2021 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M50i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV, Xdrive45e 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 282–600 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 192.1–194.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,978–5,368 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (19.6 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 600 hp, versus about 434 hp for similar 2021 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints111 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 6). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,335 lb (M50i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 17% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
- New hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M50i 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,335 lb | 51/49 |
| Xdrive40i 5 Seat 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 4,978 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive40i 7 Seat 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,157 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive45e 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78.7 in | 68.9 in | 116.9 in | 65.7 / 66.5 in | 5,368 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 192.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 115.4 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,181 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 sDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +17% | $3,550 | 383 |
| X5 xDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +22% | $3,550 | 389 |
| X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 178 |
| X5 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 488 |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
| X5 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 BMW X5 SUV RWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X5 (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (12)
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Apr 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint · Mar 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V156000 · 258 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners · Feb 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V089000 · 9 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.
- Risk
- A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic · Feb 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Column · Jan 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
- Risk
- A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Dec 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
- Risk
- Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V678000 · 83 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
- Risk
- If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Sep 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V601000 · 4,509 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- Risk
- The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Aug 18, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V490000 · 713 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
- Risk
- A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Tires · Aug 14, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V483000 · 42 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
- Risk
- A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2021 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 25 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 36,400 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 113 |
| 2019 X5 | 22 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 193 |
| 2018 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 73 |
| 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 →