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 £64,115Avg. savings £8,408 off RRP*Used from £20,995
Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE

RRP £59,825Used from £30,500
BMW X7

BMW X7

RRP £79,295Avg. savings £9,717 off RRP*Used from £51,524
Audi Q7

Audi Q7

RRP £61,050Avg. savings £10,012 off RRP*Used from £32,700
* 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: the Dacia Jogger is a seven-seater load-lugger for a bargain price
Dacia Jogger - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: the Dacia Jogger is a seven-seater load-lugger for a bargain price

There is no cheaper way to get a seven-seater car on your driveway. The Dacia Jogger is our Deal of the Day for 17 March.
News
17 Mar 2025
Audi TT back from the dead! Icon set to return as electric sports car
Audi TT Coupe - front

Audi TT back from the dead! Icon set to return as electric sports car

Iconic coupe could be resurrected for the electric era, thanks to new design boss
News
18 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Roomy Renault Scenic EV at the best price we've seen
Renault Scenic UK - front

Car Deal of the Day: Roomy Renault Scenic EV at the best price we've seen

The Scenic of the 2020s is an excellent electric family SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 18 March.
News
18 Mar 2025