With the launch of the BMW X5 was only with two engine variants: Series six-cylinder, gasoline engine, 3.0 liter displacement, 170 kW/231 hp (3.0i model name) V engine with eight cylinders, petrol engine, 4.4 liter displacement, 210 kW/286 hp (4.4i model name)

In 2001, the engine offers two variants:

Series six-cylinder, diesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection, 3.0 liter displacement, 135 kW/184 hp (Model name 3.0d) V engine with eight cylinders, petrol engine, 4.6 liter displacement, 255 kW/347 hp (4.6is model name), this engine came from Alpina

In 2003, as part of a facelift, the new 4.4-liter V8 with Valvetronic (N62 engine) was introduced, this replaced the old X5 4.4i with 210 kW/286 hp (M62 engine). The performance of the BMW X5 4.4i increased to 235 kW/320 hp). Furthermore, the M57 engine in the BMW X5 3.0d replaced. It was now technically revised variant collection, which already has a common-rail direct injection of the second generation had. The performance increased to 160 kW/218 hp. Also, the improved all-wheel xDrive system introduced in.

2004, with the BMW X5 4.8is the new Topvariante which superseded the 4.6is. He was also based on the new V8 engine and the engine capacity was enlarged during the later 5 and 7 was anticipated (from 4398 to 4799 cm ³)