The X5 was introduced into BMW’s lineup as their first SUV in 2000 and is still made today. BMW vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a BMW X5?
The BMW X5 has a towing capacity of 6,400 pounds to 10,000 pounds depending on the engine, drivetrain, and model year. Most recent X5 model years can tow between 7,000 pounds to 7,400 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about BMW X5 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2023 BMW X5 can tow between 5,952 lbs and 7,209 lbs depending on if the X5 has a factory-installed hitch or an aftermarket hitch.
The 2023 BMW X5 sDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 sDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 M50i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 M50i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 M with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X5 Mi with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| sDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| sDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive45e | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | All | 3.0L V6 TT | 389 hp | 443 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the BMW X5 being put to a real-world towing test pulling an Airstream trailer:
BMW X5 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
BMW X5 Braked Towing Capacity: 5,952 lbs – 7,209 lbs.
BMW X5 Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,653 lbs.
BMW X5 Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the BMW X5 tow capacity.
Trim Level
BMW’s trim levels vary, with some trim levels having access to the different engines.
For some model years, this can make a difference in how much the X5 can tow.
Number Of Passengers
The number of passengers in your BMW X5 can impact how heavy of a trailer you can pull with it.
This is true for determining how much you should tow with any vehicle.
This impacts the total weight inside the vehicle, which plays a part in determining how much weight you have left for towing when considering the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
BMW X5 Engine Specs
There are three engine options available on the X5.
3.0L V6 Engine (X5 40i Models)
The base BMW X5 engine is the 3.0L V6 gas engine.
This engine produces 335 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine is available on the X5 sDrive40i and the xDrive 40i.
3.0L V6 Twin Turbo Engine (X5 45e Models)
The hybrid BMW X5 engine is the 3.0L V6 engine.
This engine produces 389 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine is available on the X5 xDrive45e.
4.8L V8 Twin Turbo Engine (X5 M Models)
The hybrid BMW X5 engine is the 3.0L V6 engine.
This engine produces 523 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine is available on the X5 M50i and M.
BMW X5 Tow Package Info
Does The BMW X5 Have A Tow Package?
BMW offers a factory-installed X5 tow hitch as an add-on option.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a BMW X5?
If you plan on towing anything with your BMW X5, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
BMW X5 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The BMW X5 uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III BMW X5 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 600 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the BMW X5 and X6. Material-Carbon Steel
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your X5:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
BMW X5 Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your X5, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a BMW X5 trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A BMW X5?
The BMW X5 does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My BMW X5 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your X5 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your X5.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2022 BMW X5 can tow between 5,952 lbs and 7,209 lbs depending on if the X5 has a factory-installed hitch or an aftermarket hitch.
The 2022 BMW X5 sDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 sDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
2022 BMW xDrive40i Towing Capacity
The 2022 BMW X5 xDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 xDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 M50i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 M50i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 M with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2022 BMW X5 Mi with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| sDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| sDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive45e | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | All | 3.0L V6 TT | 389 hp | 443 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
2021 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2021 BMW X5 can tow between 5,952 lbs and 7,209 lbs depending on if the X5 has a factory-installed hitch or an aftermarket hitch.
The 2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2021 BMW X5 sDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2021 BMW X5 M50i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2021 BMW X5 M50i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| sDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| sDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
2020 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2020 BMW X5 can tow between 5,952 lbs and 7,209 lbs depending on if the X5 has a factory-installed hitch or an aftermarket hitch.
The 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive50i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive50i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 M50i with an aftermarket hitch can pull 5,952 pounds.
The 2020 BMW X5 M50i with a factory-installed hitch can pull 7,209 pounds.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| sDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| sDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive50i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| xDrive50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 3.0L V6 | 335 hp | 330 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg | Aftermarket | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
| M50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg | Factory | 4.4L V8 TT | 523 hp | 553 lb.-ft |
2019 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2019 BMW X5 can tow 7,209 pounds.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| xDrive40i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg |
| xDrive50i | 7,209 lbs / 3,270 kg |
2018 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2018 BMW X5 can tow 5,952 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg |
2017 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2017 BMW X5 can tow 5,952 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg |
2016 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2016 BMW X5 can tow 5,952 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg |
2015 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2015 BMW X5 can tow 5,952 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg |
2014 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2014 BMW X5 can tow 5,952 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,952 lbs / 2,700 kg |
2013 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2013 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2012 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2012 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2011 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2011 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2010 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2010 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2009 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2009 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2008 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2008 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2007 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2007 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2006 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2006 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2005 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2005 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2004 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2004 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2003 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2003 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2002 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2002 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2001 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2001 BMW X5 can tow 5,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg |
2000 BMW X5 Towing Capacity
The 2000 BMW X5 can tow 6,000 lbs.
| BMW X5Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
