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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,430 off RRP*Used from £12,990
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,624 off RRP*Used from £11,999
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £8,695
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,640Avg. savings £2,419 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Huge EV pay-per-mile tax details revealed: GPS tracking and price increases confirmed
HM Treasury sign

Huge EV pay-per-mile tax details revealed: GPS tracking and price increases confirmed

In its response to the consultation on eVED, the Government says its plans will “support a fair and sustainable motoring tax system”
News
15 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Top-selling Tesla Model Y for £320 a month
Tesla Model Y - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Top-selling Tesla Model Y for £320 a month

It’s popular for a reason – Tesla’s Model Y is our Deal of the Day for July 14
News
14 Jul 2026
New baby Jeep SUV is set to tackle the Ford Puma
Jeep mid-size SUV - watermarked

New baby Jeep SUV is set to tackle the Ford Puma

Jeep has a new Europe-centric product plan that will result in three additional models by 2030
News
15 Jul 2026