BMW X5

Name: 2012 BMW X5
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Quick, agile and well-appointed, this iteration of the BMW X5 was available with either gasoline or diesel powerplants, so we tested one of each. Base models were updated with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This brought improved acceleration and fuel economy. The X5 is sporty to drive, with capable braking and handling. But a stiff and choppy ride counts against it. Overly heavy steering can also be a hindrance at low speeds, or when parking. Some controls are confusing too. The third-row seat is suited only for children.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW X5

vs. Similar Cars

Acura MDX

Buick Enclave

GMC Acadia

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2005

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2012

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2015

2016

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2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

2012 BMW X5

$6,050 - $9,325

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura MDX

$7,700 - $8,400

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi Q7

$5,875 - $7,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick Enclave

$5,400 - $7,200

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac Escalade

$4,875 - $11,425

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Acadia

$5,375 - $8,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti QX

$ NA

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Land Rover LR4

$5,525 - $6,375

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

$5,475 - $7,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus GX

$14,775 - $15,550

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus LX

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKT

$5,150 - $5,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln Navigator

$7,650 - $8,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

$7,450 - $7,650

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

$7,025 - $7,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser

$ NA

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo XC90

$5,200 - $5,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD

3-liter 6 turbodiesel (265 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (555 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (400 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed automatic

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2019 X5 is one of the best vehicles we've ever tested. The xDrive40i's smooth 335-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine makes the X5 quick and easy to drive smoothly, yet it gets a decent 23 mpg overall. We don't think there is any reason to opt for the V8-powered xDrive50i. The ride is comfortable and impressively steady and composed. The impeccably finished, luxurious cabin is whisper quiet, and the seats are all-day comfortable. Handling isn't sporty but is very competent. Controls have an initial learning curve but prove to be logical once mastered, and the infotainment system works seamlessly. An M50i version, with a 523-hp, turbo V8 engine, was new for 2020. The optional driving assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance, with automatic lane change with eye glance introduced in 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

The 2014 redesign brought a smoother ride but less crispness and reduced agility. We would choose the standard six-cylinder engine to get the best blend of performance and fuel economy. Most X5s came with the optional Premium package. The backup camera is the only option we consider a must-have. While iDrive continues to flummox, its features have improved with faster response time and better voice controls. BMW offers a Driver Assistance Package, which includes lane departure, forward collision, and pedestrian warnings, along with city collision mitigation, a rear camera and head-up display. You can also get the Driver Assistance Plus option, which adds blind spot detection, surround view cameras and speed limit info. A plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-liter twin turbo four-cylinder engine joined the lineup for 2016.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign is longer and adds an optional, kids-only third row. The six- and eight-cylinder engines are powerful and the diesel version got 22 mpg in our tests. Even though iDrive makes the controls more complex, we like the handling, smooth engine, comfortable seats and impeccable fit and finish. Overall though, we think the complicated controls and stiff suspension will frustrate most buyers. A turbodiesel is available.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

More sport than utility, BMW's 'big' SUV started out with a stiff ride but comfortable seats and a plush interior. With the 4.4-liter V8, it accelerates like a sports car, with outstanding handling and braking to boot. While the 3.0-liter inline six is plenty powerful, our X5 tester equipped with this engine lifted two wheels in our avoidance maneuver testing -- despite the presence of stability control as standard equipment. For that reason, we rate its emergency handling as poor. While improvements to the platform for 2005 models cure that problem, handling is still unsettled at the limit. Cargo capacity and rear-seat room are modest. The X5 holds 35.5 cubic feet of cargo. Payload is 1,290 pounds, 220 of which can be loaded on the roof. Properly equipped, the X5 will tow 5,000 pounds.