- 02/03/2026
- 5 Min Read
- By: Christian Schaefer
Top 5 Reasons To Buy A BMW G05 X5 Over the Older F15 X5
It’s no secret that BMW’s X5 is an easy choice for anyone wanting style and luxury from an SUV. The current G05-based generation is the latest and greatest; however, it’s been around for the better part of a decade, and the earliest examples are now priced low enough that they’re in direct competition with its predecessor, the F15 X5. The earlier model has been a value buy for a few years in the right trim, offering lots of similar features to this latest model. Don’t be fooled by that, though, as the G05 is the better vehicle.
The G05 X5 is infused with BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture), a modular platform designed to simplify engineering across various models while providing a better overall product. Save for the smaller models, the CLAR platform has served as the backbone for most of the BMW lineup since its introduction in 2015 in the G11 7-series, a move that’s proven to be a success for the automaker in the decade since. The X5 is a direct beneficiary of that engineering,
An All-New Chassis
The move to the G05 generation was an all-encompassing one that brought the X5 forward into a new era. Much of that is thanks to the fact that it was an all-new X5, unlike its predecessor, which was more of a significant update to the E70 rather than an all-new model. The clean-sheet design stretched the overall length and wheelbase by 36mm and 42mm, respectively, while also widening the chassis by 66mm. Despite the noticeably larger size, the G05 didn’t gain much weight over the F15, thanks to aluminum fenders, doors, and hood.
Underneath the body sits a revised suspension design with more capability than ever before. Up front, it's largely the same double-wishbone (the lower is split into two arms) we’ve seen previously, but the rear is fresh, ditching the large lower arm for a more dynamic five-link design. Pairing the longer wheelbase and wider track with the revised design and the standard Dynamic Damper Control system was enough for Car and Driver to say “The X5's refined ride and stable handling are a big improvement compared with the 2018 model, as is its steering, which feels more connected and direct,” back in its initial review in 2019. Dig through owners' forums and Facebook groups, and you’re likely to hear similar comments from those who drive them every day.
However, the G05 takes it a step further with its optional extras.
Air suspension is a common inclusion for today’s sporty and luxury SUVs as it gives equipped vehicles far more control over ride quality. That’s not to say the standard DDC doesn’t do a good job of sharpening and softening the dampers according to the selected drive setting, because it does, but the nature of air suspension makes it more versatile. The preceding F15 generation only used air suspension on the rear axle to keep the rear level when loaded, but the G05 uses air suspension at all four corners, delivering a much more adaptable ride. Should you find a G05 with the air suspension, you’ll have a system that automatically adjusts ride height and allows for 60mm of ride height adjustability. It also features adaptive dampers, pairing with the air springs to provide composure in a number of conditions.
Those looking for a sportier ride should look for the Adaptive M suspension Professional, which adds active roll-bars and rear wheel steering into the mix—features you’ll find on many sports cars. Anyone more comfortable off pavement should find one equipped with the Off-Road package, a first for the X5. That package adds an electronically-locking rear differential and specialized tuning for the Dynamic Stability Control.
Better Drivetrains Options
Dependability is a huge factor in any automotive purchasing decision. Engines and transmissions are typically the components that need the most regular servicing and will often cause the most amount of faults, so it’s only smart to choose a vehicle with the best reliability track record. Now, on paper, it’s easy to believe that the F15 and G05 X5s would be as similar as they get with a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six and a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 as the most common engines, but that’s far from the case. Instead, the newer model features a heavily revised engine and an all-new one for the X5 lineage.
It’s impossible to talk about a modern BMW without mentioning the B58 engine, the 3.0L turbocharged straight-six found in the G05’s 40i, 45e, and 50e variants. The second-generation of the engine appears in the former two trims, while the 50e, brought about during the LCI update, features the third-generation. It’s become one of the best modern engines for performance tuning, thanks to its inherent strength and responsiveness. But more than that, it’s built on the knowledge gained from the N54 and N55, the latter of which is the engine in the F15 X5 35i models. As such, the ways in which the B58 is better than the N55 are so numerous that it could be an article all on its own. For anyone looking at the G05 as anything but a performance vehicle, know that while not perfect, it's devoid of many of the issues that N55 owners have faced, both serious and annoying.
The N63 engine in the F15 X5 and G05 X5 is the third and fourth generations, respectively. While flashier and far more powerful in stock trim over the six-cylinder engine, the risks are far more numerous with the V8. For whatever reason, the N63 is very particular when it comes to servicing intervals, oil choice, and warm-up procedures. If you research the N63, reports of major failures are almost more common than those of owners who’ve not had them. However, each subsequent engine update has made them a bit better, and the last of the N63s in the G05 50i and M50i are the best BMW has made. Post LCI update, both V8 trims merged into the M60i and featured the S68 and all-new 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8; however, those models are nowhere near the F15 in terms of pricing, so don’t expect to find one anywhere near an F15’s pricing.
In addition to the pure gasoline-powered options, BMW offered more “economical” variants in both X5s. The G05 has the 45e and 50e as mentioned above, which pair the B58 with hybrid power in both mild and plug-in form. On the other hand, the F15 received the European treatment with the diesel-burning N57 in the 35d models. The latter delivers fantastic fuel economy and gobs of torque, but they can get expensive when mileage hits significant numbers, as many of their specialty emissions components fail and require replacement. The G05’s hybrid variants have a better track record for reliability, but the nature of the high-voltage battery and complex electronics takes away from those models’ DIY serviceability. Something to think about if you’re an at-home wrencher.
Far Better Technology
Handling and performance can be fantastic selling points, but you can't accelerate your way through traffic, and you can’t out-handle a 60-mile journey on an interstate. When the X5 can’t bring you joy via its driving dynamics, it’s the included features that are going to keep you in love with your mid-sized SUV. Lucky for those who like good value, many of the G05’s luxury and tech features are taken from the G12 7-Series, BMW’s flagship luxury sedan. Considering the G05 is now dipping into F15 pricing, anyone looking for modern amenities should be looking at the G05.
BMW F15 X5 models built before July 2016 use iDrive 4, also known as NBT (Next Big Thing), while the later models use NBT Evo, or iDrive 6. Those systems were first implemented in 2012 and 2015, making them 11 years old in design at the youngest. Apple CarPlay is available on certain 2017 and 2018 models, but it’s not guaranteed, and Android users have no hope for Android Auto. All G05 models received both phone connection platforms thanks to an update just a few months after the model’s release. As a much more modern system, it’s quicker than its predecessor with more features and larger screens. As an added benefit, BMW offered over-the-air updates for it, with the last coming in mid-2024, allowing any G05 to feature close to the latest looks and tech.
Arguably more important than that, the improved technology extends through the X5’s safety features. The Active Driving Assistance suite is standard in the newer model, suiting every variant with:
Forward-Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection
Low-Speed Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane-Departure Warning
Blind-Spot Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning
Both models had extra optional safety features, but the F15 simply cannot match the G05, no matter what was optioned.
Improved Aesthetics
In an age of polarizing BMW design language, the G05 X5 remains grounded in familiar proportions. Sure, the grill did get larger, but it’s far from anything that becomes the focus of all attention, even though it hides active air flaps. Instead, the X5 holds onto your eye with muscular arches and big wheels—between 20” and 22”. As mentioned, the front end remains reserved for the era, if not one of the best, with either bumper. The rear loses the classic L-shaped taillights, but the new, simpler shape is unoffensive at worst, and looks plenty handsome to me.
Not to be completely outdone, the F15 X5 is no slouch in the looks department either. It represents a far less polarizing BMW era and shows that through its fairly reserved but tidy styling. Front-end styling is sharp, and the rear end sports the last of the classic taillights, but compared to the G05, it feels a little safe. However, the interior remains a bright spot, even after all this time. It may not have the same functionality as the latter one, but it won't feel any less nice.
But who am I to tell you what your opinions should be? See for yourself and form your own.
G05 X5:
F15 X5:
Pricing
Of course, on paper, the G05 is the better option. It’s far newer and benefits from an engineering refocus that has benefited all modern BMWs. But monetary budgets beat out just about every consideration in the long run, and it's easy to think that because the G05 is newer and more advanced than the F15, it costs more. That’s true in a lot of cases. However, examples at the respectable bottom of the G05 market—higher-mileage and lower trims that have documented service history and minimal damage—are directly competitive to upper-end F15 X5 examples. These examples sit in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 range with varying engines and mileages within. Options are somewhat slim in the overlap, but the G05 is freshly out of production, and more owners are poised to upgrade. Don't be shocked if prices come down in the coming months.
When it comes to making a choice, don’t be fooled by mileage, as lower numbers don’t automatically equate to better condition. Plastic, rubber, and electric parts have a mileage and time-based service life, so original parts left in after a decade can cause issues once put into a daily-driving situation. Sure, more miles on a G05 can put you closer to the suggested service intervals from many parts, but you’ll be aware of their need for replacement in the future. Older parts can fail before hitting that mileage interval, leaving you wondering why your low-mileage X5 developed a sudden misfire or no longer had circulating coolant. That said, all of the engines you can choose from are pretty DIY friendly, so you'll be able to grab some tools and perform a lot of the major maintenance yourself!
