2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i
The 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i is a SUV. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.8 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2015 BMW X5 SDRIVE35I
The 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i is the rear-wheel-drive version of the third-generation X5 (F15). Most X5s are sold with all-wheel drive, but for the US market BMW also offered this two-wheel-drive “sDrive” model as a lower-cost entry to the range. It uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic, and like all X5s it was built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
sDrive vs xDrive
Dropping the front driveshaft and transfer case saves weight and cost, and slightly improves fuel economy. The trade-off is traction: in snow, ice or on loose surfaces, a rear-drive SUV is noticeably less capable than an all-wheel-drive one, even with good tyres. The sDrive35i makes most sense in warm, dry climates where the extra grip is rarely needed. Our drivetrain guide explains the differences.
The F15 X5
The third-generation X5 arrived for 2014 with a sharper design, a lighter body structure, a much-improved interior and better efficiency than its predecessor. It seats five as standard, with an optional third row for occasional use, and has a split tailgate and generous cargo space. The turbocharged six delivers strong mid-range performance and is well suited to the eight-speed gearbox.
Buying one
The 3.0-litre turbo six is generally robust, but oil leaks (oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets), electric coolant pump failures and worn turbo wastegates are known issues on BMWs of this period. Check the service history, make sure any recalls have been completed, and confirm whether the car is sDrive or xDrive — the badge on the tailgate tells you.
Rivals
Competitors included the Mercedes-Benz ML350, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | X5 sDrive35i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2015 | Version / Trim | BMW 2015 X5 sDrive35i |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Estoril Blue Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | Torque | 400 Nm / 300 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.8 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,933 mm | Kerb Weight | 2,040 kg (4,497 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2015 SUVS
Compared with other 2015 SUVs in our database, its 300 hp is 15% more than the average 2015 SUV (260 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.8 seconds quicker than average, and it is 10% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i | Average 2015 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 260 hp (107 cars) | +15% |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 315 Nm (107 cars) | +27% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s | 7.6 s (120 cars) | -24% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 118 mph (120 cars) | +10% |
| Kerb weight | 2,040 kg | 1,850 kg (126 cars) | +10% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 2,942 cc (126 cars) | +2% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2015 SUVs with similar power to the 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i | 300 hp | 5.8 s | 2,040 kg |
| 2015 Lexus GX 460 | 301 hp | 7.7 s | 2,245 kg |
| 2015 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV | 290 hp | 7.5 s | 1,970 kg |
| 2015 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD | 284 hp | 7.0 s | 1,960 kg |
| 2015 Kia Sorento FWD | 276 hp | 8.5 s | 1,750 kg |