The BMW X5 is an excellent midsize luxury SUV. Its powerful engine lineup, plush and airy interior, and top-of-the-line safety features help it impress fans and rivals alike. This SUV’s plush ride quality and spacious cargo area also distinguish it from its competitors.
All in all, there is no doubt that the BMW X5 is a reliable and capable companion on the road. However, like any other vehicle on the market, this SUV predicates its performance on a good set of tires. Those that could reinforce its solid points and gloss over weak ones.
There’s another reason why you need the best tires for BMW X5. This sub-urban vehicle puts a lot of pressure on its tires, courtesy of its powerful engines and heavy body. So, if you install the wrong set of tires, its famed ride quality and handling will take a beating.
We know you might be worried after reading all this. Which is why we have come up with detailed reviews of the 11 best tires for BMW X5. Aside from that, we’ve included a detailed buying guide section. We have also answered some common questions about this SUV’s tires.
#1. Continental CrossContact LX25 – Best Tire Overall
The CrossContact LX25 is by far the best BMW X5 tire out there.
At the start of this article, we briefly discussed how the X5’s ride handling set it apart from rivals. Guess what? The CrossContact LX25 is also a winner on this count. This tire delivers a lot of comfort to passengers sitting inside the cabin, helping them thoroughly enjoy their time inside this SUV.
In addition to offering a plush and quiet ride, the LX25 is highly dependable on the road, especially when you compare its reliability with that of its predecessor. Aside from that, this tire’s traction and grip in wet and dry conditions help it offer a sure-footed driving experience.
The LX25 won’t punish you on the road either. This model’s low rolling resistance helps it keep a lid on its fuel consumption, minimizing your trips to the fuel station. Its fuel economy is so good that this tire has earned a place on our list of the best tires for gas mileage.
Wet performance is another area where this tire excels. Deep circumferential grooves perform a commendable job of evacuating water from the tread area. The result? Reduced risk of hydroplaning resistance and a drier contact patch for better grip on wet roads.
Pros
- Backed with a generous 70,000-mile warranty
- Excellent ride quality and handling in all conditions
- Cheaper than most of its rivals
Cons
- Not the best for spirited driving
#2. Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 RFT – Best Run-Flat Tire
If run-flat tires are your cup of tea, give the Dueler H/L 400 RFT a chance.
There are two reasons why you may want to trust this tire. The first is that it is specifically designed for the BMW X5. It has been made to back this SUV in areas where it’s already a winner. More importantly, this tire will help redress the X5’s ride-related issues.
One of which is that the X5’s steering doesn’t feel as sharp as many people had hoped for. The H/L 400 RFT takes care of this problem with its enhanced steering response, giving the person sitting behind the wheel more feedback than they could ever have wished for.
Another complaint people have about the X5 is that it feels slightly firm on large alloy wheels. This tire addresses this big issue with its soft and pliable rubber compound. One that soaks up road vibrations and dissipates road noise for a refined and quiet driving experience.
Run-flat quality is the second reason this tire deserves a place on your X5. As some of you might already be well aware, vehicles have a strange habit of getting punctured in the middle of nowhere. In such a scenario, the 400 RFT’s run-flat capability will feel like a godsend.
Pros
- Superb highway stability
- Provides the driver with responsive handling
- Great comfort levels for a run-flat tire
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady – Best All-Season
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady ticks multiple boxes. First, this mid-priced tire delivers a dependable year-round performance without blowing your budget. Second, compared with other mid-range tires, its generous warranty seems more generous than it actually is.
Goodyear has provided the Assurance WeatherReady with its proprietary Evolving Traction Grooves. These grooves replace the model’s built-in grooves once the latter start to wear down, hence allowing this all-season tire to offer long-lasting traction.
A Three Peak Snowflake (3PMSF) emblem indicates that this model is fit for snow driving. Weather Reactive and 3D TredLock technologies help it offer dependable wet traction. And soybean oil inside its rubber compound helps it stay flexible for reliable year-round performance.
The single-ply polyester casing design backed by two high-tensile steel belts ensures an amazing handling response. The construction also provides this tire with incredible highway speed stability, with the steel belts safeguarding this tire against premature deformation.
Yet, there are areas this model could have done a bit better. Its 60,000 mile treadwear warranty is bang average for a high-quality all-season tire that this model is. Rival models from Michelin, Continental and Bridgestone are backed 10,000 to 20,000 miles more by their manufacturers.
Pros
- Supreme wet performances
- Comes with the 3PMSF emblem
- Delivers exciting high-speed handling
Cons
- Average treadwear warranty
#4. Michelin Premier LTX – Best Touring
The Michelin Premier LTX has everything you expect from a premium touring tire. That means you can expect a long tread life, excellent wet and dry traction, and a comfy driving experience from this model. Unfortunately, that also means that this model is super-expensive
A silica and sunflower oil tread compound helps this tire deliver the best of both worlds. Sunflower oil gives the tread compound the flexibility needed to stay reliable in the winter. The silica content, meanwhile, gives the tire the strength it needs to navigate summer conditions.
EverGrip Technology’s intentions are laid bare by its name. This technology does an excellent job of replacing the model’s built-in tread grooves once they are past their expiry date. The result? Even when this tire will be fully worn out, its year-round traction will remain excellent.
A tough sidewall raises this model’s guard against punctures. Plus, its lightweight construction prevents this tire from posing much rolling resistance, thus improving your X5’s economy. However, like the Assurance WeatherReady, this model is also only backed for 60,000 miles.
Pros
- Best in-class steering responsiveness
- Excellent dry and wet traction
- Low rolling resistance for improved fuel economy
Cons
- Small treadwear warranty for a premium touring tire
#5. Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S – Best Quiet
The Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S is all about a silent ride, or as silent as things could be out there on the road. Its 4-pitch tread variation effectively dissipates road noise as this tire rolls on the highway. The result? Almost pin-drop silence inside the cabin.
Yet you won’t be able to notice the tread variation at first glance. Most likely, it will be the asymmetrical tread design that will initially catch your attention. One that has multiple wavy sipes to help this model provide superb all-season grip, traction, and handling.
Another thing you may notice is the four lateral serpentine gloves lining the tread. These channels are there to quickly and effectively evacuate water from underneath the tread. These grooves are to credit for this tire’s superb hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
This model delivers decent cornering abilities to justify the ‘Sport’ in its name. Its shoulder blocks are more than enough to let you attack and exit corners at speed. And they are helped in this by the 2-in-1 large blocks, which are there to improve the tire’s lateral handling.
Having said that, this model isn’t faultless. It seems to us that Yokohama forgot about winter conditions when designing this tire. For, its snow and ice traction is virtually non-existent.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Delivers a quiet ride
- Excellent cornering performance for a tire in this price range
Cons
- Non-existent snow and ice traction
#6. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus II – Best Budget Touring
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus II is a regular touring tire. Equally important, this model is easy on the environment as well as the fuel economy. That is something that anyone who knows the Italian language would have already guessed – the word ‘Verde’ refers to green in Italian.
The first generation of this tire offered confident grip and traction in a variety of conditions. It was also extremely useful in snow and could take a bit of off-roading too. The same goes for the Verde All-Season Plus – this model is a reliable multi-terrain performer.
An optimized pitch sequence helps this tire cut down on fuel consumption. It does that by maintaining consistent road contact at all times. This results in an even distribution of pressure forces your X5 will subject this tire to, translating into an improved fuel economy.
Many X5 drivers complain that the SUV’s engine produces a fake engine noise. While the Verde All-Season Plus II cannot do anything about it, this model reduces road noise to nearly zero. So, with this tire, you’ll only be hearing that barely audible engine hum in the cabin.
As with the Verde All-Season Plus, the 2nd generation tire is also backed to last 65,000 miles, a number we had hoped would go up now this model has got an upgrade. Still, for a budget touring tire, the treadwear warranty on offer is pretty decent.
Pros
- Extremely fuel efficient
- Rolls super-quietly
- Very good highway stability
Cons
- Wet handling could have been better
#7. Continental ExtremeContact Sport – Best Ultra High Performance
The ExtremeContact Sport has been designed to meet the demands of the most demanding drivers. Steering responsiveness, high-speed stability, cornering performance – there isn’t any performance-related box that this tire hasn’t ticked.
Continental has used its proprietary SportPlus compound with +Silane additives in this tire. The result? Handling and aggressiveness of a summer tire and the versatility of an all-season tire.
A five or six-rib asymmetric tread pattern indicates that this tire means business. With larger tread blocks on the outside shoulders and a continuous rib in the center, the tread pattern helps this tire deliver enhanced handling and sharper steering responsiveness.
Supported by the polyester or rayon cord body casing, the two-ply sidewall has all the stiffness needed to deliver precise handling. That too without punishing the road comfort. This unique combo helps the ExtremeContact Sport give a refined driving experience.
Continental claims that this model’s sidewall is 86 percent stronger than the ExtremeContact DW, its predecessor and competitor. Sure, the sidewall is softer than what you’ll get in a Michelin or Bridgestone tire. But only the most expert driver can feel the difference.
Pros
- Superb high-speed stability
- Enhanced steering response
- Premium comfort for a UHP tire
Cons
- Not usable for wintry conditions
#8. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV 4x4 RunOnFlat – Best Run Flat Sport Tires
Are you searching for a run-flat tire that could deliver a sporty driving experience? If so, you’ll find plenty to like about the Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV 4×4. This tire won’t only keep going for 50 miles with zero air pressure. But it will also offer fantastic handling.
Compared with sporty run-flat tires from Bridgestone, the F1 Asymmetric costs less, even though it hasn’t cut any corners in its design or performance. Need proof? The fact that it can be driven for up to 50 miles when fully punctured is good for a start.
Another is this model’s enhanced levels of grip and traction on dry surfaces, which we have no doubts in saying is absolutely phenomenal. And what about its traction over wet surfaces? While not as good as dry traction, it is still decent enough for a safe driving experience.
Braking is another area where this tire excels. There aren’t many run-on-flat tires whose braking distances can compete with this model. That’s how quickly it comes to a stop. Having said that, repeated sudden brakes will cause this tire to wear faster than you would like.
There is one more thing about this tire that might be a deal breaker: it doesn’t come with any treadwear warranty.
Pros
- Can be driven for up to 50 miles with zero air pressure
- Exceptional handling and highway stability
- Strong braking performance
Cons
- No treadwear warranty
#9. Michelin Latitude Sport 3 – Best High Performance
The Michelin Latitude Sport 3 is a premium performance tire. This model is available in two variations – standard and run-flat. While we’ll be discussing the standard UHP version in this review, you can also install the Latitude Sport 3 RFT on your X5.
A special silica compound and asymmetric tread design have boosted this model’s dry and wet weather road gripping ability. The tread compound also has the flexibility to stay useful in mild wintry conditions. Small wonder this model is the OE tire of select Tesla cars.
The trip of shoulder blocks, continuous center rib, and large tread blocks help the tire maintain constant road contact at all times. The result? An upgrade in steering responsiveness, cornering ability, and high-speed driving stability.
Wide circumferential grooves help with water evacuation to improve this tire’s hydroplaning resistance. In doing so, they also improve this model’s wet traction. How? Evacuation of water results in a drier contact patch, which, in turn, provides better traction in the rain.
The variable thickness siping lowers the rolling resistance, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. Add to the equation this model’s 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, and you have a tire that will be cost-effective in the short- and long run.
Pros
- Remarkable high-speed stability
- Short braking distances for a safer driving experience
- Secure and aggressive cornering performance
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#10. Continental TerrainContact A/T – Best All-Terrain
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is one of the most reliable all-terrain tires on the market. And for good reasons to. There aren’t many off-road conditions that this tire won’t be able to handle. It is as reliable on rock crawling as it is while slaloming through mud, gravel, and even slush.
Start with gravel. An open tread design featuring stable tread blocks will give you an enhanced, and sure-footed steering feels on the pebble-strewn surface. In addition, the TractionPlus Technology, one of Continental’s exclusive, will ensure your vehicle stays stable over gravel.
Then comes mud and slush. This tire features many traction grooves, which, in turn, oversee an equally large number of biting edges on the shoulder area. Both these design elements help this tire dig into mud and keep digging until it latches onto the solid surface underneath.
Rock crawling is next on the list. Anyone who has ever driven in rocky conditions will tell you that they are an absolute killer of tires. Fortunately for this tire, its cut-, chip- and puncture-resistant sidewall won’t let this scenario become its fate.
As if all these features weren’t enough to help make up your mind in favor of this tire, the tread wear indicators or TWIs come forth. These narrow rubber bars will stay invisible as long as the tread depth hasn’t hit dangerous limits. So, you’ll only see them when something is amiss.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Offers excellent grip
- Works great on different off-road conditions
Cons
- Your X5’s fuel economy will take a hit with these tires on
#11. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 RFT – Run-Flat Winter
The Blizzak LM-60 is Bridgestone’s most popular performance winter tire. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that this model features the latest tire technology and comes with a plethora of performance- and winter-related features.
A silica tread compound featuring 3-D zigzag sipes should leave little doubt in your mind that this tire can safely carry you from point A to point B through a snowstorm. Its directional tread pattern further enhances this model’s grip on wet and dry pavements.
Circumferential grooves perform an excellent job of evacuating snow, slush and ice from the tread area and reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Independent tread blocks ensure stability in the toughest conditions, with the sipes helping the tire plow through snow and ice.
The only area where this tire differs from other Blizzak tires is that it is also inclined towards high-performance driving. That is not the case with other members of this lineup, including the WS60 or WS80, both of whom are dedicated winter tires.
Availability in 25 sizes means this tire can be installed on almost all X5 trims. Run-flat capability means you can continue driving this tire even when it’s totally flat. However, the absence of a treadwear warranty means that Continental might not have your back if anything goes wrong with the tire’s tread.
Pros
- Dedicated high-performance winter tire
- Excellent traction and grip in wet and wintry conditions
- Produces minimal noise
Cons
- Isn’t backed with a treadwear warranty
Best Tires for BMW X5
Run-Flat Tires
The best run-flat tires can be driven for up to 50 miles at a speed of 50 mph with zero air pressure. These tires come with ultra-stiff sidewalls that enable them to sustain the entire weight of the X5, even when there is no pressure inside.
There are multiple reasons why run-flat tires are best for BMWs, but the most crucial is pragmatism. In the BMW X5, as in other BMWs, you don’t always have to keep a spare tire handy. You can use the vacated space to extend this SUV’s cargo capacity.
Having said that, there are reasons why not every single tire mentioned above isn’t a run-flat. Run-flat tires are much heavier than their standard counterparts. So, be ready for poor fuel economy with them. Plus, their added stiffness takes a toll on ride quality, making it much worse.
Touring Tires
Basic BMW X5 models come with factory-installed touring tires. These include some hybrid models as well as those with six-cylinder engines. Here’s why that is so.
Touring tires can offer an excellent balance of ride quality, performance, fuel consumption, and longevity.
Since these tires are designed for everyday driving, they cover more miles per annum than performance or other tires. To keep up with the added usage, they come with an outstanding treadlife and are backed with generous treadlife warranties.
Bear in mind, though, that touring tires won’t meet everybody’s driving requirements. Compared with performance or even run-flat tires, their steering feel is much less. Furthermore, these models won’t work as well as performance or RF tires on the more powerful X5 versions.
Street/Sport Tires
Street/sport tires deserve your attention if you want more responsive handling, and nothing else. That is because these tires will only enhance your steering feel. Their treadlife, ride quality and fuel consumption are too poor to satisfy the demands of the average driver.
Despite all these shortcomings, street/sport tires cost more than touring tires. The main reason for their added cost is that few people buy these tires. With no option to scale up their production, manufacturers have little choice but to jack up these tires’ prices to recoup their investments.
Off-Road Tires
Let there be no doubt in your mind that the BMW X5 isn’t designed for extreme off-roading. While it’s true that this SUV comes armed with BMW’s excellent X-Drive AWD system. You cannot forget that the X5’s body design and suspension aren’t designed to take much beating.
Having said that, if by “off-road” you mean gravel and dirt, the X5 will be more than capable. Just make sure to install one of the off-road tires mentioned above if you’re thinking of traversing such terrains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires are best for BMW X5?
Touring tires are best for the average BMW X5 driver. These tires strike the perfect balance between road comfort, ride quality, handling, and cost. They are also highly fuel-efficient and won’t punish you at the pump. And if you’re driving a hybrid version of this vehicle, touring tires will improve its mileage.
How long should BMW X5 tires last?
If you use BMW X5 for everyday driving and cover up to 15,000 miles per year, it will take an average tire’s tread about 3 years to wear out. The number could be lower if you drive more frequently or cover more challenging terrains.
How much do BMW X5 tires cost?
Touring BMW X5 tires cost between $150 and $300 per tire. High-performance and/or sport/street tires can be priced as high as $500 per tire. Sporty run-flat tires can also cost in the same range.
Conclusion
BMW X5 is a unique mid-size SUV. It offers the ride comfort and handling of passenger cars and the interior and cargo space you can only get from an SUV. However, if you install cheap tires, all these qualities will evaporate into thin air. Plus, cheap tires don’t last as long as their premium counterparts.
It’s therefore recommended to put premium tires on this SUV.
