BMW X5 Review 2026: The One To Beat, Again

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

BMW

X5

BMW | Premium | SUV

In this BMW X5 Review, we break down what makes the 2026 BMW X5 such an easy SUV to live with: smooth power from the turbo inline-six, a genuinely upscale cabin, and a calm, confident feel on the road. It is not trying to be a track toy, but it still has that BMW edge when the road gets twisty, especially in the xDrive40i.

The 2026 X5 SUV is a nice car to drive, but it’s not as sporty as smaller models. BMW is famous for its great driving experience. The standard turbocharged inline-six engine gives you smooth, steady power. A twin-turbo V-8 engine gives you a lot more power and a rumbling sound that the six doesn’t have. A plug-in hybrid is also available, but we’ll discuss that model separately. The X5’s luxurious cabin seats four, but five could fit in an emergency. The larger X7 is the only one with a third row, but it offers plenty of cargo space and the latest communication technology.

What's New?

The 2026 BMW X5 is mostly a carryover, so the big-picture experience stays the same: the turbo inline-six remains the default sweet spot, the cabin tech layout is familiar, and the trim strategy is largely unchanged.

The one notable update is to the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e, which now supports a faster onboard charging rate, moving from 7.4 kW to 11 kW. If you are cross-shopping the PHEV for short daily commutes and regular charging, that change can make ownership a little easier, even though we are covering the hybrid model separately.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Two-thirds of the dashboard is covered by a curvy screen when you first get inside the X5. The BMW iDrive entertainment system can be accessed via a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel displays the gauges. A rotary knob on the middle console can also be used to control the system. A 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard features.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 BMW X5 can cost between $67,475 and $92,025, depending on options and specs. Only the xDrive40i and xDrive M60i types come with all-wheel drive. The sDrive40i, on the other hand, is rear-wheel-drive only. Because we value cost savings almost as much as good performance, the xDrive40i is the best X5 to buy. It has all-wheel drive, is quick like a sports car, and is priced fairly for this high-end class. The Premium version is our top pick because it comes with a Harman/Kardon sound system, remote engine start, LED exterior lighting, and a head-up display.

Engine and Performance

The X5 comes with three powertrains, and each is available only in one trim. The 375-hp turbocharged inline-six engine in X5s with the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badges is more powerful than any other BMW engine. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e has an electric motor and a turbocharged inline-six engine that makes 483 horsepower. We will talk about that model individually. Finally, the M60i has a twin-turbo V-8 engine that makes 523 hp. There is an eight-speed automatic gearbox that works with all three powertrains. In almost all driving situations, none will lack power. It’s easy to drive, stays stable, and has direct, connected steering that makes the X5 stand out among BMW SUVs of this age. The Audi Q7 still beats the X5 even though the race was close. When going around a fast turn, the X5 keeps its grip and gives the driver a sense of security that the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class doesn’t have.

The more powerful xDrive40i, with 375 horsepower, should have a little more zip. The last time we tried one, it had only 335 horsepower but still went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. In the same test, the 523-hp M60i went from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy

The EPA has not released numbers for the 2026 X5 yet. However, the 2025 model gets up to 23 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg overall.

Safety Features

BMW usually comes with basic driver aids like automatic emergency braking and other basic features. More advanced features, like hands-free driving, can be added as an extra. The following are important safety features:

Most automatic emergency braking systems can detect pedestrians and other road users.
Normal warning for leaving your lane.
Both hands-free drive mode and adaptive cruise control are available.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Cargo

The front and back seats are big enough for people. When passengers walk inside, they’ll find a room decorated with high-quality materials, plenty of charging stations for their devices, and, depending on the upgrades they choose, a range of fancy features. Memory for the driver and power-adjustable front seats come as standard. All models come with heated front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable steering column, and lighting that can be set to different levels. The X5 may look like a high-end luxury SUV because it offers features such as a heated steering wheel and front armrests, soft-close doors, remote start, massaging seats, and soundproof glass. Nevertheless, these additional features come with a steep price. People can also buy an expensive Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound stereo system with diamond-domed tweeters. The X5’s cabin has ample cargo space. We were able to hide eleven of our carry-on bags under the back seats when no one was sitting there. If you fold down the back seats, you can fit 26 cases inside. You can do this from the back or any side of the SUV. The GLE-class did about the same in this test as the X5, but it’s harder to fold down the back seats.

Towing Capacity

It is impressive that the X5 can pull up to 7200 pounds. The maximum weight that the M60i type can hold is 1193 pounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

xDrive40i inline-six feels smooth and strong, with power that fits the X5 perfectly.
Steering and chassis tuning still make it feel more connected than most luxury SUVs.
Cabin looks and feels premium, with excellent build quality and lots of available comfort upgrades.
Strong towing capability for the class when properly equipped, up to 7,200 pounds.
Tech is modern and easy to live with, especially with the wide iDrive display and standard smartphone integration.

Cons

Options add up fast, and the price can climb quickly into X7 territory.
Second-row space is fine for most adults, but it is not the most generous in the segment.
Styling plays it safe, which may feel too conservative next to flashier rivals.
Some desirable features are packaged in expensive bundles rather than being standard.
The M-oriented versions can ride firmer than expected if you prioritize comfort over edge.

The X5 can look “fair” on paper until you stack the options. Check invoice pricing through our form to spot what a reasonable deal looks like for your exact trim before you negotiate.

Which 2026 BMW X5 trim should I buy, and what options actually matter?

For most buyers, the xDrive40i is the smart pick because the turbo inline-six feels smooth and strong without the extra cost and firmer character of the V8 M60i. Choose sDrive40i only if you specifically want rear-wheel drive and live in a mild-weather area, since xDrive adds year-round confidence and tends to be the easier resale choice in many U.S. markets. From there, focus your budget on daily-use upgrades instead of flashy extras. If you do a lot of long drives, a head-up display and the driver-assist package with adaptive cruise can make a bigger difference than wheel size. If comfort is the priority, look for the seats and climate features you want and be careful with big wheels, since they can make the ride feel harsher on rough pavement. For audio, the standard setup is fine, but the upgraded systems are worth it if you care about music and spend a lot of time in the car. Finally, if towing is part of your plan, confirm your exact configuration includes the proper equipment, since the X5 can be rated up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped, but not every build will be set up the same way.