How much does the 2021 BMW X5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,248 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $32,610.98, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW X5 earns a 4.67/5 user rating, and it also posts an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, high-quality interior, and advanced technology, and they also note that it tends to hold its value well. The trade-offs are familiar: pricing can climb quickly once you start adding equipment, and advanced safety features are not standard.

That fits the X5’s role as an upscale family SUV with multiple powertrain choices and a premium cabin, so it makes the most sense if you want refinement and versatility in one package. Good and great deals account for 35.9% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the X5’s ability to hold up well over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the model’s engineering and craftsmanship, which supports the case for long-term confidence.

BMW also positions the X5 as a premium SUV with a high level of build quality, and the plug-in hybrid adds another ownership path for shoppers who want more flexibility. For used buyers, the main risk is that higher-spec versions can bring more complexity and higher running costs, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a proper inspection. Prioritize the condition of the cabin, electronics, and any added equipment, since this model can be optioned heavily. It also makes sense to confirm that the features you want are actually present on the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Standard xLine models use matte aluminum grilles, satin-aluminum exterior accents, and full adaptive LED headlights, while M Sport models add more aggressive styling, an M sports steering wheel, M-specific pedals, a driver’s footrest, seat piping, and model-exclusive interior trim strips.
• Powertrain: The base sDrive40i/xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, while the M50i uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. The X5 M gets 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package, and the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combines a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with a battery for up to 30 miles of all-electric range.
• Safety package: 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 Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, but testing showed limitations with lane markings and stopped traffic.
• 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 M is rated at 15 mpg combined, the M50i at 18 mpg combined, the xDrive45e at 20 mpg combined on gasoline and 50 MPGe with electricity, and the xDrive models at 23 mpg combined. BMW says all X5 models take premium gasoline, and higher-output versions cost more to fuel over time.

Which 2021 BMW X5 trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW X5 is offered in 4 trim levels: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, M50i.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The sDrive40i gives you the core X5 experience, but you should expect fewer standard luxury and convenience extras than higher trims, and advanced safety features are not standard.
• Sweet-spot trim: The xDrive40i is the best all-around pick if you want the X5’s premium feel with standard all-wheel drive and the same strong six-cylinder foundation.
• Premium/top trim: The xDrive45e is the most interesting upgrade if you want plug-in hybrid capability, up to 30 miles of electric driving, and a more modern ownership experience.
• Off-road trim: The X5 is not really aimed at off-road-focused buyers, so this is not the trim family to prioritize if that is your main use case.

BMW equips every X5 with a strong standard safety suite, but the available hands-on driver-assistance package has real-world limitations, so you should not assume every safety feature will perform flawlessly in daily driving.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,248 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,610.98, 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 $32,596 sits slightly below last year's $37,358.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than just the badge alone. Well-kept examples with desirable features should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, 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 it earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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

BMW makes a long list of safety features standard, including 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 can struggle with stopped traffic and lane markings in some conditions.

That means the X5 gives you a strong safety foundation, but you should not assume every advanced driver-assistance feature will work perfectly in the real world. If you are shopping used, it is worth paying close attention to how the safety tech behaves during a test drive.

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:

• 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• For 2021, the SUV’s second-generation plug-in hybrid variant joins the family, adding another layer of choice to an already versatile lineup.

The bottom line: The 2021 X5 makes sense if you want a premium midsize SUV with broad powertrain choice, strong owner satisfaction, and a softer used-market price than last year. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may want to keep shopping within the broader X5 family and focus on the best-maintained example rather than chasing a specific trim or option package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.