2026 BMW X5 M

Perhaps it’s cliché to call the BMW X5 the BMW of midsize luxury SUVs, but it’s an accurate cliché. It takes BMW’s unique character of blending luxury and driving engagement and packages it as a practical midsize SUV. Clearly, it’s a formula that works, because it’s consistently one of America’s best-selling luxury vehicles. The 2026 X5 lineup ranges from relatively humble commuters to more muscular V8-powered models that still retain their luxurious feel. If you have the appetite and the budget for a luxury SUV that’s not too big and not too small, the perennially popular BMW X5 is worth a test drive.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the BMW X5.

The starting price of the BMW X5 is a little high, even for a luxury SUV in this class. The Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Audi Q7 (with standard 3-row seating) start on the lower side of the $60k range. Compelling sub-$60k options in this segment include the Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, and Lincoln Nautilus.

Before buying an X5, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. BMW X5 resale value is below average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Despite the complaints of some brand purists, BMW still has a unique driving character that’s hard for its rivals to imitate. This remains true of the BMW X5, which has long been one of the more athletic options in midsize luxury SUVs. That athleticism comes at the expense of comfort and ride quality in the sportier variants of the X5 compared to more cloud-like rivals, but depending on your level of driving enthusiasm, it can be a worthwhile trade-off.

In our hours behind the wheel of various X5 models, we can confirm that this is a practical, everyday SUV for folks who like driving. The base 6-cylinder engine delivers confident thrust while returning decent fuel economy (with no drop in efficiency when you add all-wheel drive). The M60i model turns it up a notch with a brawny V8 that still feels refined, while the rip-roaring X5 M Competition is a veritable Bavarian bruiser that doesn’t compromise its practicality. Well, as long as you don’t factor price and fuel economy into the practicality equation. Rounding out the model range is the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e with a 38-mile all-electric range and the lowest estimated fuel costs in the X5 lineup.

Powertrain

Interior quality is a strong suit of just about every BMW, and its best-selling model is no exception. The X5’s interior is both spacious and luxurious, as expected in this class. With 37.4 inches of rear legroom, backseat space is par for the course, but less than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Similarly, the X5 has 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, which is right around the average for a midsize luxury SUV. It’s enough space for adult passengers and a typical grocery run for most families.

Various customization options mean this interior’s personality can vary quite a bit depending on how it’s configured. You can get extended Merino leather upholstery to turn up the luxury, or you can get M multifunction seats with generous bolstering for spirited driving. As is typical of a German luxury vehicle, myriad options for interior colors, materials, and trims let you personalize yours just the way you like.

The Curved Display perched on the dash combined a digital gauge cluster with an infotainment screen. It has a bit of a learning curve, and you can use either your finger or a dial in the center stack to control it. Once you figure out some rather unintuitive menus, it’s a modern, high-tech system and comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Audiophiles will be interested in the multiple premium audio options, which include a Harman Kardon system and a richer Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound experience.

Split Liftgate
An old staple of the BMW X5 is still around: the split-opening liftgate. The upper part opens like a regular liftgate, but it has a small lower tailgate that folds down like on a pickup truck. This prevents stuff like wine bottles from falling out of the cargo area when you open the hatch – the owners love it.

BMW Curved Display
OK, it takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve passed the learning curve (pun intended), the BMW X5’s screen setup is cool and high-tech. It combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen into one elegant display.

M Competition
We know most of you will get one of the 6-cylinder X5 models, but the X5 M Competition is simply one of our favorite SUVs to drive. The roaring turbo V8, deft handling, and confident brakes make this practical midsize SUV worthy of the lauded M badge.