2018 BMW X5 review
BMW X5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Engaging performance no matter the model
- Luxurious interior
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Not much legroom in the back rows
- Less storage than rivals
- Steering can be a little soft
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
2018 BMW X5 delivers comfortable performance
The 2018 BMW X5 is a class-leading luxury crossover SUV that combines the fun, dynamic driving experience of a BMW sedan with the utility of an SUV. It can be had in a host of trims and packages, with an optional third row that increases its utility. That third row is a bit cramped, but it will do in a pinch and speaks to the jack-of-all-trades quality that the X5 possesses.
On the base trim, the sDrive35i, the X5 generates more than 300 horsepower with a six-cylinder engine. All other trims are all-wheel drive and receive the xDrive moniker. Other engine options include a V8 (xDrive50i) diesel (xDrive35d) and a plug-in hybrid (xDrive40e). The plug-in hybrid provides 13 miles of all-electric range according to the EPA.
No matter the engine, the X5 delivers a wonderful combination of performance and utility. Its one flaw may be its lack of interior space compared to its rivals. Overall cargo space is merely adequate and legroom is lacking in the second and third rows.
All BMW X5 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each BMW X5 generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 BMW X5?
- Rear A/C Seat(s) and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SDrive35i trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The XDrive35D trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The XDrive35i trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
2018 BMW X5 trims
Curious how BMW X5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSDrive35i:
- 300-hp, 300-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Traction Control
- Power Mirrors
- Front Seat Heaters
- Memory Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Parking Sensors
- View our BMW X5 SDrive35i inventory
XDrive35i:
- Includes all features available on the SDrive35i
- Sunroofs
- 4WD/AWD
- View our BMW X5 XDrive35i inventory
XDrive35D:
- Includes all features available on the XDrive35i
- 255-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Turbo Diesel Engine
XDrive50i:
- Includes all features available on the XDrive35D
- 445-hp, 480-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Leather Seats
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our BMW X5 XDrive50i inventory
M:
- Includes all features available on the XDrive50i
- 567-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
- Adjustable Suspension
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our BMW X5 M inventory
BMW X5 photos
What We Like
Driving: The X5 is a pleasure to drive and is easy to maneuver around curves despite its size. It's also plenty powerful for a midsize SUV, boasting more than 300 horsepower from its base engine.
Comfort: The cabin features quality materials and is a nice place to spend time during a long drive. The driver's seat is 10-way adjustable, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position, and the seats offer decent padding and support.
Interior: The interior lives up to BMW's luxury standards and is intuitively designed. Controls are well marked and the use of physical controls is easy to understand and use. There's also ample head and legroom in the first two rows.
What Needs Improvement
Utility: Storage space lags behind some of the X5's competitors, particularly in the interior of the SUV. The cargo area is fine, but also less roomy than in some similar vehicles.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW X5 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X5 12th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X5BMW X5 features and specs
Curious how BMW X5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SDrive35i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Adjustable Suspension
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
300
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
22.4
Wheelbase
115.5"
Overall length
192.4"
Width
76.3"
Height
69.4"
Leg room
F 40.4"/R 36.6"
Head room
F 40.5"/R 38.8"
Front tires
P255/50WR19
Rear tires
P255/50WR19
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
595/5952 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 BMW X5 FAQ
The 2018 BMW X5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- M: 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- XDrive35i: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- XDrive50i: 15 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- XDrive35D: 23 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SDrive35i: 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
The BMW X5 received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the BMW X5 as 11 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUV
The 2018 BMW X5 has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 BMW X5, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 BMW X5 Reviews.
The 2018 BMW X5 has a maximum towing capacity of 5952 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 BMW X5:
- Adjustable Suspension
- Rear A/C Seat(s)
- Tow Hitch
- Heated Mirrors
Research other vehicles
- bmw x5 used car value
- 2018 bmw x5 plug in hybrid used car value
- 2002 bmw x5 used car value
- 2003 bmw x5 used car value
- 2004 bmw x5 used car value
- 2005 bmw x5 used car value
- 2006 bmw x5 used car value
- 2007 bmw x5 used car value
- 2008 bmw x5 used car value
- 2009 bmw x5 used car value
- 2010 bmw x5 used car value
- 2011 bmw x5 used car value
- 2012 bmw x5 used car value
- 2013 bmw x5 used car value
- 2014 bmw x5 used car value
- 2015 bmw x5 used car value
- 2016 bmw x5 used car value
- 2017 bmw x5 used car value
- 2018 bmw x5 used car value
- 2019 bmw x5 used car value
- 2020 bmw x5 used car value
- 2021 bmw x5 used car value
- 2022 bmw x5 used car value
- 2023 bmw x5 used car value
- 2024 Acura ZDX review
- 2017 Audi Allroad review
- 2023 Audi e-tron review
- 2024 Audi e-tron GT review
- 2016 BMW 428 review
- 2025 BMW 430 review
- 2016 BMW 435 review
- 2025 BMW X5 review
- 2012 BMW X5 review
- 2014 BMW X5 review
- 2015 BMW X5 review
- 2016 BMW X5 review
- 2019 BMW X5 review
- 2020 BMW X5 review
- 2021 BMW X5 review
- 2023 BMW X5 review
- 2024 BMW X5 review
- 2025 Buick Encore GX review
- 2025 Buick Envision review
- All things EV
- 2019 Kia Stinger review
- 2022 Lexus LC 500 review
- 2023 Lexus LC 500 review
- 2024 Lexus LC 500 review
- 2020 Lincoln Navigator review
- 2017 Mazda CX-5 review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.




