2021 BMW X5: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

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2021 BMW X5 Review: Raising the Luxury SUV Bar

by Aiden Eksteen

Crossover SUVs are the most popular vehicles in the USA right now, with Americans expressing plenty of admiration for their commanding comportments on the road, elevated ride heights, and all-round versatility. The 2021 BMW X5, a premium midsize SUV, brings its own unique qualities to the classification such as fun and proficient drive dynamics and a luxurious interior, along with those intrinsic perks. BMW presents the X5 SUV with two phenomenal gasoline powertrains: a strapping 3.0-liter turbo-6 with 335 horsepower and a ferocious 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The X5 SUV is ideal for the BMW-performance enthusiast and the regular daily commuter; its cabin is luxurious, commodious, and brimming with modern creature comforts and conveniences. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Audi Q7, and even the Lincoln Aviator are compelling alternatives, but the X5 SUV is spellbinding in its own right.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 8 /10
Performance 9 /10
Fuel Economy 7 /10
Interior & Cargo 9 /10
Infotainment & Features 10 /10
Reliability 8 /10
Safety 10 /10
Value For Money 7 /10

8.5

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2021 BMW X5 Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 X5?

For 2021, the new BMW X5 sees the model lineup altered slightly with the xDrive50i model being dropped and the addition of the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e, while the 40i models are also bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. All new models also get SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L as standard for the 2021 model year, while the M50i model gets ventilated front seats and remote start over that. Numerous other small changes have been made to the optional packages and standalone features.

Pros and Cons

Two tasty powertrain options
Competitively quick M50i model
Brimming with standard features
Stunning and well-built interior
Spacious cabin and cargo space
High safety rating

Base asking price is relatively high
Advanced driver assists cost extra
Steering feedback could be better
Mediocre fuel economy returns

Best Deals on 2021 BMW X5

2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i

$41,729

61,956 miles

Fair Deal

$4,100 below

2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i

$46,720

41,538 miles

Fair Deal

$2,800 below

2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i

$52,900

32,500 miles

2021 BMW X5 M50i

$64,900

33,226 miles

See All X5 For Sale

2021 BMW X5 Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
sDrive40i	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive	$59,400
xDrive40i	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	All-Wheel Drive	$61,700
xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Plug-in Hybrid	8-Speed Automatic	All-Wheel Drive	$65,400
M50i	4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	All-Wheel Drive	$82,800

See All 2021 BMW X5 Trims and Specs

2021 X5 Exterior

See All 2021 BMW X5 Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 194.3 in
Wheelbase 117.1 in
Height 68.7 in
Max Width 78.9 in
Front Width 66.1 in
Rear Width 66.9 in
Curb Weight 4,828.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Black Sapphire Metallic +$550
Mineral White Metallic +$550
Phytonic Blue Metallic +$550
Arctic Grey Metallic +$550
Dark Graphite Metallic +$550
Carbon Black Metallic +$550
Sparkling Brown Metallic +$550
Manhattan Green Metallic, Late availability. +$550
Arctic Gray Metallic +$550
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, Priority 1 +$1,950
Ametrin Metallic, Priority 1 +$1,950
Dravit Grey Metallic, Priority 1. +$1,950
Manhattan Green Metallic
Alpine White
Jet Black

2021 X5 Performance

Engine and Transmission

Engines

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas, 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Plug-in Hybrid, 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
Transmission

8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

AWD, RWD

2021 X5 Interior

See All 2021 BMW X5 Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

5-seater

Front Leg Room 39.8 in
Front Head Room 40.8 in
Rear Leg Room 37.4 in
Rear Head Room 38.7 in

2021 X5 Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 BMW X5 Trunk Space with Seat Folded

2021 X5 Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Corrosion:
12 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Hybrid/Electric Components:
8 Years \ 80,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Maintenance:
3 Years \ 36,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating

Verdict: Is the 2021 BMW X5 A Good SUV?

BMW caters to everyone with the 2021 X5 SUV, offering a genuinely impressive entry-spec trim that boasts fine performance dynamics whether guise in rear- or all-wheel drive. For the Bimmer devotees or just thrill seekers, there's the M50i; push the pedal to the metal and the high-performance X5 will launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, all the while handling corners like a Hot Wheels car fixed to its track. Every model boasts an opulent and meticulously well-built interior that is comfortable, spacious, and crammed with desirable features and tech, including one of the best infotainment systems in the business. A near-perfect crashworthiness/safety review of the 2021 BMW X5 is also met with exceptional reliability expectations, which inspires confidence whether you're going to be driving enthusiastically or just transporting people. There's a lot the 2021 BMW X5 SUV offers at its price, which at $59,400, is certainly value-packed.

What BMW X5 Model Should I Buy?

There are essentially three versions of the fourth-generation BMW X5 SUV: the sDrive 40i is the entry-spec RWD version, the xDrive 40i is the entry-spec AWD version, and the M40i is the performance-focused version. It doesn't matter which you go for, as all are phenomenal 5-door vehicles, but the M50i is the most compelling with its sportier exterior impression and big wheels, leather cabin upholstery, and oodles of desirable features. Front occupants are spoiled with seat heating and ventilation, there's quad-zone automatic climate control, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and a wireless charging pad, too.