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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,360 off RRP*Used from £27,855
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,870Avg. savings £6,086 off RRP*Used from £9,649
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £8,995
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

New Citroen Berlingo MPV aims to be the perfect SUV antidote
Citroen Berlingo - watermarked

New Citroen Berlingo MPV aims to be the perfect SUV antidote

The new Citroen Berlingo will be simple, spacious and stylish, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
15 Jun 2026
New Cupra Formentor VZ5 boasts Audi RS 3 five-cylinder power
Cupra Formentor VZ5 - front

New Cupra Formentor VZ5 boasts Audi RS 3 five-cylinder power

Cupra’s sporty crossover SUV is now available with a 385bhp five-cylinder engine, just for kicks
News
15 Jun 2026
New BMW X5 prototype review: how can Audi or Mercedes compete with this?
Ellis Hyde with the BMW X5 prototype

New BMW X5 prototype review: how can Audi or Mercedes compete with this?

We get an early taste of the new BMW X5 ahead of its official arrival
Road tests
15 Jun 2026