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2021 BMW X5 M50i xDrive

The 2021 BMW X5 M50i xDrive is a 523-hp 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 SUV with an 8-speed sport steptronic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $82,800 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 523 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque at 1800-4600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The X5 measures 194.3 inches long on a 117.1-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 5,260 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$82,800
MSRP with Destination$83,795
Destination Charge$995
Engine
Engine TypeV8 M TwinPower Turbo (N63B44T3, twin-scroll)
Displacement4.4 L
Horsepower523 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque553 lb-ft @ 1800-4600 rpm
ValvetrainVALVETRONIC, Double-VANOS, 32-valve
Bore and Stroke89.0 x 88.3
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeM Performance TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD
Differential TypeM Sport differential
Transmission
Transmission8-speed Sport Steptronic
1st Gear5.5
2nd Gear3.52
3rd Gear2.2
4th Gear1.72
5th Gear1.32
6th Gear1
7th Gear0.82
8th Gear0.64
Reverse4
Final Drive3.15
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Tank Capacity21.9 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble-wishbone front axle, Adaptive M Suspension (M GmbH tuning)
Rear SuspensionFive-link rear axle, Adaptive M Suspension (M GmbH tuning)
Turning Diameter41.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake CalipersM Sport Brakes, two-piece lightweight compound discs, blue calipers
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front9.0 x 20"
Wheels Rear9.0 x 20"
Tires Front275/45R20 all-season runflat
Tires Rear275/45R20 all-season runflat
Dimensions & Weight
Length194.3 in
Width78.9 in
Height68.7 in
Wheelbase117.1 in
Front Track66.1 in
Rear Track67.1 in
Ground Clearance8.3 in
Approach Angle23.9°
Departure Angle21.6°
Cargo Volume33.9 ft³
Curb Weight5,260 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.7 in
Headroom Rear38.7 in
Legroom Front39.8 in
Legroom Rear37.4 in
Shoulder Room Front60 in
Shoulder Room Rear58.1 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (15.9 % risk)
Tested variant: 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2021 BMW X5 SUV RWD: overall not rated

Recalls

12 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X5. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 20, 2022 · VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 22V267000

Mar 10, 2021 · SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 21V156000

Feb 19, 2021 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 21V096000

Feb 18, 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

Consequence: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 21V089000

Feb 10, 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 21V062000

Jan 29, 2021 · STEERING:COLUMN

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.

Consequence: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 21V031000

Dec 9, 2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V761000

Nov 4, 2020 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

Consequence: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V678000

Sep 30, 2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Consequence: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V601000

Sep 1, 2020 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V528000

Aug 18, 2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

Consequence: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V490000

Aug 14, 2020 · TIRES

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.

Consequence: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 20V483000

110 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X5

Owner Complaints

110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X5 (9 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System38
Power Train31
Engine25
Unknown Or Other18
Back Over Prevention9
Air Bags7
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 19, 2026 · Power Train
“My 2021 BMW X5 M50i experienced a sudden drivetrain failure at approximately 62,000 miles while my children were in the vehicle. There was no dashboard warning light, Check Control message, or advance…”
Oct 7, 2026 · Power Train
“Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable…”
Sep 28, 2026 · Power Train, Unknown Or Other
“Problem with starter. They don’t start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As I’m check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with…”
Sep 23, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System, Engine
“My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." This has been confirmed by code reading to be…”
Sep 21, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System
“My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i Sport (112,000 miles) intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." The issue first…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2021 BMW X5. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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