“A very reliable car which gives me value for my money, in terms of the gas prices. Very contented by the performance. Some minor electrical issues persist with BMW, but then they have been there since a decade. I believe these minor issues have not been sorted out by BMW but let them not deter you from this brand because overall this is a very reliable and trustworthy brand with cars that live up to expectations.”
2017 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2017 BMW X5 is the addition of iDrive 5.0 navigation with touchscreen control across the lineup. This is a light equipment update rather than a redesign, and the engine lineup carries over.
About the 2017 BMW X5
3rd gen (F15, 2014-2018), fourth model year, light equipment refresh before the 2019 redesign.
BMW positions the X5 as the original “Sports Activity Vehicle,” meaning a midsize luxury SUV that mixes family utility with a more athletic, road-focused feel than many rivals. Its core appeal is a roomy, upscale cabin, strong turbocharged engines, and a broad powertrain range that lets buyers choose rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, diesel, plug-in hybrid efficiency, or V8 power without leaving the X5 formula.
The 2017 X5 ranges from a rear-wheel-drive turbo-six model to all-wheel-drive gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and V8 versions. The xDrive40e iPerformance pairs plug-in hybrid driving with rear air suspension, while the xDrive50i stands out with a 445-hp twin-turbo V8, multi-contour front seats, four-zone climate control, and Harman Kardon audio.
What changed, by category
2017 BMW X5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Adaptive Control, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Adaptive Control, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Adaptive Control, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Adaptive Control, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Adaptive Control, Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 255 hp | 300 hp | 445 hp | 308 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 35.8 cu-ft | 35.8 cu-ft | 35.8 cu-ft | 35.8 cu-ft | 34.2 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 |
| Electric Range | 14 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 56 | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| 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 Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 BMW X5?
The biggest change is the newer iDrive 5.0 navigation system with touchscreen control on every 2017 X5. The model also gains standard xLine exterior trim and a dark anthracite headliner.
Is the 2017 BMW X5 a redesign?
No, the 2017 BMW X5 is not a redesign. It is a light equipment refresh within the third generation, with updated cabin technology and standard appearance upgrades but no major body or chassis changes.
Did the 2017 BMW X5 engine lineup change from 2016?
No, the engine lineup carries over for 2017. It still includes turbocharged six-cylinder gas and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid system, and a twin-turbo V8; the plug-in hybrid’s name changes from xDrive40e to xDrive40e iPerformance.
Does every 2017 BMW X5 have a touchscreen?
Yes, every 2017 BMW X5 has a 10.2-inch navigation display with iDrive 5.0 touchscreen control. The traditional console controller remains part of the system as well.
What equipment became standard on the 2017 BMW X5?
Standard equipment added across the 2017 lineup includes xLine exterior trim and a dark anthracite headliner. Park Assist moved in the other direction, changing from standard equipment to an option.
2017 BMW X5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 BMW X5.
“The X5 diesel is a beast. It is comfortable, roomy, and gets great mileage, but it has the pep when you need it. I love this car.”
“Be certain about what options are included. BMW uses similar names meaning different functions. I.e. adaptive cruise control.”