2013 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2013 BMW X5
2nd generation (E70), final model year before the all-new 3rd-generation F15 X5 arrived for 2014.
BMW positions the X5 as the original “Sports Activity Vehicle,” meaning an SUV that leans harder into on-road handling, power, and driver engagement than a typical family crossover. The 2013 X5’s core appeal is its blend of luxury-SUV space, strong engines, all-weather traction, and a more athletic driving feel than many rivals. In this generation, that identity is reinforced by available seven-passenger flexibility, a torque-rich diesel option, and a V8 step-up for buyers who want much stronger acceleration.
The 2013 lineup spans the straightforward turbo-six xDrive35i, the torque-focused xDrive35d diesel, and the stronger twin-turbo V8 xDrive50i. The xDrive35i Premium adds leather, navigation, a panoramic moonroof, and camera-based parking help, while the Sport Activity version has sport seats, paddle shifters, and darker exterior and cabin trim. Every version has all-wheel drive.
2013 BMW X5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Side View Cameras | |||||
| Top View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 BMW X5 compared with the 2012 model?
No major product changes were made for 2013. The engines, transmissions, standard safety equipment, technology, body structure, and core styling carried over from 2012.
Is the 2013 BMW X5 the final year of the E70 generation?
Yes. The 2013 X5 is the final model year of the second-generation E70, which was replaced by the redesigned third-generation X5 for 2014.
Did the 2013 BMW X5 receive new styling or technology?
No lineup-wide styling or standard technology update arrived for 2013. Appearance-related updates were limited to optional sport packages rather than a redesign or broad equipment change.
What engines are found in the 2013 BMW X5 lineup?
The 2013 X5 uses three main engines: a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder in the xDrive35i versions, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder in the xDrive35d, and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 in the xDrive50i. The gasoline engines use an eight-speed automatic, while the diesel uses a six-speed automatic.
Is a 2013 BMW X5 meaningfully different from a 2012 model?
No, not because of a major year-to-year product update. When comparing used examples, condition, service history, mileage, trim, and installed equipment matter more than the model-year difference.