BMW X5 Review (2019-present)
BMW X5 cars for sale
5.0
Expert review
Pros
Far more enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs
Brilliant plug-in hybrid version
Staggering performance of X5 M
Cons
Not as capable off road as a Land Rover Discovery
Petrols in particular are expensive to run
Not everyone will take to the styling
The CarGurus verdict
If off-roading ability isn’t essential to you and you’re just after a spacious and luxurious SUV that’s great to drive, the BMW X5 is a good option. It’s more gratifying from behind the wheel than rivals such as the Volvo XC90 and, as a result, many will judge its moderate premium worth paying.
There are a few minor issues that dint its appeal, that said, such as the lack of Android Auto and – to some, at least – its styling and that prominent grille; if desirability is key, go for a Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Velar. No X5 will prove particularly cheap to run, either, but that’s par for the course in this class.
Also, if towing capacity and off-road ability is vital, you’d be better off looking at an alternative such as a Land Rover Discovery. Otherwise, if you just want a rewarding upmarket SUV that’s effortless to live with, you won’t go far wrong with a BMW X5.
What is the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is an advanced, luxurious and capable large SUV that, unlike some of its rivals – which often feel soft and heavy – is a gratifying and enjoyable car to drive.
It’s now in its fourth generation, which was introduced in 2018, and rivals an extensive line-up of upmarket SUVs, including the Volvo XC90, the Range Rover Velar, the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
How practical is it?
As you’d hope, given its gargantuan exterior dimensions, there is plenty of interior space in the BMW X5. There is lots of room for adults in the first two rows of seats and, if you need seven seats, there’s even an optional third-row seating package available.
The quality of the cabin is also impressive and, if you’re looking for something practical, you’re in luck: as standard, the X5 comes with a useful split tailgate, a 40:20:40 split rear seat and 650 litres of boot space – or 1,870 litres with the rear seats down.
The BMW X5 SUV is also a very safe choice, with it achieving the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing in 2018. It scored particularly well for child occupant protection, scoring 86 per cent, which almost matches the 87 per cent rating of the highly regarded Volvo XC90. This, coupled with the option of third-row seating, could make it a great choice for those looking for a large and practical luxury family vehicle with a dynamic edge.
What's it like to drive?
The BMW is offered with a choice of straight-six petrol and diesel engines, as well as petrol V8s in the M Sport and flagship X5 M Competition variants. A plug-in hybrid is also available, which blends petrol and electric power.
None could be called sluggish. Even the least expensive xDrive30d model packs 282bhp and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds – which is impressive considering the size and weight of the BMW. All also feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends drive to all four wheels, and deliver smooth and rapid performance.
Keen drivers will be similarly pleased to hear that the BMW delivers on the handling front, too, thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive system and standard-fit air suspension. Its steering is precise, its chassis reacts quickly and body roll is well controlled; as a result, it doesn’t feel like a lumbering, unwieldy and big SUV.
Technology, equipment & infotainment
The base trim for the X5 range is xLine, which comes with so much equipment that you might wonder if you need anything else.
Standard features include heated front sports seats, LED headlights, air suspension, DAB connectivity and wireless charging. Upgrade to M Sport trim and you’ll get a host of M-specific details, such as interior upgrades and a body kit, as well as an improved braking system.
Buyers seeking more performance can opt for M Model versions, which pack more power as well as a host of cosmetic and kit upgrades. For the die-hard enthusiasts, BMW also offers a dedicated high-performance X5 M Competition model with 617bhp. As you’d expect, a range of upgrades, options and equipment packs are also offered.
BMW X5 running costs
BMW X5 running costs are never going to be cheap, but many models offer impressive efficiency considering their performance credentials – while options such as fixed-price servicing can further help you keep costs in check.
The most efficient X5 by far is the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e, which emits as little as 27g/km of CO2 and can average a claimed fuel economy of 235.4mpg on the recent and more realistic WLTP testing cycle. That means a low first tax payment and a low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) company car tax band, which could make it a good option for business users.
Diesel xDrive40d and xDrive30d versions of the X5 both average around 35mpg but their emissions are unsurprisingly far higher than the xDrive45e; the xDrive40d, for example, peaks at 210g/km of CO2.
The least efficient of the standard range is the petrol xDrive40i, which is claimed to average upwards of 25.7mpg and emits up to 249g/km of CO2. The high-performance X5 M50i and X5 M50d M Models are similarly inefficient and emit a lot of CO2.
Hybrid aside, all of the standard petrol and diesel versions will subsequently cost a considerable amount to fuel and, additionally, the first-year tax costs are also high due to their emissions. Considering the cost of the X5 itself, however, the running costs are unlikely to trouble most new buyers.
Helping soften the blow somewhat, in any case, is BMW Service Inclusive. As the name suggests, it is an all-encompassing service package that covers the servicing costs for a fixed number of years and miles. These fixed-price schemes will help minimise the chance of unexpected bills in the first few years of ownership.
BMWs generally hold their value well, too, but do bear in mind the rapidly changing perception of diesel and the increasing costs being levied against vehicles with high emissions. If you’re regularly driving into a city centre, for example, you may well want to opt for the hybrid version to avoid unexpected costs or issues later down the line.
Enthusiasts taken by the idea of the flagship BMW X5 M Competition will similarly need to be ready to stomach high running costs, as – for starters – the high-performance SUV will only average a best of 22.1mpg. Its emissions are also stratospheric, at up to 298g/km of CO2 on the WLTP test cycle, which will result in an eye-watering first-year VED payment.
BMW X5 reliability
BMW hasn’t always had the most impressive reputation for reliability, especially considering its status as a premium brand. However, things look to have been getting better in recent years. In the manufacturer standings of the the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the brand came a very respectable eighth out of 31 car manufacturers, and importantly, that put it a good way ahead of almost all its premium rivals in the shape of Jaguar (20th), Mercedes (22nd) and Audi (24th). It couldn’t keep pace with Lexus, but that’s not surprising when the Japanese manufacturer topped the chart outright.
The X5 didn’t do too badly as an individual model, either. In the Large SUV category, it came a very respectable 9th out of 24 models considered. BMW’s warranty package isn’t as generous as those of some manufacturers, though, providing only three years of cover, but at least there’s no mileage limit on it.
A new BMW X5 will come with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. That’s not bad, considering cars such as the Volvo XC90 get a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. Owners can also extend a BMW warranty with the Insured Warranty option, which provides three levels of cover that can last for up to 100,000 miles. Three years’ of roadside assistance are provided with every new BMW as well, so you won’t have to worry about getting stranded.
- A plug-in-hybrid version of the X5, called the xDrive45e, is available. It blends a 282bhp six-cylinder petrol engine with a 112bhp electric motor, which can assist the petrol engine or propel the X5 along silently for a claimed 54.1 miles. The 24kWh battery used by the hybrid X5 is however mounted in the rear of the BMW, which reduces the luggage capacity to 500 litres, making it less practical. It’s a quick SUV, though, with BMW claiming a 0-62mph sprint of just 5.6 seconds
- You don’t have to opt for the flagship X5 M Competition if you want something with a V8 or a more sporting edge, thanks to M Models. These are offered in twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol M50i specification or quad-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel M50d trim. Aside from more powerful engines, the M50i and M50d M Models also get an M Sport exhaust, an M Sport differential, adaptive M suspension and bespoke trims and equipment upgrades.
- Although the X5 is aimed more at on-road use, there is an off-road upgrade available for those who aim to venture off the beaten path on a more regular basis. It’s called the xOffroad pack and it adds a locking rear differential, which can be used to help the X5 out of sticky situations. It also adds a range of bespoke off-road driving modes and a functional front sump guard to protect the BMW’s engine.
- The best all-rounder: If you’re happy with diesel, we’d recommend going for a BMW X5 in entry-level xDrive30d xLine specification. It offers excellent performance in conjunction with sensible running costs for a large luxury SUV and, even in standard xLine trim, it comes with plenty of kit; features include heated seats, the 12.3-inch iDrive media system, LED headlights, air suspension, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless phone charging.
- For the eco-minded: If you’re looking for the cleanest and most efficient X5, you’ll want to opt for the xDrive45e. Its claimed all-electric range of 54.1 miles could prove ideal for those regularly tackling short trips and its running costs will be comparatively low – but it also won’t leave you wanting in the performance stakes. You can also opt for xLine or the more expensive and distinctive M Sport trim if you go for the hybrid X5, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you can’t have the third-row seating due to the battery pack.
- For the performance enthusiast: If you want a high-performance SUV then tick the box for the BMW X5 M Competition. Its twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 produces a whopping 617bhp and 553lb ft, which can accelerate it from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The M Competition also features an active M differential and adaptive suspension, as well as more sporty looks inside and out.
- For the off-roader: Planning to drive your X5 across rougher terrain on a more regular basis? If so, we’d suggest opting for the more powerful and flexible xDrive40d version in base xLine specification – and go for the optional xOffroad package, too. Its additional technology will make off-road driving easier and bolster the X5’s rough-road capabilities, helping you get to where you need to be.
