2012 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2012 BMW X5

2nd generation X5 (E70, 2007-2013), second year after the major 2011 refresh and powertrain update.

BMW positioned the X5 as the SUV for drivers who still wanted a BMW-like feel on the road. Its core appeal was blending SUV space, a higher seating position, and all-weather traction with strong turbocharged engines, precise steering, and a more athletic feel than many luxury rivals. Compared with roomier family-first competitors, the X5 leaned more toward performance, premium cabin quality, and a confident long-distance driving character.

The xDrive35i remained the core model, pairing a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with AWD, while the xDrive35d emphasized diesel pulling power and highway fuel economy. The xDrive35i Premium and Sport Activity added more comfort or sport-focused equipment, and the 400-hp V8 xDrive50i topped the regular lineup with standard navigation, leather, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof.

What changed, by category

Tech and convenience

Bluetooth hands-free calling, iPod/USB audio connectivity, a Hi-Fi sound system, and a cargo cover became standard across the lineup. The xDrive35d gained leather, heated front seats, a power tailgate, parking sensors, and other comfort equipment beginning with October 2011 production. Heated front seats also became standard on the xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, and xDrive50i, while the xDrive50i added standard navigation and satellite radio.

Styling

Gas-powered X5 models received LED corona light rings. Roof rails also became standard on the xDrive35i and xDrive50i, while the xDrive35d added them to its expanded standard-equipment package.

2012 BMW X5 specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 BMW X5xDrive35d0 in stock	2012 BMW X5xDrive35i0 in stock	2012 BMW X5xDrive50i0 in stock	2012 BMW X5xDrive35i Premium0 in stock	2012 BMW X5xDrive35i Sport Activity0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, Twin Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	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, 6-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	7	7	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Lane Departure Warning
Side View Cameras
Top View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Aluminum Interior Trim
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 BMW X5 compares

The 2013 BMW X5 is a carryover with no major product changes from 2012. Its main significance is that it is the final year of the second-generation E70 X5 before the redesigned 2014 model arrived.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2012 BMW X5 compared with the 2011 model?

The 2012 BMW X5 received a broad equipment update rather than a redesign. Bluetooth, iPod/USB audio connectivity, Hi-Fi sound, and a cargo cover became standard across the range, gas models gained LED corona light rings, and several trims received more standard comfort equipment.

Does the 2012 BMW X5 have standard Bluetooth and USB audio?

Yes. Bluetooth hands-free calling and iPod/USB audio connectivity became standard across the 2012 BMW X5 lineup, along with a Hi-Fi sound system.

Which 2012 BMW X5 trims have standard heated front seats?

Standard heated front seats are included on the 2012 xDrive35d, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, and xDrive50i. They were part of the year's expanded standard-equipment packages for those trims.

Did the 2012 BMW X5 receive new engines?

No. The 2012 update focused on equipment rather than powertrains. The lineup continued with a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder gas engine, a 265-hp turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine, and a 400-hp twin-turbo V8.

Does the 2012 BMW X5 xDrive50i have standard navigation?

Yes. Navigation became standard on the 2012 BMW X5 xDrive50i, together with a richer equipment package that included heated front seats, a power tailgate, parking sensors, and privacy glass.