CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 800
Average Price: Around £38,000

BMW X5 (2025) 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 wide choice of engines including an efficient plug-in hybrid xDrive50e, two diesel options, and high-performance V8-powered M models. The X5 feels impressively car-like to drive, with tidy body control and the reassurance of standard four-wheel drive. It provides excellent passenger space with ample room for five adults, generous headroom and legroom, and an optional third row of seats on non-hybrid versions. Boot capacity is strong at 650 litres in five-seat models, expanding to 1,870 litres with rear seats folded flat.

The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid is the most efficient option, emitting as little as 19g/km of CO2 and achieving claimed fuel economy of 353mpg, making it ideal for company car drivers. Diesel versions deliver respectable efficiency, whilst the V8-powered M models offer supercar-baiting pace but with high fuel and tax costs. Standard air suspension soaks up poor road surfaces, making long motorway journeys particularly relaxing. The X5 majors on long-distance ability and feels composed and supremely capable, whether wafting along the motorway or tackling twisty B-roads. It gets the big stuff right: spacious, properly luxurious and genuinely enjoyable to drive.

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

Not ideal for: Off-road enthusiasts (Land Rover Discovery is better), budget-conscious buyers, or those concerned about running costs with petrol and V8 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 driver (especially with the plug-in hybrid), or you prioritise long-distance comfort and refinement.

Consider alternatives if: Off-road capability is a priority (Land Rover Discovery), you're budget-conscious, or you're concerned about running costs with petrol and V8 engines.

Competitive Position: The BMW X5 stands out as one of the most well-rounded large premium SUVs available. Whilst the Volvo XC90 majors on luxury and the Porsche Cayenne is more fun to drive, the X5 offers a compelling blend of performance, style, space and practicality that few rivals match. It feels more car-like and enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs, with impressive long-distance ability and refinement. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e makes financial sense for company car drivers, whilst the M models deliver supercar-baiting pace. For buyers spending most of their time on the road, the X5 remains a highly accomplished choice.

Read our full BMW X5 Review

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

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