BMW X5
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The BMW X5 appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with diesel and gasoline and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 15 to 25 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,300 to $5,300 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17-25 MPG | $3,300-$4,700 | 5 |
| 2017 | 17-25 MPG | $3,300-$4,700 | 5 |
| 2018 | 16-25 MPG | $3,300-$5,000 | 6 |
| 2019 | 19-22 MPG | $3,650-$4,200 | 2 |
| 2020 | 15-23 MPG | $3,450-$5,300 | 6 |
How it compares
Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 23 MPG), the X5 sits roughly 3 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a X5 for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $16,500 to $26,500, averaging about $21,500 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the X5 varies by about 10 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used X5 check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the X5's average combined economy slipped from about 21 to 19 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2017 X5 has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 21 MPG, while the 2020 is the lowest at about 18 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 X5 at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| X5 sDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 23 MPG |
| X5 xDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 22 MPG |
| X5 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| X5 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
| X5 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the X5 against a rival, or go back to all BMW models.