2011 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 BMW X5 is a mid-cycle refresh that brings new turbocharged gasoline engines and revised front and rear styling. Gas models also move to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

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About the 2011 BMW X5

2nd generation (E70, 2007-2013), mid-cycle refresh year

BMW positions the X5 as the original "Sports Activity Vehicle"—an SUV that puts road manners and driver engagement ahead of truck-like character. In 2011, the X5’s core appeal is the mix of a high seating position, useful cargo room, available third-row seating, strong engine choices, and a cabin that feels more premium than mainstream crossovers. BMW’s big differentiator is that the X5 is meant to feel more like a BMW on pavement than softer luxury SUVs of the same era.

The 2011 X5 ranges from the efficient, high-torque xDrive35d diesel to the 400-hp xDrive50i V8. The xDrive35i Premium emphasizes comfort with leather and a panoramic moonroof, while the Sport Activity adds sport seats and darker exterior trim for a more athletic look.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The xDrive35i replaces the xDrive30i with a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i replaces the xDrive48i with a 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Both gas models switch to an 8-speed automatic. The xDrive35d keeps its diesel engine and 6-speed automatic.

Styling

BMW revised the front and rear styling across the 2011 X5 lineup.

Safety

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Departure Warning joined the driver-assistance options.

2011 BMW X5 specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 BMW X5xDrive35d0 in stock	2011 BMW X5xDrive35i0 in stock	2011 BMW X5xDrive50i0 in stock	2011 BMW X5xDrive35i Premium1 in stock	2011 BMW X5xDrive35i Sport Activity0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 8-Spd Spt Stptrnc	Auto, 8-Spd Spt Stptrnc	Auto, 8-Spd Spt Stptrnc	Auto, 8-Spd Spt Stptrnc	Auto, 8-Spd Spt Stptrnc
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Diesel	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	19 mpg	16 mpg	14 mpg	16 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	26 mpg	23 mpg	20 mpg	23 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	265 hp	300 hp	400 hp	300 hp	300 hp
Torque	425 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	300 lb-ft
Max Towing	6000 lb	6000 lb	6000 lb	6000 lb	6000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	75.2 cu-ft	75.2 cu-ft	75.2 cu-ft	75.2 cu-ft	75.2 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.6 in	36.6 in	36.6 in	36.6 in	36.6 in
Seats	7	5	7	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Side View Cameras
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Aluminum Interior Trim
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2012 BMW X5 compares

The most important 2012 BMW X5 change is that Bluetooth, iPod/USB audio connectivity, and a Hi-Fi sound system became standard across the lineup. It was an equipment-update year rather than a redesign.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2011 BMW X5 compared with the 2010 model?

The 2011 BMW X5 received refreshed front and rear styling, two new turbocharged gasoline engines, and an 8-speed automatic for gas models. The six-cylinder gas lineup also expanded to xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, and xDrive35i Sport Activity trims.

Is the 2011 BMW X5 a redesign?

No. The 2011 BMW X5 is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation E70 model rather than a full redesign. Its main updates are revised styling, new gas engines, and additional driver-assistance features.

Did the 2011 BMW X5 diesel change?

The diesel powertrain did not change for 2011. The xDrive35d keeps its turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic, but it receives the same refreshed exterior design as the rest of the lineup.

Which 2011 BMW X5 models have the new gasoline engines?

The xDrive35i trims use the new 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, and the xDrive50i uses the new 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Is a 2011 BMW X5 worth considering over a 2010 model?

Yes, if the newer gas engines, 8-speed automatic, refreshed styling, or added driver-assistance options matter to you. The diesel engine itself carries over, so the year-to-year difference is smaller for xDrive35d shoppers.