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 £66,625Avg. savings £12,657 off RRP*Used from £27,000
Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE

RRP £61,900Used from £29,500
BMW X7

BMW X7

RRP £79,765Avg. savings £16,950 off RRP*Used from £40,687
Audi Q8

Audi Q8

RRP £68,250Avg. savings £8,724 off RRP*Used from £29,960
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroen 2CV to return: a £13k EV city car honouring the iconic original
Citroen 2CV teaser

Citroen 2CV to return: a £13k EV city car honouring the iconic original

Citroen has finally confirmed the long-rumoured revival of its famous 2CV and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
23 May 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Renault 5 has retro style for under £200 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Renault 5 has retro style for under £200 a month

Prices have dropped for the best-selling Renault 5, and it’s our Deal of the Day for 20 May.
News
20 May 2026
New Cupra Raval narrows price gap to Renault 5 with new EV grant discount
Auto Express senior news reporter Alastair Crooks standing next to a Cupra Raval

New Cupra Raval narrows price gap to Renault 5 with new EV grant discount

Big-battery versions of the Cupra Raval now start from just £28,500 after qualifying for Band 2 of the Electric Car Grant
News
21 May 2026