Used BMW X5 2018-present review

It was the earlier iterations of the BMW X5 that really kickstarted the idea that a large and luxurious SUV could be rugged and handsome and purposefully butch and yet also good to drive. 

Don't worry, this latest iteration of the popular SUV does have rather a large mouth, but it's still handsome, rugged and undeniably butch. Provided they have no social objections to its sheer size, your neighbours will definitely be impressed, and so will you when you drive it. 

Much like all X5s since the first 1999-2007 BMW X5 iteration arrived in 1999, this model excels on the road. No rival this side of a Porsche Cayenne can match the X5 for handling prowess, because it has very good body control for something so tall, as well as loads of grip, thanks to enormously wide tyres. The slight downside is a higher level of road noise, but it’s a fair trade-off, given that the X5 feels nearly as stable as a regular estate car on twisty roads, although plug-in hybrid models aren’t quite so good due to the extra weight of the batteries.

Ride comfort isn’t much of an issue, either, since nearly all models get air suspension. With it, the X5 maintains its composure over harsh potholes and ridges in the road without any of the floaty, wallowy sensations that make many of its similarly equipped rivals feel all at sea. M50i and M50d models get regular coil springs instead to help them feel more agile, but these models are noticeably harsher over bumps, even with the adaptive dampers set to their Comfort mode.

Interior quality is impressive, too. Every surface is swathed in soft-touch materials and highlighted by genuine metal finishes that give it a highly luxurious feel. There are also traditional buttons for frequently used controls such as the air-con and infotainment system; these are easy to use on the move, unlike the more distracting touchscreen set-up found in the latest Audi Q7.

Front and rear occupants won’t have much to complain about, because there’s lots of head, leg and shoulder room for all. There’s lots of adjustment in the electric driver’s seat, including adjustable lumbar support. With the optional third row fitted, passengers won’t be quite so happy, but the X5 isn’t any worse than a Range Rover Sport in this regard.