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The BMW X5 was one of the cars to kick off the trend for premium SUVs, and it’s since been followed up not just by a rival from almost every other manufacturer, but also by a full range of BMW X models that sell just as well. Clearly BMW knew what was coming, but the X5 still forms the backbone of its SUV range, and ticks every box a car in this class should.
The appeal isn’t difficult to understand. That BMW badge, for one, but also the saloon-like ride and handling, the spacious interior, and the performance and economy that some models are capable of. Recent advancements have added plug-in hybrid technology and there’s a high-end X5 M too - and of course, buying used can save some money on what is now quite an expensive car to buy brand new.
If you’re in the market for a premium SUV then the BMW X5 should be on your shortlist. It’s a multi-talented vehicle, with handling that does justice to the BMW badge but also the kind of luxury and space that make it very easy to live with and genuinely useful as an everyday car.
The original BMW X5 of the 1990s redefined what people expected when it came to SUV handling - here, suddenly, was a 4x4-style car that handled more like a saloon. That’s still the case today, as the X5 is surprisingly agile and even engaging for something so large and heavy, but sophisticated suspension means it rides well too and makes for a quiet cruiser, again like the company’s saloons. Interior quality is also high, while the driving position is excellent - comfortable, but with good visibility.
Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid power give buyers various performance and economy options too, the plug-ins making a lot of sense for business users while petrol and diesel are still appealing to private buyers. There’s no such thing as a slow X5 either: all have very strong performance, while the most frugal can achieve more than 40mpg (or more, if you regularly plug in the hybrids).
Competition comes in the form of cars like the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and Range Rover Sport. Only the Cayenne has the edge on the BMW for driver appeal, but most cars in this class are fairly closely matched. There’s also the option of the BMW X6 if you like the way the X5 drives, but want a sleeker roofline and don’t need quite as much space inside.
While the plug-in models make a lot of sense for company car user-choosers to avoid enormous annual tax bills, private buyers have a few more options, and it’s hard to look beyond the X5 30d that starts off the range. Not only is it the most frugal of all the X5s, ignoring the somewhat variable figures claimed of the plug-ins, but its 3-litre inline six engine is smooth, powerful, and pretty much silent at motorway speeds. Combined with any trim level that avoids the largest wheel options, which can make the ride a little knobbly, it’s swift and comfortable but still keeps the X5’s impressive handling abilities. Petrol models really get a move on but you’ll pay for it at the pumps in comparison to the diesels. M Sport trim is always popular with BMWs, but again here we’d go for the slightly more subtle xLine, enjoy nearly as much equipment, and a smoother ride.
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You shouldn’t have to spend much time deliberating the ideal X5 model, since the trim lineup here is relatively straightforward. Not only that, but all models are well-equipped so you aren’t missing anything significant even if you never look beyond xLine trim, though certain engines are available only in the top couple of M-badged models.
The BMW X5’s exterior dimensions are:
The BMW X5’s boot size is:
As every car in the X5 range starts at more than £40,000, all are whacked with a VED surcharge from their second to sixth years on the road. For the 2024/2025 tax year, this means a bill of £600 per year for petrol and diesel models, and a tenner less for plug-in hybrids. The surcharge disappears from year seven onwards.
As well as tax, the X5’s status is also reflected in its insurance group ratings. With a maximum 50 groups in the current rating system, an X5 30d in xLine trim already starts off in group 43, and things go up from there - the 40d is in group 44, the 40i in group 46, and the 45e in group 48. Unsurprisingly, the M-badged models are in the maximum group 50. However, none of these group ratings are especially higher than they are for other premium SUVs - insuring a Range Rover Sport or Porsche Cayenne won’t be much different.
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How many BMW X5 cars are available for sale?
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