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

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,705Avg. savings £6,173 off RRP*Used from £8,938
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £10,490
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £7,139 off RRP*Used from £13,680
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £11,400
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia Estate is a cavernous family car for £210 a month
Skoda Octavia Estate vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia Estate is a cavernous family car for £210 a month

Not many cars tick all the boxes, but the Skoda Octavia Estate is one of those. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July.
News
3 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Lofty Toyota bZ4X Touring comes with a low price
Toyota bZ4X Touring - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Lofty Toyota bZ4X Touring comes with a low price

Toyota has continued to improve the bZ4X, and the new Touring version is probably the best of the lot. It’s our Deal of the Day for 2 July.
News
2 Jul 2026
Death of the manual car: shock new data shows record low demand
Manual gearbox

Death of the manual car: shock new data shows record low demand

Just 7.9 per cent of Marketplace enquiries so far in 2026 have been for manual cars, with experts suggesting the transmission could be dead by 2030
News
3 Jul 2026