“by charging my BMW overnight during off peak hours, I'm able to drive on battery only on many days and saw no increase in my utility bill. By understanding how to easily charge the battery while driving on the highway, I'm able to run on battery when I get in the city. Understanding the vehicle and learning to use the many features it has makes me safer and more fuel efficient.”
2016 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 BMW X5 is the arrival of the xDrive40e, the model’s first plug-in hybrid. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with no redesign or broad equipment overhaul.
About the 2016 BMW X5
3rd gen (F15), third model year after the 2014 redesign.
BMW positions the X5 as a midsize luxury SUV that blends family usefulness with sharper road manners than many rivals. BMW’s launch material emphasizes confident traction, flexible cargo and passenger space, and a premium cabin, while period reviews highlight precise steering, strong engines, and a more athletic feel than softer competitors. For most shoppers, the X5’s appeal is simple: it is a practical luxury SUV that still feels distinctly like a BMW from behind the wheel.
The xDrive35i remains the core X5, pairing a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, navigation, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The new xDrive40e emphasizes short electric trips while retaining all-wheel drive and the X5’s upscale cabin. At the top of the regular range, the xDrive50i adds a 445-hp twin-turbo V8, leather upholstery, multi-contour front seats, and Harman Kardon audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid joined the lineup with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, 308 combined horsepower, and all-wheel drive. It also brought electric-only driving modes, adaptive dampers, and rear self-leveling air suspension. The existing gas, diesel, and V8 powertrains received no major changes.
Tech
Harman Kardon surround-sound audio became standard on the xDrive50i after being optional for 2015. The lineup received no broader infotainment or interface update.
2016 BMW X5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, TT Dsl, 3.0L | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, TT, 2.0L | V8, TT, 4.4L |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptronic | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptronic | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptronic | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptronic | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 255 hp | 300 hp | 308 hp | 445 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 66 cu-ft | 66 cu-ft | 66 cu-ft | 66 cu-ft | 66 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 |
| MPGe Combined | 56 | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 BMW X5?
The biggest change is the addition of the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid. The rest of the X5 lineup largely carries over from 2015.
Is the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The 2016 xDrive40e is a plug-in hybrid that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 308 combined horsepower. It has all-wheel drive and a mode for short trips using electricity alone.
Was 2016 the first year for the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The xDrive40e joined the X5 range for 2016 as the model’s first plug-in hybrid version.
Did the regular 2016 BMW X5 engines change?
No major engine changes were made to the existing gas, diesel, or V8 models for 2016. The significant powertrain news was the addition of the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid.
What equipment changed on the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i?
Harman Kardon surround-sound audio became standard on the 2016 xDrive50i. It had been optional on the 2015 model.
2016 BMW X5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW X5.
4.4
2016 BMW X5
(573 reviews)
“Overall a good family car. Comfortable. Moderately fuel efficient, for an SUV. Feels safe. Maintenance costs are high. Problems creep up over time.”
“I love the ride. This vehicle handles well; is responsive and the most quiet and comfortable SUV luxury vehicle I've owned to date. A must try for anyone wanting quality and luxury.”