2020 BMW X5 — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2020 BMW X5 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a BMW X5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 BMW X5: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl turbo · 4.4L 8-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 25 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 21 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 242 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 3 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,550 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2020 BMW X5 across 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 23 mpg (US), or 22 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 246 | $3,750 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/26) | 242 | $3,550 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/22) | 303 | $4,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 BMW X5
Running Costs: 2020 BMW X5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 BMW X5 at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 BMW X5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 BMW X5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Back over prevention (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 25V644000, reported 25 September 2025. Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Electrical system — campaign 24V576000, reported 1 August 2024. Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Visibility — campaign 22V267000, reported 20 April 2022. Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
- Back over prevention — campaign 21V096000, reported 19 February 2021. Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 11 campaigns.
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X5. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (39), Engine (33), Power train (17). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 7 reported fires, 5 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 109 complaints across the 17 BMW X5 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 BMW X5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 39 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (33 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (17 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Steering (2 recall campaigns) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the BMW X5 compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 242 g/km CO₂ figure is 11 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 28 mpg average for BMW models in our database.
Of the 17 BMW X5 model years we cover, the 2020 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 32 mpg). See every BMW X5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 BMW X5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW X5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2020 BMW X5: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 BMW X5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2020 BMW X5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 BMW X5 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 BMW X5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Back over prevention (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 BMW X5?
Among the 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (39 complaints), Engine (33 complaints), Power train (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the BMW X5's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.