USED BMW X5 4x4 (07 - )

My car

Technically, this car is supern. It doesn't have the quality of the Audi Q7 but it's a better all-round performer, although re-sale value probably favours the Q7.

The paintwork is atrocious, though. You need to be blind or crazy to pay £50,000 for a paint job that Lada would be embarrassed to sport. Do BMW have no shame? I be keeping my (superb) 2004 model X5 for a little bit longer.

My car

I have tested all SUVs in this class, including the Audi Q7, Mercedez and Land Rover. Performance wise, the BMW really stands out. You get 7 seats, a lot of acceleration, reasonable consumption and excellent drive. The Q7 is too thirsty, alhtough finish quality is probably better, and Audit went a bit over the top with the dimensions. The Merc doesn't give you 7 seats, and the engine is not as good perforkmance wise, the Land Rover is, on road, slow and not as good to drive. BMW's 3L diesel is great, quick, and reasonable economical. Driving is excellent even at German motorway speed (tested around 110mph). Buid quality is good - although it coujld be slightly improved - in my view. While I would not mind a bit more options as standard, I do believe the new X5 is the best option in the class, if money is not the main criterion.