• 2013 BMW X5

• 2012 BMW X5
• Used BMW X5
• Repairs BMW X5

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 BMW X5 U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating:	8.0
Performance:	8.2
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	9.0
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• M performance package adds horsepower to some trims

Pros & Cons

• Sporty handling
• High-quality interior
• Powerful engines across lineup
• Standard all-wheel drive

• Ride may be too firm for some
• Competitors offer more standard features
• Complicated iDrive infotainment controls

Research Other Years

• 2012 BMW X5
• 2011 BMW X5
• 2010 BMW X5
• 2009 BMW X5
• 2008 BMW X5
• 2007 BMW X5

The 2013 BMW X5 ranks 7 out of 19 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 78 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2013 BMW X5 is a great-performing crossover with a high-quality interior, but if you're shopping for an SUV with lots of standard features, you'll want to keep looking.

Reviewers love the 2013 BMW X5's performance, saying the SUV is sporty and fun to drive. In diesel trims, its fuel economy is better than many rivals, though other diesel-powered competitors, like the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, get even better gas mileage. Most test drivers agree that the base six-cylinder engine has plenty of power for most shoppers, and V8-powered trims are fast for a midsize crossover. Plus, the high-performance X5 M is faster and has better handling than almost any other SUV on the market, according to reviewers. The X5's sporty demeanor means its firm ride may feel too stiff for some, and its engine might be a bit louder than some shoppers expect. Keep in mind that the X5's reliability rating is lower than the class average.

Test drivers write that the BMW X5's cabin is well-made and uses high-quality materials. Buyers who like to get the most features for their money will want to look elsewhere. BMW will make you pay extra for features like leather upholstery, a power liftgate and parking sensors that many other luxury crossovers come with as standard. The BMW X5's iDrive infotainment controls can be confusing to learn and complex to use, but that's a complaint that reviewers have for similar systems from most other luxury automakers. The X5 can seat up to seven people when equipped with an optional third-row seat.

• "The 2013 BMW X5 remains a top choice among luxury crossover SUVs thanks to its athletic performance and refined interior." -- Edmunds
• "BMW's big SUV offers style, space, luxury, and carlike handling. And there's a high-quality interior that offers seating for up to seven." -- Car and Driver
• "X5 excels for its acceleration, sporty handling, and availability of a frugal diesel engine. Despite improvements to the iDrive control system, the available navigation system remains confounding, and the optional 3rd-row seat is a token gesture. -- Consumer Guide
• "If you crave the kind of handling BMW sedans and wagons offer in spades, but you need it in a larger, more accommodating package that can also tackle winter's worst, the 2013 BMW X5 has you covered." -- Kelley Blue Book

Other SUVs to Consider

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is similar to the BMW X5 in many respects. It's available with similar engines at similar prices, including a V6, V8, diesel and high-performance AMG trim. The base M-Class comes standard with two-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive like the BMW X5, but offers a few standard features like a power liftgate that the BMW X5 offers as extra-cost options.

Shoppers who want more standard features for their money should consider the Infiniti FX. The FX costs significantly less than the X5, and comes standard with features like heated front seats, leather upholstery, a Bose sound system and rearview camera. Plus, the FX is available with either a V6 or a powerful V8 engine, and reviewers say its handling is excellent for an SUV. The FX doesn't offer quite as much cargo space or back-seat room as the X5, though.

Compare the X5, M-Class and FX »

Details: 2013 BMW X5

The 2013 BMW X5 is available in a range of trim levels, spanning from the base xDrive35i to the high-performance X5 M. Base trims include features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory functions. Higher trims can be outfitted with features like leather upholstery, a rear-seat entertainment system and a 16-speaker sound system. The X5 seats five, but an available third row seat brings the seating capacity to seven. The BMW X5 hasn't changed much in recent years, so this review uses research from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

See the full 2013 BMW X5 specs »