BMW X5

Manufacturer
BMW

Model
X5

Segment/Specs
SUV

Feels great behind the wheel, but your wallet won't be your friend, nor will any environmentalists.

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Performance

3.0-litre petrol and diesels, or 4.4- and 4.8-litre V8s. Six-speed automatic or manual transmission in all but the 3.0-litre petrol model. Good mid-range pull, with more than enough at the higher level.

Driving

Good suspension, great traction, corners well. Not a great off-roader though.

Feel

Quiet tyres, quiet engines. Bit of wind noise, otherwise a pleasant cruiser.

Price

Not cheap but good residuals. Thirsty work though, and high diesel emissions mean even the diesel is taxed at the highest level.

Quality

Impeccable quality throughout.

Safety

5/5 NCAP ratings don't come for free. Eight airbags, traction control, ABD, stability control all as standard. Hill-descent system prevents you tumbling AOT down a mountain.

Space

Will accommodate 5 passengers but the boot isn't the biggest in its class.

Equipment

Alloys, 4WD, hill-descent control, climate control, remote central locking and CD player. V8 gets leather trim.

Alternatives

Volvo XC90, Mercedes M-Class

Pros

Good drive, strong resale value.

Cons

Seems a little cramped for a big car. Expensive and dirty.

The best

by Kjetil Laaksonen (Finland) - 30/09/2005 16:45:08

I drive many SUV, it is not until this X5 that I find perfection. It drives as if glued to the road. acceleration is very good - as good as Porsche, some times. It is high up from the ground, so good overview, and it commands respect in traffic. A perfect car.

Brilliant Motor Whoohoo

by Simon Bradshaw (Merseyside) - 21/10/2005 12:34:19

Absolutely delighted with my new X5. What truly terrific car it is. It is so easy to drive this car, great high up position so the vision is great, and it drives so smooth. I've been considering buying one of these for around 6 months and i cant tell you how happy i am at choosing this over the ML. So exited when i got it delivered kitted out with all the gadgets and extras that i could fit into it. If youve got the money and your considering this car, buy it, buy it now!