How much does the 2021 BMW X5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,290 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

If you find a listing below $32,813.33, 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 an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its smooth ride, safety features, high-quality interior, advanced technology, and ability to hold its value well. The main trade-off is pricing, especially once you start adding options.

With 35.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, with owners highlighting its ability to hold value well and describing the ownership experience in positive terms. The cabin and powertrain also come across as polished and confidence-inspiring in expert testing.

BMW’s powertrain lineup is broad, and the plug-in hybrid transitions between electric and gasoline power seamlessly. That said, the model’s long-term ownership risk for used buyers is tied more to complexity and option content than to basic durability.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because even a strong accident-free share does not replace a VIN-specific review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, driver-assistance behavior, and any signs of heavy option use. Pay close attention to condition on the interior and exterior, since this model’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base models get a strong standard equipment list, but advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup.
• Powertrain: You get multiple engine choices, including a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder base setup, a twin-turbo V8 in higher-performance versions, and a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 30 miles on electricity.
• Safety package: The Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, but testing showed it could struggle with stopped traffic and lane markings in some conditions.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and over-the-air-style convenience is not described here.
• Fuel efficiency: The X5 xDrive gets 23 mpg combined, the X5 xDrive45e gets 20 mpg combined on gasoline and 50 MPGe with electricity, 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: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and M50i.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The sDrive40i gives you the core X5 experience, but you should expect to miss some of the more advanced convenience and luxury upgrades that appear higher in the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: The xDrive40i is the best all-around pick if you want the standard X5 formula with all-wheel drive and the broadest balance of capability and value.
• Premium/top trim: The M50i is the choice if you want the strongest performance and a more upscale feel, but it comes with a much higher price tag and lower fuel efficiency.
• Off-road trim: The xDrive45e is worth considering if you want better efficiency and the ability to drive on electricity for short trips, though its added weight can dull the driving feel compared with the gas models.

BMW equips every X5 with a long list of standard safety features, but the more advanced hands-on driver-assistance package is not flawless in testing.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a fire-sale environment.

• Deal availability: 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,290 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,813.33, 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 $32,793 sits slightly below last year's $37,443.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to resell later, the current discount may leave some room for future stabilization if demand stays healthy.

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 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 it could struggle to react to stopped traffic in time and could have trouble reading lane markings in sunlight and light rain. That means you should treat the most advanced driver-assistance features as helpful, but not something to rely on blindly.

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:

• 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year adds the second-generation plug-in hybrid variant to the lineup.

The bottom line: The 2021 BMW X5 makes sense if you want a well-equipped, highly rated luxury SUV and you’re comfortable shopping carefully for condition and price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the softened market and decent deal availability make this a good year to target; if you want the broadest selection of trims and features, you should compare listings closely before deciding.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.