BMW X5 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW X5 is a large suv; the latest version we cover is the G05 (2018–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 151 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 59 of 442, and 20.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (2.9% of tests). Boot space is 650 litres (1,870 with the seats folded).
BMW X5 key specs (G05 (2018–), 5-door SUV)
Price new
£77,010 to £84,875
Boot
650 litres (1,870 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,935 × 2,004 × 1,765mm
Power
298–490 PS
0–62mph
4.8–6.1 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2018)
2018 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the July 2026 price list. Sources: bmw-brochure-downloads.co.uk, press.bmwgroup.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 59 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 86,138 BMW X5s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 20.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW X5 is 34% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 14.5% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
20.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
14.5%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,700
Typical age at test: 9 years
BMW X5 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW X5 MOT faults
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.9% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.0% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.4% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2% of tests
What the BMW X5 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.3% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 6.3% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Suspension | 5.5% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Brakes | 4.4% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Visibility | 3.0% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.3% | ▼ 44% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.4% | ▼ 64% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.9% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Wheels | 0.8% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Steering | 0.5% | ▼ 78% less often |
How big is the BMW X5's boot?
The G05 (2018–) BMW X5 has 650 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,870 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 3rd biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare; the Land Rover Discovery has the most, at 922 litres.
What MPG does the BMW X5 do?
Official economy for the BMW X5 ranges from 19 to 53.3mpg across the 76 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 29.1mpg and a typical diesel 47.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a BMW X5?
Any BMW X5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A BMW X5 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carBMW X5 specs and running costs
Official figures for 76 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
19.0–53.3 mpg
CO2
20–356 g/km
Power
298–625 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 X5 xDrive30d xLine298 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 36.2 mpg | 189g | £200 | 37% |
| X5 X5 xDrive30d M Sport298 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 36.2 mpg | 194g | £200 | 37% |
| X5 X5 xDrive40d M Sport352 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 38.2 mpg | 205g | £200 | 37% |
| X5 X5 M60i xDrive530 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 23.7 mpg | 263g | £200 | 37% |
| X5 M X5 M Competition625 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 21.8 mpg | 289g | £200 | 37% |
| X5 X5 xDrive50e M Sport489 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 282.2 mpg | 20g | £200 | 10% |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 sDrive25d - 18'' & 19'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 sDrive25d - mixed 19'' & 20'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 141g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive25d - 18'' & 19'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 146g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive25d - mixed 19'' & 20'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive30d - 18'' & 19'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive30d - mixed 19'' & 20'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 158g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive40d - 18'' & 19'' tyreA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 157g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 xDrive40d - mixed 19'' & 20'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| X5 Series F15, From November 2013 X5 M50d - mixed 19'' & 20'' tyresA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 173g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 76 versions.
What a BMW X5 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 29.1mpg…
- diesel, typical official 47.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a BMW X5Buying a used BMW X5?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the BMW X5 with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other BMW models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW X5 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW X5 is 34% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 151 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW X5?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has ply or cords exposed”, found in 2.9% of tests.
›How big is the BMW X5's boot?
The G05 (2018–) BMW X5 has 650 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,870 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 3rd biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare; the Land Rover Discovery has the most, at 922 litres.
›What MPG does the BMW X5 do?
Official economy for the BMW X5 ranges from 19 to 53.3mpg across the 76 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 29.1mpg and a typical diesel 47.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a BMW X5?
Any BMW X5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A BMW X5 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
›How many BMW X5s fail their MOT?
20.5% of BMW X5s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 14.5% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW X5 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.