BMW X5 Review (2014-2018)

What is the BMW X5?

Just because you’re buying a large and heavy SUV doesn’t mean that you have to abandon any hope of an engaging driving experience. The BMW X5, for example, has long demonstrated that you can get a more compelling driving experience in a taller and heavier vehicle, and the third generation, which was introduced in 2013, offered impressive handling for its class.

The third-generation X5 built upon the credentials of its predecessor with the introduction of new technologies, more efficient powertrains and sharper, more modern styling. It also marked the debut of new sDrive rear-wheel-drive models, which were less costly and more efficient than the heavier xDrive all-wheel-drive BMW X5s.

How practical is it?

There’s no getting around the fact that the X5 is a big car, but that pays off once you get inside. It comes with a vast 650-litre boot, and five spacious seats, and you even get the option of third-row seating, which brings the number of seats up to seven, and can also prove useful.

If you’re looking specifically for a seven-seat SUV, mind you, you’d do well to consider the Audi Q7, too – it comes with seven seats as standard, and the rearmost row is roomier than the X5’s.

What's it like to drive?

In the first year on sale, the line-up consisted of the four-cylinder diesel sDrive25d and xDrive25d, the diesel six-cylinder xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M50d, and the V8 petrol xDrive50i. Engine outputs ranged from 215bhp to 442bhp and, in every instance, the X5 was fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The range wouldn’t change terrifically over the years, but a high-performance X5 M variant was introduced in late 2014. In early 2015, BMW also launched a more economical plug-in hybrid version called the X5 xDrive40e.

Despite its mass, the X5 serves up a more enjoyable and capable driving experience than rival offerings. The BMW is also comfortable and rides well but, if you want better handling still, you’ll need to opt for a conventional saloon or estate.

No version of the BMW could be called slow, with even the entry-level diesel sDrive25d accelerating from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, and if you bump up to a mid-range xDrive30d, that time falls to just 6.9 seconds. Such swift performance is in part thanks to the superb eight-speed automatic gearbox used in the BMW, as well as the impressive torque offered by even the base four-cylinder diesel engine.

Technology and equipment

Trim levels were straightforward, with the range kicking off with the SE variant. This was no bare-bones SUV, though, and came with features including cruise control, leather trim, parking sensors, xenon lights, a DAB tuner and the BMW Professional Multimedia system with satnav. M Sport models featured more distinctive exterior and interior trims, as well as features such as a Sport automatic transmission, while the flagship M50d came with a host of high-performance upgrades.

BMW offered an array of luxurious interior packs and modern technology options, too, including adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display and night vision. If you wanted to specify your X5 like a flagship luxury saloon, and you had the money, the extensive upgrades list would allow you to do just that with no compromises.

All in, the BMW X5 is a high-quality SUV that comes with lots of kit, good engines and an array of advanced options. There’s little to gripe about but, in some cases, buyers may find its appeal lacking when parked alongside alternatives such as a Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport. Otherwise, the only predictable downside is that it’s expensive and running costs can be high, especially for the more complex versions.

How much does it cost to run?

The BMW X5 is an expensive SUV to run, which won’t come as a surprise given its class, size and price tag. Insurance, parts, tyres and servicing will all end up costing a fair whack and, as the X5 gets older, you can expect repair costs to start ratcheting up as well.

It’s not all bad news, though. The sDrive25d version, as a case in point, was initially claimed to average up to 50.4mpg and emits 149g/km of CO2. Annual road tax came in at £165 a year, as a result. An updated version was introduced in August 2015, however, which was more powerful and slightly cleaner, but tax initially remained unchanged.

That said, it’s important to note that post-31 March 2017 models are more expensive to tax, due to the changes in the VED system. An sDrive25d registered after that date will cost a significant £475 to tax (although that'll drop to £150 once the car reaches six years old). Versions such as the xDrive50i were also expensive to tax straight out of the gate, due to high emissions, and cost up to £565 a year depending on their registration date.

All of the petrol V8 versions are also thirsty, with the xDrive50i registering a best combined mpg of 27.2, while the X5 M nets a combined 25.4mpg. The V8 diesel, the M50d, is a little more reasonable, and driven gently, can average 42.2mpg.

In the real world, you’ll be doing well to get over 30mpg out of any of the diesels, and in the petrols, you can consider it a win if your average economy ticks over the 20mpg mark. Neither is a great result but they’re not terrible figures given the weight and performance of the X5.

BMW offers fixed-price service plans which can at least help you keep tabs on your expenditure. One sample 27-month plan for a used sDrive25d, for example, came in at just over £1,000. You can also add options to the servicing schedule, such as additional brake fluid changes and aircon refreshes, to keep your X5 in fine fettle.

Usefully, you can get quotes for the service plans online by simply entering the details of the vehicle you’re interested in, so there shouldn’t be any unexpected surprises down the line. You’ll have to factor in the cost of replacement tyres, though, which can easily cost upwards of £200 per corner for the larger wheel sizes.

Is it reliable?

Although it’s a premium and much-admired brand, BMW doesn’t have an outstanding reputation for reliability and owner satisfaction in the UK, but it does often fare better than some mainstream rivals.

This generation of X5, which is referred to by BMW boffins as the 'F15' generation, has also performed well in the reliability stakes, in part because much tried-and-tested hardware has been carried over from the previous generation. Regardless, given its complexity, it’s worth ensuring you’ve got a good warranty on any used purchase. One major failure could prove extremely expensive and sour your ownership experience completely, after all, so investing in a warranty is a sensible move.

A three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty was standard and BMW does offer extended warranties, so you may be able to get your hands on an X5 with an official warranty, and of course, there are always the aftermarket options.

Buying a used approved BMW X5 can be a good option, as every car offered will have gone through a comprehensive check and come with at least 12 months’ BMW warranty. You’ll get 12 months’ roadside assistance and MOT cover, too, further minimising the chance of stress and grief.

Few X5s will be used for anything resembling serious off-roading, but do have a look at the underside of any prospective purchase, just in case there’s any obvious damage. Similarly, check the wheels and panel work for any scratches or dents.

There have been several recalls on the X5 as well, so if you’re looking at a used example it’s worth taking the time to check the online government recall website. This will list the recalls that apply to your vehicle, allowing you to subsequently check with the dealer if the specified revision has been applied to the car in question.