2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i
The 2016 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 2016 BMW X5 SDRIVE35I
The 2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i is the rear-wheel-drive entry model of the third-generation X5 (F15), a mid-size luxury SUV built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It uses BMW’s 3.0-litre turbocharged N55 inline-six, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft (400 Nm), with an eight-speed automatic as the only transmission.
A rear-drive X5
The F15 arrived for the 2014 model year and introduced the sDrive35i, the first rear-wheel-drive X5 sold in the US, aimed at buyers in warmer regions who did not need all-wheel drive. It shares its engine and gearbox with the xDrive35i but saves weight and some fuel by dropping the front driveshaft. For 2016 the X5 range expanded with the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid, while the high-performance X5 M had joined the line-up the year before.
Practicality
The F15 is spacious, with a split tailgate, a large boot and an optional third row of seats for occasional use. The cabin is a clear step up in quality over the E70, and a range of driving modes, including ECO PRO, lets the driver prioritise economy or response. Without xDrive, it is best suited to climates without regular snow.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N55 issues include oil leaks from the valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gaskets, electric water pump and thermostat failure, and charge-pipe failure. Check that the electronics and any optional air suspension work correctly.
Rivals
Rivals in 2016 included the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX 350 and Audi Q7.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | X5 sDrive35i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | BMW 2016 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 | 18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,933 mm | Kerb Weight | 2,040 kg (4,497 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2016 SUVS
Compared with other 2016 SUVs in our database, its 300 hp is 12% more than the average 2016 SUV (268 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.6 seconds quicker than average, and it is 11% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i | Average 2016 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 268 hp (116 cars) | +12% |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 334 Nm (116 cars) | +20% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s | 7.4 s (125 cars) | -22% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 120 mph (125 cars) | +9% |
| Kerb weight | 2,040 kg | 1,832 kg (132 cars) | +11% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 2,736 cc (125 cars) | +10% |
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 2016 SUVs with similar power to the 2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i | 300 hp | 5.8 s | 2,040 kg |
| 2016 Lexus GX 460 | 301 hp | 7.7 s | 2,245 kg |
| 2016 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV | 290 hp | 7.5 s | 1,970 kg |
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD | 284 hp | 7.0 s | 1,960 kg |
| 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD | 316 hp | 5.7 s | 2,065 kg |