2010 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 BMW X5 is a light-update model led by BMW’s newer iDrive controller and interface. Its engines and basic design carry over from 2009.
About the 2010 BMW X5
2nd generation X5 (E70, 2007-2013), pre-refresh final year before the 2011 update.
BMW positions the X5 as the original “Sports Activity Vehicle,” meaning an SUV built to feel more like a BMW sport sedan from behind the wheel. Its core appeal is a mix of sharp road manners, standard all-wheel drive, strong towing and family usefulness, and a premium cabin with available third-row seating. Against softer-driving luxury SUVs of its time, the X5’s main differentiator is that it puts handling and driver involvement near the top of the list without giving up luxury-SUV utility.
The xDrive30i is the straightforward six-cylinder model, while the xDrive35d focuses on diesel pulling power and efficiency. The xDrive48i is the more powerful and richly trimmed version, with a 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 and leather upholstery; all three have all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic, and a panoramic moonroof.
What changed, by category
2010 BMW X5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V8, 4.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 19 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 26 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 265 hp | 350 hp |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft | 425 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.2 cu-ft | 75.2 cu-ft | 75.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 BMW X5?
The biggest change is BMW’s newer iDrive controller and interface, which uses six programmable shortcut buttons. HD Radio also became standard across the 2010 lineup.
Was the 2010 BMW X5 redesigned?
No, the 2010 BMW X5 was not redesigned. It is the final pre-refresh version of the second-generation X5, before the more substantial 2011 update.
Did the 2010 BMW X5 get new engines or transmissions?
No, the 2010 BMW X5 kept the previous year’s engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. The range consisted of the six-cylinder xDrive30i, diesel xDrive35d, and V8-powered xDrive48i.
Are roof rails standard on the 2010 BMW X5?
No, roof rails are optional on the 2010 BMW X5. They had been standard equipment for 2009.
Is the 2010 BMW X5 much different from the 2009 model?
No, the differences are modest. The 2010 model gets the newer iDrive interface and standard HD Radio, while its engines, transmissions, body structure, and overall exterior design largely carry over.