The 2017 BMW X5 specs exemplify why BMW remains a leader in blending luxury with performance. As part of the F15 generation, this model year showcases a perfect balance of refinement, versatility, and power. The X5 has always been a cornerstone of BMW’s luxury SUV lineup. It primarily caters to drivers who demand a dynamic yet functional vehicle. The 2017 BMW X5 specs maintained the tradition of delivering an SUV that merges premium comfort with its signature sporty DNA.
The 2017 BMW X5 has specs that make it more than just an SUV. They make it a statement of BMW’s intent to dominate the luxury SUV game. It offers four primary trims, each tailored to distinct driving preferences. The sDrive35i serves as the entry-level trim, ideal for those who value efficiency and comfort. The xDrive35i adds BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system for enhanced track width. For eco-friendly drivers, the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid combines fuel efficiency with the brand’s cruise control. Meanwhile, the xDrive50i delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Finally, the xDrive35d appeals to power diesel enthusiasts.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 X5’s specs..
Exterior Build and Design

The 2017 BMW X5 exterior specs capture the essence of luxury and performance with its bold and refined design. Its exterior seamlessly combines elegant features with BMW’s signature sportiness. The aggressive front fascia is complete with the iconic BMW kidney grilles and standard Xenon headlights. These give it a commanding presence on the road. Sculpted lines run across its body, enhancing its aerodynamic profile and underlining its athletic stance.
These unique design choices keep the X5 visually ahead of its rivals. In terms of trim-specific design elements, each 2017 X5 variant caters to distinct style preferences. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i trims feature 18-inch wheels, with larger sizes available as upgrades. The xDrive50i introduces 19-inch wheels and subtle chrome accents for a more premium look. For those seeking an extra dose of sportiness, the M Sport package adds aggressive front and rear bumpers, Shadowline trim, and unique wheel designs.
Meanwhile, the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid includes blue accents that hint at its eco-friendly engineering. The xDrive35d stands out with its subtle diesel-specific badging, blending efficiency with elegance. All trims benefit from the 2017 X5’s refined suspension system, offering a balance between comfort and responsive handling. The rear design features sleek taillights and a sculpted bumper, complementing its dynamic alloy wheels.
Interior and Technology

The 2017 BMW X5 interior perfectly balances luxury and practicality, offering a premium experience for drivers and passengers. The cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed, with plentiful tech for easy access to the center console. At its heart is a 10.2-inch iDrive 5.0 display. This provides seamless control over navigation, media, and climate settings. While it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay, it offers reliable connectivity through standard Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth.
The interior also features high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and aluminum accents, enhancing its luxurious appeal. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system comes standard, delivering exceptional audio. Optional upgrades, such as a heated steering wheel and Nappa leather, elevate comfort further. A panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims, adds to the cabin’s open and airy feel. Safety remains a priority, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking included, as well as optional telescopic steering wheels.
The cargo area offers up to 76.7 cubic feet of space and ample rear legroom for passengers. The xDrive50i trim also includes heated rear seats and additional options, while the M Sport package adds performance-inspired interior details. The 2017 BMW X5’s technology on board sets a high standard for luxury SUVs by blending comfort, practicality, and advanced technology.
Engine and Performance
The 2017 BMW X5’s engine specs highlight its outstanding performance and versatility as an SUV. The X5 also boasts a lineup catering to a wide range of driving preferences. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i trims come equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, which generates 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers smooth acceleration and responsive handling.
For more power, the xDrive50i features a robust 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 gas engine, producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking thrilling performances. The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering a combined output of 308 horsepower. This option supports short electric-only while maintaining the capability of a traditional engine.
All trims include an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes. The xDrive35i achieves a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, while the xDrive50i reaches 60 mph in an exhilarating 4.7 seconds. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability across various terrains. This range of powertrains balances power, efficiency, and reliability. While not as advanced as the 2023 X5 models, the 2017 X5 provides impressive engine options.
Driving Experience and Handling
The 2017 BMW X5 remains a hallmark of luxury SUVs, blending travel comfort, practicality, and strong road performance. While lacking the refinements of later iterations, it set a meaningful leap for the lineup’s evolution. The xDrive35i trim offers a smooth and capable drive, ideal for daily commutes and road trips. Meanwhile, the xDrive50i delivers impressive power while maintaining the X5’s luxurious appeal.
The X5’s suspension system ensures a comfortable ride across various terrains, although it lacks some advanced safety grades seen in newer models. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless shifts, emphasizing the X5’s blend of efficiency and performance. The steering wheel’s handling controls also provide respectable responsiveness for an SUV of its size, making it easy to maneuver in both urban and highway settings.
The 2017 X5 strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness. It excels on winding roads while leaning more toward a refined driving experience. A near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution enhances stability and cornering precision. Its double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear configuration combine to provide a smooth ride without sacrificing agility. Unique to its era, the 2017 BMW X5 features real-time road data analysis for preemptive power distribution, optimizing traction and handling.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy ratings for the 2017 X5 were competitive within its class. The xDrive35i trim offered 24 mpg on the highway with an approximate range of 470 miles, earning EPA ratings of 21/18/24 mpg (combined/city/highway). The xDrive50i, with its more powerful V8 engine and fuel tank, returned 20 mpg on the highway and a range of around 390 miles, achieving EPA ratings of 17/15/21 mpg. The diesel-powered xDrive35d also stood out with an impressive 29 mpg highway rating and a combined EPA score of 25 mpg, ideal for long-haul impressive fuel economy.
Dimensions

The 2017 BMW X5’s wheelbase consistently measured 115.5 inches, providing a stable foundation for its confident driving dynamics. Its overall length of 193.2 inches, width of 76.3 inches, and vehicle height of 69.4 inches contributed to a balanced and commanding road presence. The xDrive35i trim’s curb weight was 4871 pounds, while the more powerful xDrive50i weighed 5194 pounds.
These dimensions and weight variations underscore the 2017 X5’s robust construction, designed to house its powerful engines and advanced drivetrain systems. Despite its size, the X5 maintained an agile stance, blending functionality with luxury. The proportions also translated into a spacious interior.
2017 BMW X5 Specs Weaknesses
The 2017 BMW X5 specs, while impressive in many ways, aren’t without flaws. d/city/highway). For one, its ride quality can feel overly firm compared to some of its competitors. The sporty, dynamic driving experience often comes at the expense of comfort, particularly on rough or uneven roads. Rivals like the 2016/17 Mercedes-Benz GLE or Audi Q7 offer more cushioned rides. These SUVs are better suited for long-distance drives or bumpy terrain.
Even with adaptive suspension, the X5’s focus on sharp handling makes it less forgiving in everyday conditions. The fuel economy is also subpar for certain models and fuel types in the 2017 X5’s lineup. For instance, the gasoline-powered xDrive50i struggles with efficiency, delivering just 17/19 highway mpg combined. This is a significant drawback in an era where fuel capacity is a priority. BMW addresses this flaw with the diesel-powered xDrive35d which fares better with 23 mpg combined. Although, admittedly, this does very little to nothing at all to offset the lineup’s inefficiencies.
While the accessible technology is advanced for a 2017 car, it also shows its age in certain aspects. BMW’s iDrive interface is functional but can feel unintuitive for first-time users. Owners report requiring a steep learning curve to master its suite of technology features. Additionally, the absence of Android Auto integration leaves a gap in connectivity, especially for buyers expecting seamless smartphone compatibility. An occasional lag in system responsiveness further detracts from the user experience.
The X5’s air suspension system has also garnered mixed reviews. While it delivers exceptional comfort and adaptability, it has been known to falter in colder climates. Safety questions, such as uneven levelling or system warnings, have been reported. Interior noise is another area where the 2017 X5 specs fall short. Though the cabin is well-crafted, it doesn’t achieve the same level of sound insulation as some competitors.
Wind and tyre noise at highway speeds can be intrusive, which detracts from the overall premium, tranquil experience. Also, the X5’s impressive lineup of trims offers significant variety, but the cost of upgrades can escalate quickly. Buyers looking to add advanced packages or performance options often find the final price surpassing competitors. Even in the used market, well-equipped 2017 X5 models remain pricey.
Competitive Analysis
The 2017 BMW X5, with its specs, remains a solid competitor in the mid-size luxury SUV market, taking on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90. It delivers a refined combination of luxury and performance that helps it stand out in a crowded segment. Its main drawback, however, is slightly limited cargo and rear headroom space compared to its key competitors. Despite this, it offers a satisfying ownership experience thanks to its driving dynamics and upscale features.
In terms of road performance, the 2017 X5 holds its own against similar models from vehicle magazines. The xDrive35i trim provides a balanced mix of power and efficiency, making it an excellent option for drivers who need versatility. In performance testing, the xDrive50i trim showcased its capability, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. It completed the quarter-mile in 14.0 seconds at 100 mph, braked to a stop from 70 mph in 180 feet, and maintained a solid 0.82 g on a 300-foot skidpad.
While some rivals, like the Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7, focus on comfort, the X5 is geared toward drivers who enjoy engaging dynamics. Seven years on, the 2017 X5 still reflects much of BMW’s engineering precision. Competitors like the GLE or Q7 fail to match the X5’s combination of performance and practicality. Its precise handling and well-tuned chassis reveal the GLE’s softer suspension and the Q7’s tendency for understeer as notable weaknesses.
With its specs, the 2017 BMW X5 remains one of the distinct vehicles that bridges the gap between performance-oriented driving, amazing technology and family practicality.
Pricing
The 2017 BMW X5 lineup offers competitive pricing across its trims, balancing luxury and performance. The xDrive35i trim, priced starting at $53,200, is an ideal entry point into the mid-size luxury SUV segment. It comes equipped with BMW’s intuitive iDrive system, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and essential safety features, setting a solid foundation for the segment.
The xDrive50i trim starts at $69,950, boasting a 445-horsepower V8 engine, refined interior upgrades, and advanced driver assistance technologies. This is an excellent choice for those seeking greater power and sophistication. For performance enthusiasts, the X5 M trim begins at $94,400. This variant features a 567-horsepower twin-turbo V8, M-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling that matches higher-priced performance SUVs. It perfectly blends family practicality with track-ready capabilities. While the price tag may be on the higher side, it’s designed for drivers looking to enjoy both luxury and performance without compromise.
In the used market, the unique 2017 BMW X5 specs retain their value, with base models often priced around $45,000. The 2017 BMW X5 strikes a compelling balance between pricing, powertrain options, and luxury features. Its pricing aligns well with its premium attributes, making it a strong contender for buyers searching for a mix of affordability and performance.