BMW X5 review - Engines, performance and drive

The BMW X5 has always been noted for its road-focused performance, and that remains the case with the latest generation. But BMW has for the first time added an optional Off Road package. This brings four specific loose-surface driving modes, and also some underbody armour to deflect rocks and bumps – although it doesn’t mean the X5 is as good off road as a Range Rover Sport. Still, it should be more than capable enough for most owners.

On the road, the xDrive30d and xDrive40i benefit from standard air suspension to keep things serene and comfortable – especially on the motorway. It’s incredibly quiet and relaxing to drive, and both offer enough punch for fast overtakes should the need arise.

The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, while still delivering impressive levels of performance, also has a pure electric range of up to 54 miles - providing improved levels of efficiency and lower emissions.

The sportier M50d has a steel-sprung set-up, and although it’s noticeably firmer and more resistant to roll than the standard models, the M50d remains impressively compliant and jolt free. It’s lightning fast in a straight line, and even sounds pretty sweet, with a gruff, bassy tone under hard acceleration. Its petrol sibling, the M50i, provides even more performance, aggressive styling and is the flagship model within the range.

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All variants feature the same super-smooth eight-speed auto gearbox, and a 4x4 drivetrain that sends more torque to the rear wheels in order to emphasise the sporty driving feel. The resulting experience is not as engaging as in a Porsche 4x4, but offers more reward to the driver than most SUV rivals. There’s a Professional option pack that adds four-wheel steering, although we found this a little inconsistent in its responses, which reduced the driving pleasure.

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Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The xDrive30d and the M50d both use a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, but the former makes do with a single turbocharger while the latter has a mind-boggling four. The xDrive30d delivers 261bhp compared with the M50d’s 394bhp, and differing performance levels as a result. The xDrive30d is no slouch, however, covering 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. But the M50d trumps it with a 5.2-second 0-62mph sprint time. The two models top out at 143mph and 155mph respectively.

The petrol xDrive40i, which also gets a 3.0-litre straight-six, is turbocharged to 335bhp and claims a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds and a 151mph top speed, splitting the performance of the two diesel options down the middle. The top-of-the-range M50i is a complete powerhouse, offering 523bhp and managing 0-62mph in a supercar-rivalling 4.3 seconds.