2020 vs 2021 BMW X5

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2020

  • Early iDrive software faults 2019–2020 One source so far

    What to check: Make sure the software is up to date, and test the screen and controls.

    Euro Premium Parts says 2019 and 2020 cars had iDrive 7 freezes and reboots, mostly cured by software updates.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

2021

  • Plug-in hybrid battery recalls and wear 2021–2026

    What to check: Make sure the battery recalls were done and ask for a battery health check.

    NHTSA lists two 2021 recalls for xDrive45e battery cells that could short circuit, and Euro Premium Parts says the battery slowly loses range, more so when it is rarely charged.

    NHTSA, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • Air suspension compressor and spring failures All years One source so far

    What to check: See that it sits level and at the right height, and listen for a noisy compressor.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the air suspension compressor a common failure on every G05, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and says the rear air springs leak.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil leaks on the six All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for oil at the valve cover and oil filter housing.

    Euro Premium Parts says the B58's valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets seep from about 50,000 to 80,000 miles, and that a leak onto the exhaust can smoke.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Integrated brake system recalls All years

    What to check: Make sure the integrated brake system recalls were done.

    NHTSA lists recalls for the integrated brake system, which can lose its power assist and ABS, on 2019 to 2021 cars and again on 2024 and 2025 cars.

    NHTSA

Recalls

2020

  • 19V631000 2020

    The steering rack's pinion teeth can break under load, losing steering control. Dealers replace the steering rack. NHTSA

  • 19V684000 2019–2020

    The reversing camera's settings can be changed so its picture is no longer visible, and the car keeps that setting. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

  • 20V434000 2019–2020

    The bearing plate of the steering column shaft may not have been fastened properly and can loosen. Dealers inspect it and fasten or replace it. NHTSA

  • 20V465000 2020

    An extra bolt on the starter motor could fall into the gearbox housing and stall the engine. Dealers remove it and replace damaged parts. NHTSA

  • 24V576000 2019–2020

    If the starter motor fails, repeated tries to start the car can overheat it. Dealers update the software. NHTSA

  • 25V644000 2019–2020

    After repeated tries, the starter motor can overheat from an electrical overload. Dealers replace the starter, including on cars fixed under 24V576000. NHTSA

2021

  • 20V483000 2021

    The tires may have a damaged inner layer and lose pressure quickly while driving. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

  • 20V490000 2021

    Loose weld beads can bridge the hybrid battery's cells and short circuit them. Dealers inspect the battery modules and replace them if needed. NHTSA

  • 20V601000 2021

    Debris may have got into the hybrid battery cells when they were made. Drivers are told not to charge the car until dealers inspect the battery and replace modules if needed. NHTSA

  • 20V761000 2021

    The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator may have been assembled badly, raising its resistance. Dealers inspect it and replace it if needed. NHTSA

  • 21V031000 2021

    The universal joint of the steering column shaft may not have been tightened properly and can loosen. Dealers replace the bolt, or the shaft and joint as well. NHTSA

  • 21V089000 2021

    The right front brake disc may have been fitted with the wrong fasteners and could work loose. Dealers replace both front discs. NHTSA

  • 21V156000 2021

    The outer second-row head restraints may be the wrong type for the car. Dealers inspect them and replace them as needed. NHTSA

Both years

  • 20V528000 2020–2021

    The headlights can show a blue light, so the cars do not meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers inspect them and replace them if needed. NHTSA

  • 20V678000 2020–2021

    The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bracket may separate. Dealers replace the front axle support. NHTSA

  • 21V062000 2019–2021

    The rotor and shaft in the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and can separate under hard braking, losing ABS and brake assist. Dealers replace the brake system. NHTSA

  • 21V096000 2019–2021

    Part of the reversing camera's picture may be blocked, or the screen may stay dark, when reverse is selected. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

  • 22V267000 2019–2022

    The roof control unit may let the sunroof close without the key in the car, against the federal power window standard. Dealers reprogram it. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2020, up to and including 2021.

  1. 2021The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid arrives, and Android Auto is added. CarGurus, Edmunds

What it came with

2020

Engines
3.0L turbo inline-six (2019–2020) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L turbo V8 (2019–2020) Edmunds, a published reference

2021

Engines
3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid (2021–2023) Edmunds, 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid (2021–2023) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Engines
4.4L turbo V8, 523 hp (2020–2023) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, sDrive rear-wheel drive (2020–2026) Edmunds, a published reference
Trims
Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages
xLine Design Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Convenience Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Off-Road Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Professional Package Edmunds, Parking Assistance Package Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, M Sport Professional Package Edmunds, Two-axle air suspension Edmunds, Third-row seat with rear air suspension (2019–2023) Edmunds

Colors

2020

Nothing that 2021 lacks.

2021

  • Mineral White Metallic 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2021 Edmunds
  • Arctic Grey Metallic 2021 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Dark Graphite Metallic 2021 Edmunds
  • Carbon Black Metallic 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Manhattan Green Metallic 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Phytonic Blue Metallic 2021 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2021–2025 Edmunds

Interiors

2020

Nothing that 2021 lacks.

2021

  • Cognac Vernasca leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Tartufo Extended Merino premium leather, 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Black Vernasca leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Black SensaTec leatherette, 2021 Edmunds
  • Canberra Beige and Black SensaTec leatherette, 2021 Edmunds
  • Canberra Beige Vernasca leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Ivory White and Night Blue Extended Merino premium leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Ivory White Vernasca leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Coffee Vernasca leather, 2021 Edmunds
  • Ivory White Extended Merino premium leather, 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Black Extended Merino premium leather, 2021–2025 Edmunds
  • Coffee Extended Merino premium leather, 2021–2025 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2020

  • Watch for: An early 2019 car or an xDrive50i 2019–2020 Less sought after One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says early 2019 cars carry more software bugs and first-year problems, and that the 2019 to 2020 xDrive50i's V8 has a history of oil use. A seller's guide (unofficial)

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: An xDrive40i All years

    Edmunds says to go with the xDrive40i, and Euro Premium Parts calls it the best balance of performance, reliability and running costs, with 2021 and later cars the sweet spot. Edmunds, a seller's guide (unofficial)