The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV pioneer. While earlier X5s are less costly, they also have more problems. With new prices starting around $60,000, what’s the best BMW X5 year for price and value? 2014-2017.
Key Points
- The BMW X5 debuted in a smaller size, and its dated tech may keep it out of serious consideration here. However, the second generation brought a new larger size, additional engines, and cutting-edge technology and convenience features.
- The X5’s third generation is the sweet spot in the generational lineup and has tons of tech and multiple engine options.
- The latest X5 may be the best, but its high price puts it in second place behind its previous generation in terms of cost-to-value.
BMW Has Refined the X5 Over Four Generations
The BMW X5 is a pioneer in the luxury sports utility vehicle world. In fact, it helped invent it. Its muscular proportions and luxury interior stood out in the crowd of sedans. BMW set about improving and refining the X5 over the next few decades, adding other luxury SUVs above and below the X5 along the way. There have been four generations of X5, and some are better than others.
First-generation BMW X5 Shares Parts with Range Rover and Featured Notable Engine Updates
The first-generation X5 (1990-2006) is the smallest and, unsurprisingly, the least expensive on the used market. Prices range from $2,745 to $4,412 for an early 2000 model, up to $5,830 to $9,191 for a final-year 2006 model.
The X5 was developed when BMW owned Land Rover and shares various components with the Range Rover of the same era. Whether that is a good or bad thing is up for debate, but it allowed BMW to get their first SUV to market. Early models came with one engine option, a 282-horsepower 4.4L V8. Despite the loaner parts from Land Rover, BMW built the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle with a focus on road manners.
For the 2001 model year, BMW introduced a new, entry-level 3.0i version featuring a 225-horsepower six-cylinder. A year later, BMW added an optional 4.6is trim boasting a 340-horsepower 4.6L engine.
Also in 2002, the 4.4i was upgraded slightly to 290 horsepower. For the 2003 model year, BMW added standard rear head protection airbags and an optional DVD-based navigation system.
For 2004, BMW dropped the X5 4.6is, but replaced it with the 355-horsepower 4.8is, and upgraded the 4.4i to 315 horsepower. That continued largely unchanged through 2005 and 2006, with a few feature and option updates as BMW prepared to launch a second-generation X5.
Second-generation BMW X5 Grows in Size, Adds Diesel Engine and Performance-oriented M Trim
BMW came out strong with the updated second-generation X5 (2007-2013). It was larger in almost every dimension except height, specifically the second-gen. X5 was 6.5 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider, and had a 4.3-inch longer wheelbase compared to the original X5.
With a new xDrive AWD system underneath, the updated X5 was powered by a standard 3.0L six-cylinder with 260 horsepower, and featured an optional 350-horsepower 4.8L V8 engine. BMW also added a third row, although with only 6.5 inches of additional length, it was pretty cramped. Prices on the used market range from $7,410 – $10,042 for a 2007 X5 to $14,595 – $20,622 for a 2013 X5.
For 2008, BMW kept the X5 engine lineup the same, and mostly updated the available features and options. The big news for 2009 was a 265-horsepower turbo-diesel option called the X5 35d. The other two trim levels retained the same engine options and received minor updates during the model year.
The 2010 model year saw a great update to the iDrive infotainment system, which was not well received by critics and buyers in previous model years across the BMW lineup. The 2011 model year marked a big mid-generation overhaul for the X5’s engine options. BMW’s new 3.5L twin-turbo six-cylinder now found a great home in the base X5 in a trim called the 35i. Producing 300 horsepower, it is a fantastic engine.
The 35d remains, while those looking for max performance can now find a 50i V8-powered option with 400 horsepower. Those looking for something even sportier can opt for the M Sport package on the xDrive35i and xDrive50i that delivers upgraded exterior and interior trim, plus larger wheels and an adaptive suspension. That lineup continued generally unchanged for 2012, while 2013 (the final year of the second generation) added a cool M Performance package on the xDrive35i and xDrive50i that bumped power up 15 and 40 horsepower, respectively.
The reliability ratings for the second-generation X5 largely mirror those for the first generation. Repair Pal rated it a 2.0 out of 5.0, ranked it 13th out of 19 for luxury full-size SUVs, and noted that the estimated average annual repair cost is $1,166.
Third-generation BMW X5 Welcomes Partial EV to the Lineup, Has Few Reported Issues
The changes for the third-generation (2014-2017) X5 were a bit more evolutionary, but represent the most impressive vehicle for the money on the used market. BMW appeared to go with an, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” approach for 2014. They simplified the trim levels a bit; you could get a base RWD SDrive35i with 300 horsepower that also came in an AWD xDrive35i model, and you could still find the 255-horsepower xDrive35d and the V8-powered xDrive50i with an impressive 445 horsepower.
Other changes involved new safety tech, a touch more interior space, and an updated interior. Prices for the third-generation X5 range from $23,388 – $29,840 for a 2014 model up to $36,985 – $49,219 for a 2017.
The engines and trim levels continued unchanged from 2014 to 2015, with some additional trim and option changes across each one. As with previous generations, a couple of years into the third generation they shook things up a bit for 2016, adding a new xDrive40e with an all-electric mode that could travel up to 13 miles and its plug-in hybrid gas engine produced 313 horsepower.
To end the rather short, but great, third generation, the X5 got additional trim and option updates for 2017. The plug-in gas version was renamed the xDrive40e iPerformance but remained relatively the same.
xDrive35i trim models for the first two years of the fourth generation (2014-2015) have reported issues on their turbo waste gate, which become progressively worse and can result in rattling and loss of power. There were no reported issues for the 2016-2017 model years. All models from the fourth generation have a Repair Pal rating of 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 19 for luxury full-size SUVs.
Fourth-generation BMW X5 Sees Modern Overhaul and Simplifies Offerings
This brings us to the four-generation BMW X5 (2018-present). Once again, powertrains generally carry over with 3.5L gas, 3.5L diesel, plug-in hybrid, and 4.4L V8 options across the lineup. An updated eight-speed automatic transmission was added to all non-hybrid models. Prices range from $43,599 – $58,519 for the 2018 model year to an MSRP of $59,400 – $82,800 for the newest 2021 X5.
The 2019 model year saw a drastic simplification (again) of the X5 lineup. You can choose from the base xDrive40i with 335 horsepower or the 456 horsepower xDrive50i. That’s it. As you can see, BMW’s AWD system is now standard across both trim levels for 2019. BMW gave the X5 new active safety tech and an improved infotainment system, as well.
For 2020, the RWD sDrive40i (335 horsepower) returned, joined by the xDrive40i (335 horsepower), xDrive50i (456 horsepower), and the all-new performance-focused M50i (523 horsepower). Additional trim and option updates were done as well for 2020. That brings us to the present-day X5, the 2021 X5. For 2021, BMW kept the 40i and 50i trim levels the same but added a new xDrive45e that features a 389-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine.
Repair Pal has no reported issues for the fourth-generation X5, and it retains its reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 19 for luxury full-size SUVs.
Which X5 is Best for a Driver’s Overall Needs?
Which X5 is the best option? Typically this question is relative, and that’s not totally incorrect in this case. Your need for cargo space, seating capacity, performance, and other criteria will need to reconcile with your budget.
Obviously, the first two generations of X5 are the most affordable, with average prices for the first generation coming in at $5,968 and the second generation at $14,016. That is pennies on the dollar compared to their MSRPs back in the day; however, you’ll need to budget some time and money to keep them running reliably.
The latest fourth-generation X5 is a great vehicle, but with an average price just north of $63,000, it’s not cheap. The sweet spot at the moment for the BMW X5 is the third generation (2014-2017). With a bit more accessible average price of $36,303, there is a lot to like. Plus, with solid reliability ratings for the 2016 and 2017 years, and a host of engine and trim levels, you can’t go wrong.
Photos: BMW
