BMW X5 Model Years and History

For 2026, the BMW X5 and X5 M enter the new model year as carryover models, maintaining the styling and technological refinements established in the previous year.

For 2025 the X5 adds a lane change assist feature that lets the driver confirm a lane change by turning their eyes towards the corresponding side mirror. The X5 M remains unchanged for 2025.

The BMW X5 gets a more powerful engine lineup and a refreshed exterior for 2024 while the X5 M carries over with minimal changes.

The BMW X5 and X5 M both carry over with minimal changes for 2023.

The BMW X5 carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

The BMW X5 gets a few changes for 2021, the xDrive50i is no longer available, a new hybrid xDrive45e was added, and Apple CarPlay\Android Auto connectivity is now standard.

The BMW X5 is now in its fourth generation after being introduced to the American market in 1999. The 2020 X5 comes with a choice of powerful turbocharged engines, while still providing the kind of luxury that buyers would expect at this price point. The X5 has always been about versatility and having a balanced vehicle that can do it all, from going off-road, to transporting people in supreme luxury, to hunkering down and tackling a twisty road. This latest generation accomplishes all that in a smoother, more comfortable and more capable manner than ever before.

The 2019 BMW X5 gets an extensive re-design heading into its fourth generation since its genesis in 1999. With two million sold units and the nickname "The Boss" the new X5 is longer, wider and features an angular design with sharp curves centered on Lambo-like front bumper inlets and dominating kidney grilles that, all together, fit well into BMW's modern design template. The most extensive changes, however, lie with improvements to power output, efficiency, suspension design, and an entire new suite of driver assists and infotainment technology. Joining the CLAR platform the X5 will now be able to accommodate a plug-in hybrid that is expected for the 2020 model year with a battery pack under the seats to avoid stealing any cargo space.

BMW shuffled the X5's lineup a little bit for 2018, but the vehicle remains fundamentally unchanged. A transmission upgrade for 2018 should provide smoother and more responsive shifts. Trapezoidal tailpipes are now also standard for this year.

The biggest change to the X5 lineup in 2017 is the addition of a Wi-Fi hot spot and a wireless charging pad as well as the xLine trim package formerly called the Luxury Line which is now standard on all models. The iDrive infotainment system has been updated to version 5.0 and there have been new paint, trim and wheel options added.

The biggest change to the X5 lineup in 2016 is the addition of the X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid model. The xDrive40e allows drivers up to 13 miles of pure electric driving before the gasoline engine kicks in. Quick trips to the grocery store can theoretically be achieved without using any gas. Despite the eco-friendly nature of the xDrive40e, it can still hit 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, meaning no sacrifice in performance is required to care for the environment.

For 2015, BMW's X5 returns with a few changes. The X5 sDrive35i and xDrive35i receive a slight increase in engine displacement, while an improvement in the transmission increases acceleration and fuel efficiency. Elsewhere, equipment reshuffling has changed certain standard and optional features.

The BMW X5 has been given a host of improvements for 2014. The biggest change is to the exterior, where the car receives quite a bit of new sheet metal, updating its design while still being recognizably an X5. Numerous improvements include a lighter chassis and a more powerful V8 engine on the xDrive50i, now up to 445-hp. A rear-wheel drive base trim is new for this year at a lower price point. The X5 M is no longer available.

The BMW X5 returns for 2013 with minimal updates

Following a number of dramatic changes for the 2011 model year, the BMW X5 returns for 2012 with few updates. LED Corona lights on all models are new for 2012, HiFi Audio appears on all models, several option packages got reconfigured and leather is now available on base models.

Revised styling is the most obvious change for BMW's X5 in 2011, with new LED-equipped headlamps, a new front bumper with a new metallic lower trim panel, and revised fog lamp mounting. The rear bumper has been redesigned to match the front, and new chrome-trimmed taillights feature LED lights. Underneath that, the X5 gets several new powerplants for 2011, including a 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower, as well as a 4.4L V8 that produces 400 horsepower. Both engines get an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. Other new features include active cruise control and a lane departure warning system. New colors include Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey and Sparkling Bronze.

For 2010, the BMW X5 receives a minor facelift, with new bumpers front and rear. Inside, the X5 benefits from the company's latest iDrive system. Perhaps the biggest news is the addition of the sporty M model, powered by a 555-hp 4.4-liter V8.

For 2009, the BMW X5 gains an optional 3.0L inline-6 diesel engine. It produces 265 hp and 425 lb-feet of torque. The diesel X5 is also capable of a 21 combined mpg and 6000 lbs of towing capacity.

After a complete redesign for 2007, the BMW X5 returns for 2008 with only a few feature changes. The dynamic stability control system now gets a number of additional safety-oriented features: brake drying, brake stand-by, brake fade compensation, and the start-off assistant. Also for 2008, the xDrive system's graphic display has been upgraded with new colors and typography and improved contrast, and the glove compartment is now larger. The standard sound system has been upgraded to one with 12 speakers, two subwoofers, and new speaker configurations.

For 2007 the BMW X5 has been redesigned, but you'll have to look hard to notice it. No one complained about the previous X5 styling, so rather than a radical makeover, the 2007 X5 was expanded to make more room inside. The body panels were massaged in such a way, though, that the new X5 doesn't look any larger. You'll also find additional utility in the 2007 X5. There is now an optional third row of seats for a total of seven occupants. The rest of the interior is very elegantly designed, and abounds with quality touches. The six-speed automatic backs up both the 260-horsepower 3.0L six-cylinder engine and the stirring 350-horsepower 4.8L V8. The 4.4L V8 is no longer available.