The BMW X5 is a large, luxurious and practical SUV. It has all the passenger room and boot space most families could need and its interior is comfortable and full of high-tech equipment. It’s very enjoyable to drive and some models can tow 3.5 tons.
The latest X5 has been sold new since 2018 when it replaced an older model sold from 2013 to 2018. The two cars look quite similar but are, in fact, completely different. The current car features BMW’s latest tech and is a bit more spacious, a bit better to drive and generally improved from what was already a very good car.
Both versions of the X5 give you a choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power. All models give rapid acceleration – the most powerful ones are faster than some sports cars, particularly the high-performance X5 M model. All but the entry-level X5 25d model have ‘xDRIVE’ four-wheel drive. An automatic gearbox is standard across the board.
SE, XLine and M Sport trim packages are available. They have the same equipment, but, the M Sport has sportier bumpers and interior trim, and bigger wheels.
All X5 models have an infotainment system packed with features including; sat nav, smartphone connectivity, climate control, cruise control and heated leather seats. And that barely scratches the surface of a very long list of standard equipment. Some models even have digital TV reception. Be aware, however, that some older models don’t have Android Auto compatibility.
According to official figures, pre-2018 X5 models with a petrol engine give average fuel economy of 25-29mpg, depending on the model. Diesels give 36-53mpg. The latest version gives 22-31mpg with a petrol engine and 33-45mpg with a diesel. Those lower on-paper numbers reflect a change in how fuel economy is calculated. The X5 is actually quite efficient for this type of car.
The X5’s rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery. Although seven-seat X5 models are available, there’s not as much space in the BMW’s third-row seats as in rivals such as the Discovery. Otherwise, in terms of practicality, running costs and equipment, there’s not much to separate these cars. But the X5 stands out by being the most enjoyable to drive.
What’s the difference between BMW’s SUV models and which one is right for you? Here’s our buyer's guide to the BMW SUV range.
The X5 is a large, five-door SUV with five or seven seats. It’s an excellent family car with a huge interior. Whatever size you and your passengers are, you’ll fit comfortably on a long journey – even the central second-row seat is adult-size. Used seven-seat models are rare and the third-row seats are best suited to younger children. In five-seat guise the boot is enormous, big enough for six large suitcases with room to spare. It also has a ‘split’ boot lid – the top half lifts up and the lower half folds down to form a platform that makes it easier to load heavy items. Some models also have rear suspension that lowers at the touch of a button, which is a real help when it comes getting a dog in or out come walking time.
The X5 is BMW’s second-biggest SUV – the SUV equivalent to the BMW 5 series saloon. It’s smaller than the seven-seat X7 and bigger than the X3 and X1. The BMW X6 SUV is the same size as the X5 but has sleeker coupe styling.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the latest version of the X5 a full five-star rating. It comes with a long list of safety equipment including 10 airbags, automatic emergency braking and a driver-distraction monitor. The 2013 version of the X5 wasn’t assessed by Euro NCAP but has similar levels of safety features.
The X5 is available with petrol-electric plug-in hybrid power. The latest version – badged X5 45e – has a zero-emissions range of up to 60 miles and can be driven at motorway speeds without the petrol engine cutting in. Official figures show average fuel economy of up to 135mpg, based on starting your journey with a fully charged battery. The older X5 40e has a range of up to 25 miles and official average fuel economy of up to 85mpg. Both cars emit relatively little CO2, so drivers of company cars could save big on their tax bills.
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