Used 2021 BMW X5 for Sale nearBirmingham, AL

How much does the 2021 BMW X5 cost?

Prices have softened 13.46% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,307 listings available, which suggests you have a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW X5 earns a 4.7/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, high-quality interior, advanced technology, and the way the X5 holds its value. The overview also points to a family-friendly layout with a large cargo area and broad appeal for shoppers who want both performance and practicality in one package.

The main trade-offs are that pricing can climb quickly once you start adding options, and advanced safety features are not standard. For you, that means the X5 makes the most sense if you want a premium SUV with strong everyday usefulness and you’re comfortable paying extra for the features you want.

Good and great deals account for 38.2% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with owners highlighting the X5’s smooth ride, safety features, high-quality interior, and ability to hold its value well. The expert review also emphasizes that the X5’s cabin is quiet and that the ride is well controlled over bumps, which supports the impression of a well-sorted SUV.

BMW’s cost-effectiveness notes also suggest you should expect higher ownership costs as the vehicle ages, especially if you choose more powerful versions or add expensive options. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a premium feature set can mean premium repair and maintenance exposure later on.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW X5?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the condition of the electronics, driver-assistance systems, and any added equipment, since the X5 can be option-heavy. It also makes sense to compare trim content closely so you know which features are standard and which ones were added later.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Standard xLine models have matte aluminum grilles, satin-aluminum exterior accents, and an upscale appearance, while M Sport models add more aggressive styling with body-color trim, matte aluminum kidney grille bars, and unique interior touches. Base-trim feature gaps matter here because the look and feel can change noticeably with trim.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 335 horsepower, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 in higher-performance versions, and a plug-in hybrid with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The hybrid transitions seamlessly between electric and gasoline power, but its steering and dynamics are less engaging than you might expect.
• Safety package: Every X5 includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera. The available Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but the system’s lane-keeping and traffic response can be inconsistent.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, five USB ports, voice recognition, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Available upgrades include a head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium audio systems.
• Fuel efficiency: The X5 xDrive45e is rated at 50 MPGe when using electricity and gas, and the gasoline-only xDrive models achieve 23 mpg combined. The X5 M50i gets 18 mpg combined, while the X5 M is rated at 15 mpg combined.

Which 2021 BMW X5 trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW X5 is offered in 4 trim levels: xDrive40i, xDrive45e, M50i, M.

Here's the short version:

• xDrive40i: This is the best-value choice if you want the core X5 experience with the 3.0-liter inline six, standard AWD, and the full set of standard tech and safety features. It gives you the broadest balance of price, performance, and everyday usability.
• xDrive45e: Choose this if you want the plug-in hybrid setup and the ability to drive up to 30 miles on electricity alone. It suits you best if short trips and charging access matter more than maximum driving engagement.
• M50i: This trim is for you if you want a much stronger V8 and are willing to pay for it. It adds serious performance, but it also pushes ownership costs higher.
• M: This is the top performance choice, with the most power in the lineup. It makes sense only if you want the most aggressive X5 and are comfortable with the highest purchase and running costs.

BMW includes a long list of standard safety features on every X5, but the available hands-on driver-assistance package is not fully confidence-inspiring in testing.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW X5?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,307 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.46% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,868, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW X5's resale value?

The current average of $30,868 sits slightly below last year's $35,669.

That price movement suggests the X5 has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you keep the vehicle in strong condition and avoid overpaying for options, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it’s time to sell. The current market also shows that buyers still value the X5’s mix of luxury, technology, and practicality.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 safe?

The 2021 BMW X5 has been given nearly all Good ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the SUV a four-star overall safety rating.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

BMW equips every X5 with blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera. The available Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but testing showed that the system could struggle with stopped traffic and lane markings in sunlight and light rain.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW X5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.46% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year adds the second-generation plug-in hybrid variant to the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the newest nearby X5 with the broadest mix of powertrains and strong owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the cleanest pick. If you are more price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully within this year’s market and focus on well-priced, accident-free examples.

How does the 2021 BMW X5 compare to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 BMW X5:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Stylish design, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Advanced safety features are not standard.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Premium interior materials, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Advanced safety features are not standard, Underwhelming base engine.

Our experts score the 2021 BMW X5 8/10 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 8/10. The X5 leans more toward stylish design and a strong tech story, while the GLE stands out for premium interior materials. Both have the same expert score, but the X5’s broader powertrain lineup and the GLE’s weaker base engine help define the choice between them.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.