2016 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Xdrive35d 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4dr SUV, Xdrive50i 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 255–443 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,791–5,150 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,930 lb (Xdrive35d 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 34% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 25
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 X5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive35d 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,930 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive35i 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,791 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive50i 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,150 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 xDrive35d Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +34% | $3,850 | 401 |
| X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 25 / 24 | +28% | $3,400 | 247 |
| X5 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 427 |
| X5 xDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $4,100 | 435 |
| X5 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 515 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.8% |
| 2016 BMW X5 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.8% |


Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X5 (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles · Aug 13, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · 720,796 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 19, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V907000 · 50,404 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
- Risk
- A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V586000 · 11,216 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V755000 · 44,368 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
- Risk
- The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Wiring · Dec 21, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V919000 · 8 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 9, 2015. The affected vehicles have a Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control unit that may have a loose electrical ground cable, possibly causing an under-voltage condition which would result in the transmission shifting to neutral.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the ground cable, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2016 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 BMW X5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2025 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2024 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 145 |
| 2023 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 34 |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2021 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 111 |
| 2020 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 113 |
| 2019 X5 | 22 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 194 |
| 2018 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 73 |
| 2017 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 75 |
| 2015 X5 | 27 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 151 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →