E70 · X5

What the E70 Chassis Is

The BMW E70 replaced the original E53 X5 in 2007, growing in every dimension while adopting BMW's modern electrical architecture, an available third row, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment on most trims. It marked BMW's transition to the "xDrive" naming convention and introduced turbocharged inline-six and diesel powertrains alongside the familiar V8s. The E70 shared its platform philosophy with the E71 X6 coupe-SUV that arrived shortly after, and it remained one of BMW's best-selling models throughout its run. You can confirm any specific build by running the number through our VIN decoder.

Models & Body Styles in This Generation

All E70 X5 models used a five-door SUV body, with seating for five or seven. The U.S. lineup spanned naturally aspirated, turbocharged gasoline, turbo-diesel, and the high-performance M variant:

• X5 3.0si and xDrive30i — entry inline-six models
• X5 xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, and xDrive35i Sport Activity — turbo inline-six
• X5 xDrive35d — turbo-diesel inline-six
• X5 4.8i, xDrive48i, and xDrive50i — V8 models
• X5 M — the twin-turbo V8 performance flagship

Engines & Drivetrains Offered

Early cars used the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter N52 inline-six and the 4.8-liter N62 V8. A mid-cycle refresh brought the turbocharged N55 inline-six to the xDrive35i, while the M35d/35d used the M57 diesel for exceptional torque and range. The X5 M ran the S63 twin-turbo V8. Nearly all E70s paired their engines with a six- or eight-speed automatic and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This blend of straight-six smoothness and torque-rich turbocharging reflects the BMW engineering DNA shared with contemporaries like the E60 5 Series and E63 6 Series.

What It's Like to Own & Buy

The E70 delivers genuine sport-sedan driving character in an SUV package, with a solid, planted feel and strong powertrains. As with any complex modern BMW, budget for cooling-system components, gaskets, and suspension wear on higher-mileage examples, and verify service history carefully. The turbocharged xDrive35i models tend to offer the best balance of performance, running costs, and parts availability, while the diesel is prized for real-world range. A pre-purchase inspection and a full VIN check are essential before buying.