BMW X5 xDrive50i
18 MPG The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive50i is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2011–2020 run it averages 17 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 487 | 1 |
| 2019 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $4050 | 472 | 1 |
| 2018 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 517 | 1 |
| 2017 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 515 | 1 |
| 2016 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 515 | 1 |
| 2015 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 516 | 1 |
| 2014 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 524 | 1 |
| 2013 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 547 | 1 |
| 2012 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2011 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 standard sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the BMW X5 xDrive50i ranks 50 on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD (18.3), GMC Yukon 4WD (18.3), Land Rover Defender 110 MHEV (18.5), Acura MDX AWD Type-S (19), BMW X6 xDrive50i (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 487 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW X5 xDrive50i get?
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive50i is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 17 MPG, ranging from 16 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW X5 xDrive50i cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $4300.
Has the BMW X5 xDrive50i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 16 MPG in 2011 to 18 in 2020 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 13% across 10 model years.
Is the BMW X5 xDrive50i efficient for its class?
It ranks 50 of 105 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG. That is 1.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.