How much does the 2021 BMW X5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.07% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,278 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $33,001.28, 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 the smooth ride, safety features, high-quality interior, and advanced technology. They also note that it holds its value well, which is a useful sign if you care about long-term ownership costs.

The trade-offs are that pricing can climb quickly once you add options, and the driving dynamics may feel less connected than you expect from a BMW, especially at higher speeds.

For you, that makes the X5 a strong fit if you want a luxury SUV that leans toward comfort, space, and tech rather than sharp handling. The market also shows 35.5% good or great deals, so there are still some attractive listings 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, with praise centered on its smooth ride, safety features, and high-quality interior. That kind of repeat positive feedback usually matters most when you want a used SUV you can count on over time.

The driving impressions also support that sense of durability, with a quiet cabin and a suspension that soaks up bumps and dips well. BMW also includes a broad standard safety suite, which can help the X5 feel reassuring in everyday use.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about basic satisfaction and more about how the vehicle was optioned and maintained, since higher-spec versions can bring more complexity and cost.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the SUV has higher mileage or a long option list. Focus on overall condition, because the X5’s appeal depends heavily on how well the interior, electronics, and driver-assistance systems have aged.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Standard xLine models emphasize an upscale look with matte aluminum grilles, satin aluminum exterior accents, and full adaptive LED headlights, while M Sport models add more aggressive styling, unique interior trim, and an M sports steering wheel. Base models also miss some of the more premium appearance and comfort touches that show up on higher trims.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, plus higher-output V8 versions and a plug-in hybrid that makes 389 horsepower and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. All engines use an eight-speed automatic, and the plug-in hybrid trades some driving feel for efficiency.
• 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 stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, but it is not standard.
• Infotainment: You get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, Bluetooth, five USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, voice recognition, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Available upgrades include a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and premium audio systems.
• Fuel efficiency: The X5 xDrive45e gets 20 mpg combined when running on gasoline and 50 MPGe when using electricity and gas, while the X5 xDrive returns 23 mpg combined. 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, M.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The xDrive40i gives you the core X5 experience with the 3.0-liter inline six, standard AWD on xDrive models, and the full standard safety and tech roster, but it skips the more aggressive styling and luxury upgrades found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The xDrive45e is the most compelling all-around choice if you want efficiency and everyday usability, since it adds plug-in hybrid capability, up to 30 miles of electric range, and strong standard equipment without jumping all the way to the performance-focused V8 models.
• Premium/top trim: The M50i brings a twin-turbo V8 with 523 horsepower and a more performance-oriented personality, but it also comes with a much higher price tag and lower fuel efficiency.
• Off-road trim: The M is the most extreme performance choice, with 600 horsepower and even more with the Competition Package, but it is the least fuel-efficient and best suited to buyers who prioritize speed over daily-driver practicality.

The standard safety package is broad, but the hands-on Driving Assistance Professional Package is an extra-cost upgrade rather than a standard feature.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you should shop with a clear target and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,278 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.07% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 85.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,001.28, 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 $32,988 sits slightly below last year's $37,518.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that means your resale outcome will depend heavily on how well you preserve condition, mileage, and equipment level.

Because the X5 still draws strong interest from shoppers who want a luxury SUV with comfort and technology, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. Higher-spec versions may also be more sensitive to option content and maintenance history when it comes time to sell.

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 main caveat is that the hands-on Driving Assistance Professional Package did not perform as smoothly as expected in testing, with lane-keeping and traffic response issues that could require driver intervention. That means you should treat 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:

• 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.07% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• For this year, the plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, giving you a more efficient option with up to 30 miles of all-electric range.

The bottom line: The 2021 BMW X5 makes the most sense if you want a luxury SUV with strong owner satisfaction, broad standard equipment, and a market that has become more favorable for buyers. If your priority is simply the lowest possible price, a nearby model year may be worth comparing, but the 2021 stands out if you want the added plug-in hybrid option and a well-rounded mix of comfort, tech, and utility.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.