2021 BMW X5 G05

Overview

Engines

3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 4.4L turbo V8, 523 hp, 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid

On record

4 warnings, 12 recalls

What changed for 2021

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

Compare 2021 with 2020

Colors

• Jet Black2021
• Arctic Grey Metallic2021
• Dark Graphite Metallic2021
• Phytonic Blue Metallic2021
• Mineral White Metallic2021–2025

Interiors

• CognacVernasca leather, 2021
• TartufoExtended Merino premium leather, 2021–2025
• BlackVernasca leather, 2021
• BlackSensaTec leatherette, 2021
• Canberra Beige and BlackSensaTec leatherette, 2021

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

• sDrive40i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, 3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 375 hp, sDrive rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive40i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, 3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 375 hp, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
• M50i: 4.4L turbo V8, 523 hp, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive45e: 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid, xDrive all-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 3.0L turbo inline-six mild hybrid B58 engine page Edmunds

  335 hp and 331 lb-ft · 2021–2023

• 4.4L turbo V8, 523 hp Edmunds, a published reference

  523 hp · 2020–2023

• 3.0L turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid B58 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  A 24 kWh battery, and 30 miles of electric range on the EPA's estimate · 2021–2023

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

Figures for the whole G05

• Built: At BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the xDrive45e's batteries were made too A published reference
• Platform: BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR), shared with the G30 5 Series and G11 7 Series A published reference
• Towing: Up to 7,200 lb with the factory hitch Edmunds
• Award: One of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs and Best Luxury SUVs for 2019 Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Air suspension compressor and spring failures All years

  One source so far

  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

  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

  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

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

  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)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2019–2022 Recall 22V267000

  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

• 2021 Recall 21V156000

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

• 2019–2021 Recall 21V096000

  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

• 2021 Recall 21V089000

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

• 2019–2021 Recall 21V062000

  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

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 10,000 miles or 1 year, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says to check the V8's oil level between changes A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Transfer case and rear differential fluid All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

  If it was skipped: Euro Premium Parts says both are often skipped on used cars.

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new