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

BMW X5

BMW X5

RRP £63,125Avg. savings £12,657 off RRP*Used from £24,595
Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE

RRP £61,595Used from £27,795
BMW X7

BMW X7

RRP £79,765Avg. savings £16,950 off RRP*Used from £42,924
Audi Q8

Audi Q8

RRP £66,950Avg. savings £8,724 off RRP*Used from £32,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV
Jaecoo 5 SHS-S - front tracking

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV

Chery’s latest hybrid powertrain brings the Jaecoo 5 SUV bang up to date
News
15 Apr 2026
Long-term test: Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+
Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ - Mk1 with new car

Long-term test: Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+

Second report: What a difference 20 years make in the life of popular SUV
Long-term tests
15 Apr 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!
Phil McNamara with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!

The new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo EV banishes the quirkiness of its predecessor with a less cartoonish look and smarter tech
News
15 Apr 2026