BMW X5 review

Did we mention that the BMW X5 is a big car?

Well, that’s especially apparent inside, where there’s acres of room for five people and their luggage.

Driving position

Up front, you’ll discover a commandingly high driving position and supportive, multi-adjustable seats, while rear seat passengers have plenty of leg and headroom.

Even if all three seats are taken, your friends and family won’t be brushing shoulders.

The interior is a marriage of German efficiency and quality – everything is where it should be and is built to last.

The materials used in the cabin – including leather, wood and aluminium and carbon fibre, depending on the model chosen – feel truly classy.

Tech and features

The iDrive system that controls the car’s infotainment is intuitive to use, and the central screen is clear and easy to operate.

The X5 is a major tech-fest, and the company has partnered with the likes of Bowers & Wilkins and Harman/Kardon to produce extraordinary audio systems that can quickly turn even the shortest drive into a car-aoke session – mind you don’t trigger the built-in voice control, though.

You’ll find some nice touches such as ambient lighting and charging points for your must-have electronic devices.

The BMW X5 was really the first SUV to drive just like a sports saloon. Time – and competition from cars such as the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport – have seen it go from strength to strength.

Handling and ride comfort

If you haven’t driven an X5 before, you’ll be surprised at how it can hustle along a twisty road.

The steering feels sharp and the body roll is extremely well-controlled, and yet the suspension still soaks up bumps and makes for a relaxing ride.

Engines and power

Powerful engines and brakes mean that you don’t ever feel like its size is an issue.

The high driving position gives you a great view of the road ahead, and long-haul trips can be covered in quiet comfort.

Should you need to venture off the beaten track, the XDrive all-wheel-drive system will be sure to keep you moving.

Boot space

The boot of the BMW X5 is simply gigantic – so big, in fact, it can conceal a further two seats under the flat floor that are suitable for a couple of kids.

Even with the seats up, you could fit the 5-a-side team’s kit in the boot. With the seats stowed away, you could pack for a month-long roadtrip.

The two-piece tailgate is a brilliant touch, which means that you can open just the glass portion to access items in the boot – very handy when you’re packed to the gills for a family holiday.

Rear seats

The X5’s height makes loading up and getting in and out of the car a doddle – you simply open the door and slide straight into the seat.

Fuel economy

You might expect the BMW X5 to come with sizeable bills – but that’s not necessarily the case.

The petrol sDrive manages more than 50mpg in official tests, while the six-cylinder diesel engine should get more than 30mpg.

There’s also the plug-in hybrid X5 to consider, which can travel up to 31 miles on electricity alone.

If you have a real thirst for power and choose an X50i or X5M, then you’ll definitely be visiting the fuel pumps a little more often.