BMW X5 4X4 REVIEW

For Few big 4x4s drive as well as the X5. It's more agile than such a big 4x4 has any right to be, with strong performance and good economy.

Against The ride is a little firm over rough surfaces. The X5 looks expensive next to a Land Rover Discovery, and it's not as practical.

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

Brilliant to drive on the road and pretty good off it. Economy is impressive if you choose our favourite model, the 3.0d SE, although a Land Rover Discovery is more practical.

Reader review rating

3.913043

The BMW X5 4x4 full review Read in full

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Three brilliant engines
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Brilliant on-road, if not off it
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Smooth, calm and quiet
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
It'll be like money in the bank
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
An air of class inside
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Curtain airbags protect only five
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Lots to get your head round
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Seven seats optional
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Plenty provided; lots more available

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There are 7 BMW X5 versions available

BMW X5 4x4 xDrive30d SE 5dr	£45,055	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive40d SE 5dr	£47,440	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive30d M Sport 5dr	£49,480	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive40d M Sport 5dr	£51,865	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive50i SE 5dr	£56,440	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive50i M Sport 5dr	£59,600	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW X5 4x4 4.4 V8 M 5dr	£80,795	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

BMW X5 4x4 xDrive30d SE 5dr

The xDrive30d is our favourite X5. We'd rather save a few pounds and take this SE, but if you prefer the aggressive looks of the M Sport, we wouldn't blame you.

What Car? says:4 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

If you want a big 4x4 that drives more like a sports saloon, the X5 is the one. Which is best? We can’t see any reason to look beyond the 30d. It’s impressively swift, yet still manages impressive fuel economy and has lower emissions than the rest of the range.

The more powerful diesel is quicker and isn't much less economical, but it does cost a lot more. The 402bhp 50i is utterly crazy – brilliant, but you'll need a Premiership footballer's income to buy and run it.

There’s a choice between two trim levels. To most eyes, the aggressively styled M Sport model looks better than the entry-level SE. However, the sports suspension hurts ride comfort. We’d save a few pounds, enjoy cushier suspension, and take the SE.

It’s worth buying the BMW Service Inclusive package, which covers servicing costs for five years/60,000 miles for a one-off payment and helps keep resale values healthy.