BMW 5-series Touring vs BMW X5

Daley. That’s what I’ve started calling our BMW 535d Touring. It’s the decathlete of the Auto Express long-term fleet, and just like Olympic-winning athletics legend Daley Thompson, the German estate has earned praise and top honours across the board.

First, there’s the engine – a 282bhp twin-turbo diesel that delivers sports car speed without the large fuel bills associated with such models. Then there’s the generous boot and spacious back seats, which have coped with everything from beach outings to ski holidays, and Ikea trips to mountain bikes. The 535d is also a great cruiser and handles precisely with lovely steering. In an office straw poll, the 535d Touring proved more popular than the M5 Touring.

So why on earth would I want to switch? I admit that it’s partly down to ‘the grass is always greener’ factor. But the 5-Series isn’t perfect, either. There are two faults that I thought I would become used to over time, and haven’t. Even though I’ve had 22,000 miles to adapt to it, the ride on the M Sport suspension and run-flat rubber still irritates me. The other downside is an interior which provides precious little stowage space and suffers from an unwelcoming, slabby design.

So, would I be better spending £3,115 more and switching to the new X5 3.0sd M Sport? I have to admit the price increase doesn’t seem too bad considering the extra off-road ability I’d gain. My mountain biking passion takes me to some out of the way places, and I like the X5’s more rugged feel.

In terms of practicality, the two BMWs are surprisingly evenly matched. Yes, the X5’s boot is 120 litres bigger, it’s available with seven seats and the split tailgate provides a perfect venue for an impromptu family picnic. Yet the estate fights back with a lower load sill and separate opening glass.

It’s a tie in terms of rear passengers, too. The 5-Series’ Isofix child seat mountings are more accessible, but in the X5 you don’t risk backache by bending down to strap children in. And up front, I prefer the SUV’s layout. It has an airy, modern cockpit, a lofty seating position which enhances visibility and the sense of security, as well as far superior cubby space.

So far, I find myself leaning slightly towards the X5. But that’s not the case for my wife, Penny. “I wouldn’t have minded being seen in an off-roader four years ago, but I don’t like their image now,” she says.

Despite my best efforts to inform her that, with emissions of 216g/km, this twin-turbo X5 puts out less CO2 than a Ford Mondeo 2.5, she has a point. We don’t need an off-roader, the 535d is far cleaner and more economical (I only got 26.4mpg from the X5), plus the Touring is 350kg lighter and feels better built inside. And while the SUV is quieter and smoother on my daily commute, it’s nowhere near as composed, poised, agile and responsive as the 5-Series. It’s a myth that big off-roaders are as good to drive as executive models.

Combine that with the differences in practicality and ride quality, and the verdict is clear. But my son Luke won’t be happy. One look at the X5’s 20-inch wheels (right) and he’d found his very own monster truck!

Would I trade up?
NO. The 5-Series Touring is the best all-round car I have ever driven – as a daily driver, Daley is the ultimate choice!