What does it cost?
For Few big 4x4s drive as well as the BMW 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
The BMW X5 is brilliant to drive on the road and pretty good off it. Economy is impressive if you choose our favourite model, the 30d SE, although a Land Rover Discovery is more practical.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 8 BMW X5 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
If you want a big 4x4 that drives more like a sports saloon, the BMW 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 40d and M50d diesels are quicker and not much less economical, but they cost a lot more to buy. 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.
Reader test team says:
BMW X5 4x4 3.0si SE 5dr
I find the Whatcar review rather biased. Statements like "It'll be like money in the bank" regarding cost and "Plenty provided; lots more available"…
3
out of 5 stars
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive30d SE 5dr
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…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive30d SE 5dr
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…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW X5 4x4 xDrive40d M Sport 5dr
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…
5
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
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.
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