“This is not the same BMW from earlier years. The suspension system and handling is not there anymore. Get a different vehicle.”
2018 BMW X5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2018 BMW X5 is a revised 8-speed automatic across the lineup. It is otherwise a light final-year update before the fully redesigned 2019 X5.
About the 2018 BMW X5
3rd generation (F15, 2014-2018), final year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
BMW sells the X5 as a midsize luxury SUV with a stronger focus on road feel and driver engagement than many rivals. BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle, and that theme fits: the X5 blends strong engines, a quiet upscale cabin, useful cargo space, and optional family flexibility with handling that feels more like a BMW sedan than a bulky SUV. For most shoppers, its identity is luxury and utility without giving up performance.
The 2018 X5 ranges from a 300-hp six-cylinder model with rear-wheel drive to all-wheel-drive gas and diesel versions. The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid has 308 hp and about 14 miles of EPA-rated electric range, while the xDrive50i tops the regular lineup with a 445-hp twin-turbo V8 and added luxury features. A panoramic moonroof and navigation are among the notable features found across the lineup.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Gas and diesel models received BMW’s 8-speed sport automatic transmission. The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid received an 8-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters.
Styling
Late-production six-cylinder 35i and 35d models added trapezoidal tailpipes.
Safety
The rearview camera changed from optional to standard on the sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive35d, and xDrive40e iPerformance.
Tech
BMW reorganized optional equipment into a new tiered package structure for 2018.
2018 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 | V8, TT, 4.4L | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, TT, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptrnc | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptrnc | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptrnc | Auto 8-Spd Spt Steptrnc | Auto 8-Spd Steptrnc Adptv |
| 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 |
| 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 changed on the 2018 BMW X5 compared with the 2017 model?
The biggest change is the revised 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW also adopted tiered option packages, made the rearview camera standard on four trims, and added trapezoidal tailpipes to late-production six-cylinder models.
Which 2018 BMW X5 trims gained a standard rearview camera?
The sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive35d, and xDrive40e iPerformance gained a standard rearview camera for 2018; it had been optional on those trims in 2017.
Did the 2018 BMW X5 plug-in hybrid change?
Yes. The 2018 xDrive40e iPerformance gained an 8-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters and moved to BMW’s tiered package structure. Its plug-in hybrid system produces 308 hp and provides about 14 miles of EPA-rated electric range.
Is the 2018 BMW X5 the last year of its generation?
Yes. The 2018 X5 is the final model year of the third-generation F15 before the fully redesigned fourth-generation X5 arrived for 2019.
Is the 2018 BMW X5 a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No. The 2018 X5 is a light update rather than a redesign. Its revised automatic transmissions, equipment packaging, standard rearview cameras on four trims, and late-build tailpipe change are the main differences.
2018 BMW X5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 BMW X5.
4.2
2018 BMW X5
(551 reviews)
“The BMW x5 is a refined driving machine. It has all the quirks and features most people need for either a daily commute or traveling for leisure. The buttons and dials are not confusing or overabundant. The vehicle is luxurious but not superior. Easy to handle and has enough safety components.”
“It's awesome! Sporty, fast, fun to drive and a plug in hybrid so you feel good about it.”