DecodedCars2018 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Xdrive35d 4dr SUV, Xdrive35d Third Row Seating 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i Third Row Seating 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 255–567 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,791–5,221 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2018 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 567 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2018 models.
- 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 23 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 2018 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 73 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine308 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine255–300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine567 hp4.4L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
xDrive40exDrive35dsDrive35ixDrive35iX5 M
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 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 |
| Xdrive35d Third Row Seating 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,099 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 |
| Xdrive35i Third Row Seating 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,949 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive40e 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,221 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 xDrive 35d 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 | 248 |
| X5 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +8% | $3,900 | 426 |
| X5 xDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $4,100 | 434 |
| X5 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 517 |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 549 |
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.8% |
| 2018 BMW X5 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.8% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW X5 (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
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 › 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.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 20, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V652000 · 3,501 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
- Risk
- An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V439000 · 43 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
- Risk
- If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension · Nov 17, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V727000 · 33 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.
- Risk
- Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2018 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
73Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
32,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 11 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 32,000 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 2018 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 | 33 |
| 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 | 193 |
| 2017 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 75 |
| 2016 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 74 |
| 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 →