Used 2021 BMW X5 for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2021 BMW X5 cost?

Prices have softened 13.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,238 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW X5 earns a 4.67/5 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, and advanced technology. They also like that it holds its value well and delivers a premium feel that fits a family-friendly SUV.

The main trade-offs are that pricing can climb quickly when you add options, and advanced safety features are not standard. In use-case terms, that means you’re looking at a strong fit if you want a refined, practical luxury SUV with broad appeal and multiple powertrain choices.

Good and great deals account for 40.8% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with praise for its smooth ride and the kind of ownership experience people feel good about over time. The expert notes also emphasize the X5’s refined cabin and strong engineering, which supports that impression of durability and confidence.

BMW’s plug-in hybrid setup adds another layer of complexity, so long-term ownership risk is still worth weighing carefully on a used example. A thorough pre-purchase inspection matters most if you’re considering a higher-mileage or heavily optioned X5.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, driver-assistance behavior, and any signs that optional equipment has been heavily used or poorly maintained. Pay close attention to overall condition, since the X5’s appeal depends heavily on how well the interior and technology have aged.

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 exterior and interior styling. The base setup already looks upscale, but the M Sport treatment is the clearer step up if you want a sportier appearance.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a 600-horsepower X5 M, and a plug-in hybrid with 389 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque, and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The hybrid is the efficiency play, while the V8 models are for buyers who want maximum performance.
• 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 hands-on Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but it is not flawless in real-world use.
• 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, a 10-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Available upgrades include a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and premium audio systems.
• Fuel efficiency: The X5 xDrive45e is rated at 50 MPGe when using electricity and gas, and 20 mpg combined on gasoline alone. The X5 xDrive is rated at 23 mpg combined, while the X5 M50i gets 18 mpg combined and the X5 M gets 15 mpg combined.

Which 2021 BMW X5 trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• xDrive40i: This is the best-value choice if you want the core X5 experience without jumping into the pricier performance models. You still get the standard luxury features, the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the broad equipment list that makes the X5 feel well appointed.
• xDrive45e: Choose this if you want the plug-in hybrid version with up to 30 miles of all-electric range and the strongest efficiency story in the lineup. It suits you best if you can charge regularly and want a quieter, more flexible daily driver.
• M50i: This trim is for you if you want a major step up in power from the six-cylinder model, with the twin-turbo V8 and a more performance-focused personality. It makes sense if you care more about acceleration and premium feel than fuel economy.
• M: This is the top performance choice, with 600 horsepower and even more if you add the Competition Package. It’s the right pick if you want the most aggressive X5 and are willing to accept the highest ownership costs.

BMW’s safety equipment is strong across the lineup, but the more advanced driver-assistance package is not flawless, so it’s worth testing carefully before you buy.

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

It looks like a buyer’s market, with meaningful inventory and a favorable price trend.

• Deal availability: 40.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,238 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,510, 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 $31,510 sits slightly below last year's $36,462.

That drop suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper what a future seller can expect in the near term. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you reduce the risk of taking a bigger hit later. The X5’s premium image and broad appeal should still help support demand, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment.

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 safety rating from NHTSA.

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 main caveat is that the hands-on Driving Assistance Professional Package did not perform consistently in testing. It struggled with stopped traffic and lane markings in sunlight and light rain, which means you should not assume the most advanced driver-assistance features will work perfectly in every situation.

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:

• 40.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• For 2021, the X5’s second-generation plug-in hybrid variant joins the lineup, adding another choice for buyers interested in electrified driving.

The bottom line: The 2021 X5 is the right pick if you want the updated lineup with the plug-in hybrid option and a market that currently favors shoppers. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-equipped, best-priced example rather than chasing a specific model year badge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.