BMWX52026Overview/bmw/x5/2026/base/

2026 BMW X5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2026 X5.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2026 BMW X5 pairs its S8 automatic transmission with EPA fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. Across a model complaint history spanning 1999 to 2026, this current year stands out as the lowest point on record with just 10 total owner complaints and 2 recalls, a stark improvement over the 2008 peak of 333 complaints. However, with the electrical system identified as the top complaint area, this newfound reliability stability suggests the vehicle has moved well past its most problematic era, even if some electronic concerns persist for researchers to note.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy13/18/15 mpgEPA · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined13 / 18 / 15 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the X5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.4–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.40 sec — 2024 M Competition
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2025xDrive40i Silver Anniversary Edition (Sport) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 0.4-kWh4.40 sec13.10 sec375 hpAWD
2025xDrive40i Silver Anniversary Edition (Sport) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 0.4-kWh4.60 sec13.20 sec375 hpAWD
2024M Competition 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Elec3.40 sec11.80 sec617 hpAWD
2024M60i xDrive (M Sport Professional) 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Elec3.60 sec12.10 sec523 hpAWD
2024xDrive50e (M Sport) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 19.2-kWh3.90 sec12.50 sec483 hpAWD
2024xDrive50e (M Sport)(EV Mode) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 19.2-kWh9.30 sec16.90 sec483 hpAWD
2021xDrive45e (M Sport) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 17.1-kWh4.70 sec13.40 sec389 hpAWD
2020M50i 4.4L Twin-Turbo V83.90 sec12.40 sec523 hpAWD

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2026 BMW X5 currently exhibits an exceptionally low federal record with only 10 complaints, 2 recalls, and 18 technical service bulletins. Compared to the preceding years—which experienced notable complaint spikes such as 177 in 2019 and 142 in 2024 alongside consistently higher recall volumes—the 2026 figures represent a steep decline in reported issues. Across the broader generation, complaint and recall trends have fluctuated significantly, often escalating mid-cycle, which implies that the 2026 model currently sits at the very beginning of its data arc with minimal long-term maturation. The few complaints that do exist are split primarily between the Electrical System and Power Train categories, though the data does not specify the root causes for these issues or the two recalls. With zero crash or fire complaints and minimal early trouble indicators, the 2026 X5 stands as a highly attractive year to buy, provided you account for the inherent uncertainties of a model year still accumulating its reliability track record.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
18
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
10
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System2
Power Train2
Power Train,Electrical System1
Unknown Or Other1
Structure1
Lane Departure1
Electrical System,Structure1
Back Over Prevention1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

25V556000Visibility:Windshield:Critical FastenersReported 27/08/2025

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X5 Plug-in Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, which can allow water to enter the power distribution box or electronic… Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal. If any leaks are detected, the seal will be repaired and vehicle control units and wiring will be replaced as necessary, free of charge…

25V837000Air Bags:Critical FastenersReported 04/12/2025

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying… Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 18 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
B1206262026-06-11Electrical SystemIn these vehicles with an S68 engine, an incorrect diagnosis of the Valvetronic (VVT) may…
B1206262026-05-11EngineDELIVERY STOP: VARIABLE VALVE TIMING
B6520252026-05-05Electrical SystemAfter replacing the Multifunctional Display (MFD), the Central Information Display (CID)…
B1203262026-03-11Electrical SystemBMW AG is conducting Voluntary Emissions Recall (effective March 11, 2026) on certain…
B5201262026-03-09SeatsThe customer brings vehicle in with one or both of the second row 60/40 split seats in…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific X5. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2026 X5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the X5 get?

EPA figures are 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined mpg.