BMW X5 4X4 REVIEW

My car

Had my new X5 for a week and its awesome. Always been a BMW fan and before this I had 525i and 520d but needed something bigger with growing family etc - the X5 is in a different league. It drives like a hot hatch - loads of feel, taught handling, 8 speed 'box is as smooth as it gets. It also looks the business, less Cheshire than RR Sport or Q7. Economy not bad - 35mpg so far on mixed driving. Totally lux interior too, not sure anyone does better interiors than BMW at the moment. Best option I went for was Individual stereo upgrade... WOW!

My car

Have been driving my new xdrive30d se for 6 weeks and to date am more than happy with this updated model. The mpg is 36.2 arround town (as per brochure),which is a result as previous figures have never lived up to manufacturers hype. My car is the basic model..black with cinnamon brown leather interior,looks great. The wheels are basic 18inch,a softer ride.The car looks a bit conservative but did not want the msport as they look a bit blackpool and blingy with fancy wheels. The x5 has an 8 speed auto gearbox and am told it helps with mpg. My previous bmw was a x6 which was thirsty and ugly. I have taken out bmw insurance as they do not require tracker....a great saving.

Overall, very pleased to date.

My car

This is an excellent car only let down by some cheap plastics inside, in particular the blanking plate in the rear air con unit. The X5 handles like a car, astonishing really given its size and the 4.0d is very quick. Despite being high up you do feel like you are driving a sports car. I cannot get anywhere near the claimed 37.7 mpg and am now at about 30 mpg! I have the 20 inch wheels and the M sport model. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable. I did test drive a RR Sport but found it too slow and a spongy ride. The Lexus RX450h was pretty good but is basically front wheel drive and felt like it. The professional sat nav and idrive are easy to use and intuitive.

My car

Had three X5s now, and the current one is a really excellent drive. Great Handling, really dynamic, pulls like a train. However it is really let down by its build quality and reliability. I have had so many issues with mine that it has become a nightmare. It has had both mechanical and electrical components replaced - six warranty claims in three years. I can no longer trust it and have reluctantly decided to get to rid of it. It is also pretty expensive in comparison to other cars in its class. Dealer attitudes vary widely with some being down right rude and incompetent.