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BMW X5 7-seater

A five-seat luxury SUV with an optional third row for children, offered on the diesels and the M60i.

Seats: 5 or 7
Isofix points: 2
Length: 4,935mm

Quick answer

Is the BMW X5 a 7-seater?

Yes, in some versions. Seven seats are an optional extra on the UK xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M60i, while the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid is sold only as a five-seater.

Best for Families who need two occasional child seats and heavy towing

On this page

Quick answer
Specifications
Boot space
Dimensions
Third row
Isofix
Engines
Price
Safety and recalls
Verdict
Good to know
Practicality
Alternatives
BMW X5 FAQs

A BMW X5 7-seater costs more than the starting price BMW quotes, which is for a five-seat car, so budget extra for the optional third row.

Auto Express and Drive both say seats six and seven are really for children, and there are no Isofix points back there. A new X5 is due in spring 2027, and BMW UK's page for it mentions room for up to five adults with no word on a third row, so check before ordering if you need seven seats.

BMW X5 specifications

Seats and space
Body	SUV
Seats	5 or 7
Seat layout	2-3-2
Boot, 5 seats up	575 litres
Boot, maximum	1,870 litres
Third row suits	Children
Isofix points	2 (outer seats in row 2)
Isofix in row 3	No

Size, power and price
Length	4,935mm
Width without mirrors	2,004mm
Width with mirrors	2,218mm
Height	1,765mm
Wheelbase	2,975mm
Fuel, with seven seats	Petrol, diesel, mild hybrid
Gearbox	Automatic only
Towing, braked	3,500kg
Euro NCAP	5 stars (2018)

BMW X5 boot space

5 seats up: 575L
Maximum: 1,870L

We have no verified boot figure with all seven seats in use yet. With five seats in use the boot holds 575 litres, rising to a maximum of 1,870 litres.

With no published figure for the X5's boot with all seven seats in use, assume luggage space behind the third row is very limited. Choosing the third row also shrinks the five-seat boot, as carwow's figures show, so if you need seven seats only a few times a year, a five-seat X5 with its bigger boot may serve you better.

Our 7-seater boot space guide covers cars that do publish all-seats-up figures.

How it is measured carwow says a seven-seat X5 has 575 litres with the third row folded, against 650 litres in a five-seat X5. BMW UK quotes 650 to 1,870 litres for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M60i (five-seat figures, basis not stated) and 500 to 1,720 litres for the xDrive50e. No source found gave a figure with all seven seats in use.

BMW X5 dimensions

Length: 4,935mm4.93m · 16ft 2in
Width: 2,004mm2.00m · 6ft 7in
Height: 1,765mm1.76m · 5ft 9in

Wheelbase 2,975mmLength 4,935mmHeight 1,765mmWidth 2,004mmMirrors 2,218mm

Side and top views to scale, from the official dimensions. The outline is a generic SUV shape, not the exact profile.

At 4,935mm (4.93m, 16ft 2in) long, the X5 is 61mm longer than the median SUV, and the 17th longest of the 37 SUVs we track. It is 2,004mm wide without mirrors (2,218mm with them) and 1,765mm tall. The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, is 2,975mm.

Compare the X5 with other cars

Third row: who fits?

Third row suitsChildren

Auto Express and Drive both say the optional back row is really for children, and carwow says adults fit only for short journeys. The third row has no ISOFIX mounts. carwow says the space is smaller than in a Land Rover Discovery.

With no Isofix in the third row and two points in the middle, the X5 suits families with no more than two children in Isofix car seats. Seats six and seven work for children on shorter trips; if adults or tall teenagers will sit back there, the Land Rover Discovery, which carwow rates as roomier, is a better fit.

Because the third row is an option, check that any used X5 you look at actually has it.

Seat
Isofix point
Best for children
Driver

Isofix and child seats

2Isofix points

The X5 has two Isofix points: outer seats in row 2. None are in the third row.

Engines and fuel economy

Gearbox: automatic only.

BMW X5 engines and motors
Version	Fuel	Power	Gearbox	Seven seats	Electric range
xDrive30d (48V mild hybrid)	Diesel	298PS	Automatic	Yes	Not published
xDrive40d (48V mild hybrid)	Diesel	352PS	Automatic	Yes	Not published
M60i (48V mild hybrid)	Petrol	530PS	Automatic	Yes	Not published
xDrive50e	Plug-in hybrid	489PS	Automatic	No	64 miles

Official fuel economy and CO2

Official fuel economy and CO2 for the BMW X5
Variant	Fuel	Gearbox	MPG	CO2 g/km	Electric range
X5 xDrive30d xLine	Mild hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	39.2	189	Not published
X5 xDrive30d M Sport	Mild hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	38.2	194	Not published
X5 xDrive40d M Sport	Mild hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	38.2	195	Not published
X5 M60i xDrive	Mild hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	23.7	270	Not published
X5 M Competition	Mild hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	22.1	289	Not published
X5 xDrive50e M Sport (GB VERSION)	Plug-in hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	313.9	20	64 miles
X5 xDrive50e M Sport	Plug-in hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	313.9	22	64 miles
X5 xDrive50e M Sport	Plug-in hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	282.2	20	62 miles
X5 xDrive50e M Sport (Northern Ireland version)	Plug-in hybrid	Automatic (8-speed)	91.1	70	64 miles

Source: Vehicle Certification Agency, data updated 4 October 2026.

BMW X5 price

BMW UK does not publish a seven-seat price. Its finance example gives £81,305 on the road for the xDrive30d M Sport, which is the five-seat price; the optional third-row seat costs extra, and Auto Express puts it at around £1,700, so no seven-seat price is given here. carwow lists RRPs from £82,260, while Auto Express quotes around £76,000 for a base xLine and Drive quotes £74,280; neither lower figure matches BMW UK or carwow.

Prices checked October 2026.

Safety and recalls

5 stars from Euro NCAP, tested in 2018.

DVSA recalls

The DVSA lists 29 recalls for the X5. The latest 10:

2 March 2026 · Ref R/2026/054 · 2 vehicles
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Built 7 May 2021 to 19 June 2021
7 October 2025 · Ref R/2025/406 · 4 vehicles
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
For affected vehicles local overheating may occur at the electrical contacts of the vehicle's engine starter motor. This may cause an increase in current flow resulting in local overheating or risk of thermal event.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Built 2 October 2018 to 12 June 2020
3 September 2025 · Ref R/2025/360 · 6 vehicles
Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary
For affected vehicles there is concern that a gap in the windshield urethane seal at the right A-pillar was created. Due to the gap water can ingress with possible water contamination of the glove box and carpet area including the Body Domain Control unit (BDC) and power distribution box.
Remedy: Check bonding of windshield and for water contamination if necessary reseal windscreen and and inspect electrical components replacing if required.
Built 8 August 2025 to 11 August 2025
24 October 2024 · Ref R/2024/414 · 13 vehicles
Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement
On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.
Built 10 May 2024 to 4 September 2024
13 September 2024 · Ref R/2024/383 · 9,166 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Remedy: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
Built 31 July 2022 to 14 August 2024
14 August 2024 · Ref R/2024/319 · 1 vehicles
Engine Starter Motor / DME Software Update
On affected vehicles the starter motor may be overloaded due to repeated lengthy attempts to start the engine as the software based overload protection is not sufficient.
Remedy: On affected vehicles improved software will be installed on the DME (engine starter motor electronics control unit)
Built 1 November 2018 to 1 November 2018
1 July 2024 · Ref R/2024/269 · 585 vehicles
Owners Manual G05
On affected vehicles in the owner’s manual the maximum permissible limits of the vehicle regarding weight data/additional load values that are specified are stated too high
Remedy: On affected vehicles an updated insert sheet will be added to the owner’s manual.
Built 1 August 2023 to 7 May 2024
20 May 2024 · Ref R/2024/262 · 71 vehicles
Seat Belt Warning (Front Seat Belts)
On affected vehicles the hall sensor in the driver and passenger front seat belt stalks may not have been correctly installed and it may indicate the seat belt is inserted correctly when it actually is not.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the seat belt stalks will be tested and replaced if necessary.
Built 5 April 2024 to 20 April 2024
7 March 2024 · Ref R/2024/119 · 1,833 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced
Built 23 February 2023 to 1 August 2023
20 December 2023 · Ref R/2023/354 · 26 vehicles
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
Remedy: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced
Built 17 March 2023 to 17 March 2023

Recall data updated 4 October 2026. Ask a dealer to check a specific car by its registration.

BMW X5 verdict: pros and cons

Our verdict The X5 is a five-seat luxury SUV first, with an optional third row that suits children only. The seven-seat option costs extra, is not offered on the plug-in hybrid and has not been confirmed for the new X5 due in 2027.

Pros

3,500kg braked towing on every seven-seat version
Seven seats available with diesel or petrol power
575-litre boot with the third row folded, says carwow

Cons

Third row is an extra-cost option on a five-seat base price
Third row suits children only and has no Isofix
No seven-seat plug-in hybrid and no all-seats-up boot figure

Good to know

The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid cannot have the third row; it has a 25.7kWh battery, up to 64 miles of WLTP electric range and a smaller 500-litre boot (BMW UK, carwow)
A fifth-generation X5 is due on sale in the UK in spring 2027; BMW UK's page for it mentions room for up to five adults and says nothing about a third row (BMW UK, BMW Group PressClub UK)
BMW UK lists 3,500kg braked towing for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M60i (2,700kg for the xDrive50e), while Auto Express quotes lower figures of 1,700kg to 2,700kg depending on engine (BMW UK, Auto Express)
Auto Express gives the X5 as 4,922mm long and 1,745mm tall, against BMW UK's 4,935mm and 1,765mm for the diesel (Auto Express, BMW UK)
The five-star Euro NCAP rating dates from 2018 and Auto Express notes it has now expired (Auto Express, carwow)

Practicality

For towing with seven seats, the diesels and the M60i are the versions to choose: BMW UK rates them at 3,500kg braked, and they are the only X5s that take the third row. The plug-in hybrid tows less and seats five.

At 2,218mm wide with its mirrors out, the X5 needs care in tight car parks. Its five-star Euro NCAP rating dates from 2018 and has expired, Auto Express notes. Compare it with other 7-seater SUVs or the BMW X7.

Alternatives to the BMW X5

Citroen

C3 Aircross

SUV · five or seven seats

From: £24,460
Boot, 7 up: 40 L
Length: 4,395mm
Isofix: 2

Land Rover

Defender 110

SUV · five, six or seven seats

Boot, 7 up: 160 L
Length: 4,758mm
Isofix: 2

Skoda

Kodiaq

SUV · five or seven seats

From: £40,270
Boot, 7 up: 340 L
Length: 4,758mm
Isofix: 3

Vauxhall

Frontera

SUV · five or seven seats

From: £25,210
Length: 4,385mm
Isofix: 2

BMW X5 FAQs

How long is the BMW X5?

The BMW X5 is 4,935mm long (4.93m, 16ft 2in), 2,004mm wide without its mirrors and 1,765mm tall.

How many Isofix points does the BMW X5 have?

Two: outer seats in row 2. There are no Isofix points in the third row.

Can adults sit in the third row of the BMW X5?

Not comfortably. The third row is best kept for children.

How much is the third-row option on the BMW X5?

Auto Express puts the seven-seat option at around £1,700, but we could not confirm an exact figure from BMW UK. BMW UK quotes X5 prices for five-seat cars, so this page shows no seven-seat price: add the option when you compare the X5 with SUVs that have seven seats as standard.

Can the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid have seven seats?

No. The xDrive50e, with a 25.7kWh battery and up to 64 miles of electric range, is sold only as a five-seater and has a smaller 500-litre boot. Seven seats are offered on the xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M60i only.

For a third row and a plug, see our list of plug-in hybrid 7-seaters.

Will the new BMW X5 have seven seats?

BMW has not said so. A fifth-generation X5 is due on sale in the UK in spring 2027, and BMW UK's page for it mentions room for up to five adults without mentioning a third row. If seven seats matter, confirm the seating before you order a new X5.

Sources BMW UK, carwow, Auto Express, Drive (Honest John) BMW X5 review, BMW Group PressClub UK, Drive (Honest John), DVSA, VCA