BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a luxury crossover SUV introduced in 1999. It was BMW's first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) also known as "Four-by-Four" (4x4) in the UK. It features all-wheel drive and is available with either manual or automatic transmission (the manual transmission option was dropped from the 2006 model year onwards). A range of gasoline inline-6s, V8s and diesel engines are offered.

BMW describes the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.

Active BMW X5

Blue BMW X5 On The Road

Until 2009, all X5s were manufactured in Greer, South Carolina. Since July 2009, they are also assembled in Kaliningrad, Russia by Avtotor.

In 2003, BMW launched the smaller X3, which uses the "X" prefix for the 4 wheel drive system or BMW "X" drive system and the BMW SAVs which were derivatives of the BMW number-series models.

BMW X5 Review Video Review - Kelley Blue Book

BMW X5 Engine Detail

Elegant BMW X5

BMW X5 Interior

The Branding for the X5 from late 2008 onwards follows the new BMW branding scheme, for example the X5 3.0d is now called the X5 xDrive35d, and the 4.8i is called the X5 xDrive48i. 2011 BMW X5 (E70) 35d (United States)

The model was revised for 2010 featuring new front bumper and air intakes as well as a variety of minor cosmetic changes.