Towing capacity for a BMW X5

BMW X5 towing capacity : the practical guide

The BMW X5 belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 1 listed engine, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

BMW X5 towing capacity in one line

Across the 1 engine listed, built 2018-2023, towing capacity is 2,700 kg (5,952 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 2,700 kg (5,952 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The line-up includes plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrid versions often have a lower towing capacity than their non-hybrid counterparts, because the battery weight is counted in the kerbweight and the gross train weight is unchanged.

What you can actually tow with this BMW X5

At 2,500 kg of towing capacity, you enter the world of large 4x4s, pickups and heavy commercial vehicles. Use cases: loaded two-horse trailer, plant trailers, large twin-axle caravan loaded for a long stay, cabin boats up to 7 metres.

Best fit: Professionals, farmers, cabin-boat owners, multi-horse owners. Out of reach for regular saloons and combustion SUVs.

Watch out: At this threshold, the towing capacity to power ratio is no longer the only criterion: low-end torque and the quality of the whole outfit's braking (braked trailer mandatory) become decisive for safe descents.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 3,150 kg (6,945 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : 5,850 kg (12,897 lb). Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 715 kg (1,576 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own BMW X5

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a BMW X5?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the BMW X5?
The gross vehicle weight of the BMW X5 is 3,150 kg (6,945 lb).

How much can the BMW X5 tow?
The BMW X5 can tow up to 2,700 kg (5,952 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a BMW X5?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 2,700 kg (5,952 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a BMW X5?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.