BMW X4 G02 vs BMW X5 G05

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Performance

M40i · Petrol vs B58 40i · Petrol

	BMW X4	BMW X5
Power	360 hp Winner	340 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	450 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,8 s Winner	5,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	243 km/h
Power-to-weight	188,0 hp/t Winner	159,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	191 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,2 L/100km Winner	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	BMW X5
Boot	525 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,75 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	BMW X5
Platform	CLAR (G02, xDrive)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed Steptronic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Pros

BMW X4

B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
More dynamic and refined than the F26

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Cons

BMW X4

Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

BMW X4

More dynamic and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.