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Expert Rating

BMW X5

(2018 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

51
%
E

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

69
%
C

Eco Rating:

60
%
B

Reliability Rating:

18
%
E

Running Costs:

30
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

51
%
E

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

69
%
C

Eco Rating:

60
%
B

Reliability Rating:

18
%
E

Running Costs:

30
%
E

Summary


The BMW X5 is a large SUV model that sits between the smaller X3 and the larger X7 in the BMW SUV family. The current model went on sale in 2018 and is the third generation of BMW X5.

The X5 is available with a choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains. There is also a range-topping X5 M Competition model, which is covered in a separate page.

Motoring journalists have praised the X5 for strong on-road performance and a comfortable interior. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is also considered to be one of the better implementations of this technology. However, the X5 has been criticised for a lack of off-roading ability and fussy, divise styling.

As of December 2024, the BMW X5 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It’s not as desirable as a used car, where its rating slips to an E with a score of just 51%. The scores reflect excellent media reviews and relatively low CO2 emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid models), but poor results for ownership – poor reliability and high running costs.

Key specifications


Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: from £69,560 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2018
Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Electrifying.com

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW X5 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The BMW X5 has a very poor reliability score of 24%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. This score applies to both the current X5 generation (2018 onwards) and earlier models.

As well as a high number of reports, the average cost of repairs is high at about £950. This is obviously a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is well worth keeping in mind if you own a BMW X5 or are interested in buying a used X5.

Engine failures are commonly reported and are the most expensive problems, with an average repair bill of nearly £2,500. Gearbox repairs are similarly expensive, although thankfully not as common. Suspension faults are the most common problem, with an average repair bill of £600.

Running cost rating


Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models25 mpgE23 – 31 mpgE – E
Diesel models38 mpgD33 – 42 mpgD – E
Plug-in hybrid models312 mpgA202 – 314 mpgA – A
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models260 g/kmD205 – 277 g/kmD – D
Diesel models194 g/kmD175 – 222 g/kmC – D
Plug-in hybrid models21 g/kmA18 – 31 g/kmA – A
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models60 milesC47 – 67 milesC – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models48D26 – 50B – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£515D
Year 2£1,061D
Year 3£1,691D
Year 4£2,121D
Year 5£2,735D
Overall£8,123D

According to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data, the BMW X5 is quite expensive to run in the short- and long-term.

Petrol models have poor fuel consumption and diesels are a bit better. The plug-in hybrid looks good on paper, but this is deceptive – every plug-in hybrid looks great in theory, but this is because of rubbish EU/UK government lab testing. You certainly won’t get 221 miles of driving from one gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid is good, at 60 miles according to the official tests. That’s better than most plug-in hybrids, but you’ll still need to charge it almost daily to get best use out of the electric motor and battery. By comparison, an equivalent mid-size full EV would get more than 250 miles out of its battery so most households would only need to charge it once a week.

Scheduled servicing costs are rather costly on average over five years of ownership too.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X5 has received

2022

  • Business Car Awards – Best Premium Large SUV

2021

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Large Premium SUV
  • Business Motoring Awards – Best Large SUV
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Plug-in Hybrid (xDrive45e)
  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Large SUV

2020

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Large Premium SUV
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Plug-in Hybrid

2019

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large SUV

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the BMW X5, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi Q7 | BMW X6 | Genesis GV80 | Land Rover Discovery | Lexus RX LMaserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volkswagen TouaregVolvo XC90

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The BMW X5 currently holds a rating of 77% on our Expert Rating scale, which is a few points behind the class leaders but still competitive.BMW X5