech cabin with surprisingly agile driving dynamics. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid also offers thrilling acceleration and robust electric range. It remains a solid pick in its class, but a next-gen model is just around the corner.Read full review
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.
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Cost to Drive
$148/mo
X5
vs
$219/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Am I Ready for a Plug-In Hybrid?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
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
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Nick Yekikian
Very Good
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2026 BMW X5 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
8.5/10
How does the BMW X5 drive? We tested the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. The hybrid powertrain makes a mountain of smooth torque, enough to push you back in your seat. In our testing, the 50e accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and it exhibited almost preternatural handling given its substantial mass. The large wheels tend to transmit road imperfections into the cabin, though. Smaller wheels with cushier sidewalls would likely iron out almost everything the road can dish out. Outward visibility to all sides is good.
The driver aids in the X5 remain some of the industry's best. 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. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are also excellent. Our lone gripe is that, with the Driving Assistant Professional package, there's very little warning for when hands-free driving deactivates. It works at up to 85 mph.
Comfort
7.6/10
View interior photos
How comfortable is the BMW X5? The X5 might be class-leading in some performance metrics, but those doesn't come at the expense of comfort. The X5 is so composed, quiet and comfortable that it almost surprises you. Think of the X5 as your palace from the outside world. The infinitely adjustable seats are very comfortable and covered in lovely synthetic or real leather upholstery. There's ample headroom and legroom for five passengers, and the high-quality materials and LED ambient lighting make the X5 cabin feel classy and special.
The climate control system could be better, though. Aside from the system being fussy to use, the fans are too weak and too loud for a car at this price. The cabin controls are also an issue. Most of them are buried in display menus and require tapping around a seemingly endless number of apps and pages. The learning curve is steep but rewards the effort. Fortunately the excellent voice recognition system offers a shortcut.
For car seats, there are upper anchors for all three rear seat positions, but most car seat lower tethers will only easily reach the lower anchors in the two outboard positions. The lower anchors are well marked behind plastic doors.
In-cabin tech
9.7/10
How’s the tech? Though somewhat difficult to navigate, there's very little fault with the in-car tech. The screen responds quickly and looks great with deep blacks and great bright colors. The standard sound system will satisfy most buyers, but those seeking a bit more power can opt for a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both connect wirelessly and work faultlessly; we didn't experience a single errant disconnect.
BMW's voice control system is one of the best around. 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 touchscreen menu, this is a welcome feature.
Looking to make a confident purchase of the impressive 2026 BMW X5? Here are some key tips to help you get the best deal:
For new buyers, the BMW X5 is generally priced below its MSRP, with a typical savings of around 3.7% off the sticker price, translating to roughly $2,767 in savings across the model's price range.
If you're a military member or recent college grad, you can benefit from an additional $1,000 discount on your purchase.
Consider the special APR offers available, especially the 36-month term with a promotional rate of 1.99%, which is a significant discount from the standard market rate.
With 1,512 new vehicles in inventory and a typical time on the lot of just 25 days, this car is selling quickly, so act fast but be mindful of your negotiation opportunities.
Leasing is doable with monthly payments of around $1,135 and a down payment of $6,135 for a 36-month term with 12,000 miles annually.
For used X5s, prices start at about $66,367, and with 66 units available, there's some room to find a great deal if you're quick, given they tend to spend 46 days before being sold.
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Storage & cargo
7.2/10
How’s storage and cargo? 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 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.
Value
6.8/10
Is the BMW 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's warranty is on par with competitors. Buyers get four years/50,000 miles of basic and drivetrain coverage, four years of roadside assistance regardless of mileage, and three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
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 38 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.
X factor
7/10
The X5 makes you smile with the silent knowledge that you're in one of the best-built, most well-thought-out SUVs on the market. The plug-in hybrid version is ideal for those who live with a place to charge and regularly drive short distances. And while the X5 doesn't have much personality, it's a well-rounded jack-of-all-trades. You'll see a lot of X5s on the road, but there's a reason for its popularity.
2026 BMW X5 trim level differences
The 2026 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV with seating for five. Four versions are available: the sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50e and M60i. A high-performance X5 M is also available, but we review that model separately. Compare the 2026 BMW X5 trim levels in-depth.
Which X5 trim 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.
2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
I purchased my 2026 BMW X5 Hybrid in August of 2025. Love the drive, handling, and acceleration. Living within 15 miles of work, my trip to gas station has decreased to once a month, and that for long trips. Battery would give you about 30-35 miles at 100% charge, depending on driving conditions (BMW says 42miles). It takes a while to learn how to operate the screens and different … settings. Inside looks nice, but some components look like cheap plastic. My disappointment and frustration has been that in a one month span it has been to dealer twice. Right after the purchase, the driver assistance that takes over on highways would not work. After doing some research and a system reset it started to work. A month after that the car just died and it would not turn on. I got "drivetrain malfunction" error. I recharged the small 12V battery and the car would start but in safe mode (minimum power). System said that it was drivable but needed to be checked. After calling the dealer I was advised to have it towed to dealership. I was told that it was a software problem and after re-loading and updating the software it worked. Two weeks later the engine started sputtering after switching drive function to sport mode and "Drivetrain malfunction" error showed and the car went into safe mode again. It was towed to dealership again. I was told that a cylinder had misfired and triggered the error. they changed a spark plug and coils for one of the cylinders (at this time there is only 3k miles on the car). It has to be said that BMW roadside assistant has been great. They were prompt and sent the tow truck within reasonable amount of time. I'm hoping that this would be the last issue I have with this car fingers crossed.
The 2026 BMW X5 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #12 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#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
$833/yr
vs. $735/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.79x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
17.8%
vs. 16.5% for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V837000
Manufactured from:
2025-11-15 to 2025-11-15
Number of vehicles affected:
25
Defect Description:
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.
Defect Consequence:
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
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.
Recall Number:
25V556000
Number of vehicles affected:
1406
Defect Description:
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.
Defect Consequence:
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.
Corrective Action:
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 are expected to be mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
Not Rated
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
Not Rated
IIHS Rating
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 7.4 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 7.4 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 $76,000.
Other versions include:
xDrive50e 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $76,000
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
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