Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

10. BMW X5

BMW X5 front tracking

The BMW X5 is a veteran 4x4, paving the way for rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. It's going to be replaced by the end of 2013, and hopefully it'll be even better. But the current version is still a great choice, with a spacious cabin and a wide range of engines to choose from.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As a new version is due soon, BMW has trimmed down the spec range of the X5, so now it only includes SE and M Sport versions. Both, however, feature the same slick-shifting eight-speed automative gearbox. In terms of engines, the most popular is the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, which comes in 30d and 40d versions. The 30d will more than suffice - it still feels quick, completing 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.

BMW X5 review

The X5 is a huge, robust car, with an optional third row of seats for larger families. The 620-litre boot is more than capable of carrying your holiday luggage, while the roomy cabin offers decent head and legroom for rear seat passengers.

However, the X5 fell to a disappointing 91st place in our 2013 Driver Power Satisfaction survey. Owners marked harshly for drive quality, with only two other cars ranking lower for this particular category in the whole survey. But with such huge proportions, it's no surprise that the X5 is a little slow to react steering-wise.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,761 off RRP*Used from £17,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,643 off RRP*Used from £10,650
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £3,637 off RRP*Used from £10,895
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Future of Chery: fast-growing Chinese brand plans four new cars
Chery range

Future of Chery: fast-growing Chinese brand plans four new cars

Four new models to include an EV and a new Tiggo SUV, says UK country manager Farrell Hsu
News
11 Sep 2026
New Volvo XC40 facelift: popular SUV gets Range Rover-esque makeover
Volvo XC40 - Ellis Hyde front

New Volvo XC40 facelift: popular SUV gets Range Rover-esque makeover

The pure-electric Volvo EX40 and EC40 coupe-SUV have also been updated again, now delivering up to 359 miles of range
News
10 Sep 2026
La Cinquecento’s Fiat 500 Scattante is an Italian icon made in Britain
La Cinquecento’s 500 Scattante

La Cinquecento’s Fiat 500 Scattante is an Italian icon made in Britain

This remastered version of the original Fiat 500 was created by new outfit La Cinquecento, which plans to build only a handful each year
News
11 Sep 2026