CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 750
Average Price: Around £37,000

BMW X5 (2023-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, facelifted in 2023, offering an impressive blend of performance, style, space and practicality. It's no longer the largest in BMW's range, but few rivals match its well-rounded appeal. The X5 feels car-like to drive with tidy body control and predictable handling, whilst the raised driving position provides commanding road visibility. Standard air suspension soaks up poor road surfaces, making long motorway journeys particularly relaxing. Available engines include efficient diesel options, a compelling plug-in hybrid xDrive50e with up to 64 miles of electric-only range, and high-performance V8-powered M models delivering supercar-baiting pace.

Practicality is excellent, with ample space for five adults and an optional third row of seats on non-hybrid versions. Boot capacity reaches 650 litres in five-seat models, expanding to 1,870 litres with rear seats folded. The xDrive50e sacrifices some load space due to its battery, offering 500 litres instead. Standard equipment is generous across all trims, featuring heated front seats, automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights and a curved digital dashboard with 14.9-inch touchscreen. Running costs are high for petrol and diesel versions, though the plug-in hybrid offers impressive efficiency with claimed 353mpg and low company car tax implications. Fixed-price servicing schemes help manage ownership costs.

Best for: Drivers seeking a spacious, luxurious SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, company car users (especially with the xDrive50e), and those prioritising on-road performance and refinement over off-road capability.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those requiring serious off-road ability, or drivers concerned about high running costs on petrol and diesel models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

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

Consider alternatives if: You require serious off-road capability, are budget-conscious, or concerned about high running costs on petrol and diesel models.

Competitive Position: The BMW X5 stands out as one of the most rounded and accomplished large SUVs available. It gets the big stuff right: spacious, properly luxurious and genuinely enjoyable to drive, feeling better behind the wheel than rivals such as the Volvo XC90 whilst remaining easy and refined in everyday use. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e makes financial sense for company car drivers, whilst the high-performance M models deliver supercar-baiting pace. If towing and off-road ability are priorities, the Land Rover Discovery remains the better choice, but for those spending most time on the road, the X5 is hard to beat.

Read our full BMW X5 Review

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

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