BMW X5 M 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.

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 includes enough power for trips of up to 13 miles of electric-powered driving. Quick trips to the grocery store can thus be achieved without using any gas. Despite the eco-friendly nature of the xDrive40e, it is still claimed to hit 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, making it both quick as well as environmentally friendly.

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 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.