Used BMW X5 for sale near Colchester

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 750
Average Price: Around £36,500

BMW X5 (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Far more enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs	Not as capable off road as a Land Rover Discovery
Brilliant plug-in hybrid version	Petrols in particular are expensive to run
Staggering performance of X5 M	Not everyone will take to the styling

Quick Summary

The BMW X5 is the fourth-generation luxury SUV, introduced in 2018 and facelifted in 2023. It offers an impressive blend of performance, style, space and practicality, with a commanding driving position and excellent passenger accommodation for five adults. The optional third row of seats transforms it into a seven-seater, though these are better suited to children. Boot capacity is generous at 650 litres in five-seat non-hybrid models, expanding to 1,870 litres with rear seats folded. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid sacrifices some load space due to its battery, reducing capacity to 500 litres, but offers exceptional efficiency with claimed fuel economy of 353mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 19g/km.

For a large and heavy SUV, the X5 feels impressively car-like to drive, with the sure-footed, predictable handling of a BMW 5 Series saloon combined with a lofty driving position. Standard air suspension soaks up poor road surfaces, making long motorway journeys particularly relaxing. Engine options range from the entry-level xDrive30d with 286bhp to the thunderous X5 M Competition with 626bhp. All versions use a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Running costs are high for petrol and diesel models, but the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e makes financial sense for company car drivers. Fixed-price servicing schemes help minimise unexpected bills, and BMWs generally hold their value well.

Best for: Drivers seeking a spacious, luxurious SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, company car users (especially with the xDrive50e), and those prioritising long-distance comfort and refinement.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring serious off-road capability, those on tight budgets, or those seeking low running costs with petrol or diesel engines.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the X5 if: You seek a spacious, luxurious SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, you're a company car user (especially with the xDrive50e), or you prioritise long-distance comfort and refinement.

Consider alternatives if: You require serious off-road capability, you're on a tight budget, or you need low running costs with petrol or diesel engines.

Competitive Position: The BMW X5 stands out as one of the most well-rounded large premium SUVs available. It gets the big stuff right: it's spacious, properly luxurious and, unlike most large SUVs, genuinely enjoyable to drive. Whilst the Volvo XC90 majors on Swedish style and the Range Rover Sport offers superior off-road ability, the X5 feels better behind the wheel than its rivals whilst remaining easy and refined in everyday use. The Porsche Cayenne is more fun to drive, but at a considerably higher price. The X5's brilliant plug-in hybrid version and staggering M performance variants add further appeal, making it an accomplished choice for those who spend most of their time on the road.

Read our full BMW X5 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.