What changed? · BMW X5
E53 → E70
BMW X5 (E53) (1999–2006) compared with its successor, the BMW X5 (E70) (2006–2013).
Changes stated by the sources
- Dimensions Wheelbase of 2,933 mm, 113 mm longer than the previous X5.[1]
- Dimensions 187 mm longer and 17 mm wider (including mirrors) than the previous X5.[1]
- Interior First BMW available with an optional third row of seats, for up to seven occupants.[1]
- Chassis First BMW with double-wishbone front suspension.[1]
- Technology iDrive control system fitted to the X5 for the first time.[1]
- Powertrain The manual gearbox was dropped, leaving only automatic transmissions.[2]
- Technology First SAV (sports activity vehicle) in the world offered with a head-up display, and the first with run-flat tyres as standard.[1]
Size
Not compared: the sources give no figures for the same stated market and standard body, so differences are not calculated. The figures are listed separately in the table below.
Side by side
| Item | BMW X5 (E53) First generation | BMW X5 (E70) Second generation |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 1999–2006[3] | 2006–2013[2] |
| First shown | Not documented here | Not documented here |
| Model years | Not documented here | 2007–(end not documented) (NA)[4] |
| Codes | E53[5] | E70[2] |
| Platform | Not documented here | BMW L4[2] |
| Body styles | 5-door crossover SUV[4] | 5-door SUV[2] |
| Seating | Not documented here | Not documented here |
| Drivetrain | AWD[6] | AWD[7] |
| Powertrain types documented | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel |
| Dimensions — shown separately, not compared | ||
| Figures as published | market not stated: length 4,666 mm (183.7 in), width 1,872 mm (73.7 in), wheelbase 2,819 mm (111.0 in)[5] | market not stated, 2007–2008 models: length 4,854 mm (191.1 in), width 1,933 mm (76.1 in), height 1,766 mm (69.5 in), wheelbase 2,933 mm (115.5 in)[2] market not stated, X5 M: length 4,851 mm (191.0 in), width 1,994 mm (78.5 in), height 1,764 mm (69.4 in)[2] |
| Why not compared | These generations have no figures for the same stated market and standard body (a market that is not stated cannot be matched), so no differences are calculated. | |
| Luggage capacity | Not documented here | 200 L behind 3rd row, United Kingdom, not stated, 7-seat[1] 620 L behind 2nd row, United Kingdom, not stated[1] 1,750 L behind 1st row, United Kingdom, not stated[1] |
| Highest output documented | 265 kW (360 PS) 4.8is, market not stated[5] | 408 kW (555 PS) X5 M, market not stated[6] |
Differences in brackets are against the column to the left. Dimensions are compared only for the same market and the standard body; luggage figures are shown with their market and measuring method because they are often not comparable.
Sources
- UK Presskit: The new BMW X5 — BMW Group PressClub UK, 19 February 2007 Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
- BMW X5 (E70) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
- Making way for the new X5 - the last of the first generation X5 manufactured — BMW Group PressClub USA, 22 September 2006 Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
- BMW X5 — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
- BMW X5 (E53) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
- 15 years of BMW X models — BMW Group PressClub Global Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
- The new BMW X5 — BMW Group PressClub Global, 6 February 2010 Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
Wikipedia sources link to the exact revision that was read. Specifications differ between markets, years and versions; each figure is shown with the market and version its source states.