BMW X5 Review

Gumtree Rating

4.5 rating

Now in its fourth generation, the latest X5 is a technological tour de force with a thundering engine courtesy of BMW’s M division. The X5 was originally designed as a mid-size SUV crossover, but the newest model has grown into a full-size SUV – with the option of adding third-row seating. A shift in emphasis to technology is embodied by the all-touchscreen dash and its most advanced driving assistance system to date. Dynamic AWD (all-wheel drive) can take your family adventures off-road, while a luxurious interior means even long journeys will feel like a relaxing break.

Visit the BMW hub to learn more about the X5’s latest trims and specs.

What we think about the BMW X5

The X5 is now a bigger and bolder SUV, both in size and performance, while its tech advances will take you driving into the future.

Pros

+

Dynamic all-wheel drive

+

Practical space with optional extra seating

+

Powerful engine designed by M division

Cons

Not very fuel-efficient

The 2020 version is still fresh on the market, with a 4.0-litre turbocharged engine, a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a plug-in hybrid all quickly rolled out. A newly engineered chassis, along with its firm suspension, helps grip this AWD car to the road.

Driving performance of the Bmw X5

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

The X5’s dynamic handling will guide you around corners serenely, and in a straight line you can truly test out the power of its turbocharged engines. Diesel engines often dominate the SUV market, but BMW provides two excellent alternatives with its 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and its plug-in hybrid. There’s even a superb eight-speed automatic transmission, with three driving settings depending on how playful you’re feeling. The steering is a little heavy in tight spaces – something to consider for urban dwellers – but it’ll easily corner any country-road twist without batting an eye.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw X5

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

BMW treats safety as a high-priority on all its models and the latest X5 is no different, earning a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. BMW provides a long list of safety features – most of which come as standard. This list also includes body, knee and curtain airbags to protect those in the second row. You can add the Driving Assistant Pack, which includes automatic speed limit assistant, crossing traffic warning and lane-keeping assist to avoid accidentally drifting out of your lane.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw X5

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The most popular in the X5 range is the xDrive30d – a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 265 bhp and will fly to 62mph in 6.5 seconds. BMW’s petrol version comes in the form of the xDrive40i. It has a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, delivers 340 bhp and will go from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds – an excellent alternative to diesel. You can go more powerful again with the M50i, which produces 530 bhp and is the fastest X5 in the range, achieving 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds. There’s also a plug-in hybrid in the shape of the 45e.

What you'll find in the Bmw X5

Our Design Rating9 / 10

The X5 is an imposing figure thanks to the signature front grille, with its double-slat insert and a gloss-black finish, while its LED headlights pique your curiosity further. The 22-inch alloy wheels add a touch of style to its brash exterior and the side mirrors and air breathers highlight the subtle attention to detail from the team at BMW. The sculpted bumpers amplify the chunky SUV feel but flip open the boot and you’ll be able to enjoy 650 litres of cargo space as standard.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw X5

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

The strong exterior of the X5 is complemented by a luxurious interior, offering plenty of space and packed with the latest technology. The front seats are adjustable, as is the steering wheel, so you can easily make yourself comfortable. Its dimensions – 4.9 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.7 metres tall – emphasise that it truly is a large SUV. While the boot offers 650 litres of space, dropping the backseats increases that to a staggering 1870 litres.

BMW X5 interior dashboard

What features you'll find in the Bmw X5

Our Features Rating8 / 10

With the latest X5, exterior standard equipment includes dusk-sensing lights, roof rails and a hands-free power-operated split tailgate with soft LED tail-lights. Venture inside and you can enjoy BMW’s satellite navigation with live traffic and wireless Apple CarPlay, both through its all-touchscreen dashboard. A 16-speaker surround-sound system is just one of the thoughtful features that’ll make the cabin feel like home, and power-adjustable front seats with heating and four-zone climate control amplify the thoughtful detail. There are wireless charging and USB ports available in the front and back, which is always handy.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw X5

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

The xDrive40i will give around 27.2 mpg and will emit an average of 166 g/km of CO2. However, if you choose to take advantage of the optional seven seats then there’s an increase up to 170 g/km for some specs. The M50i is the thirstiest in the range, averaging 23 mpg and emitting 165 g/km of CO2. BMW’s plug-in hybrid will deliver approximately 135 mpg and emit just 41 g/km of CO2, but you need to plug the car in regularly and use it just on battery power to get close to that number. The xDrive30d delivers approx. 37.7 mpg, emitting around 165 g/km.

Running costs of the Bmw X5

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The X5 comes with BMW’s standard three-year warranty along with three years of roadside assistance. It’s recommended to be serviced every 12 months or every 12,000 miles depending on how often you’re on the road. Several capped-price servicing plans are available depending on the spec level you choose. BMW’s three-year maintenance package, an optional extra, is approximately equivalent to getting your bike serviced every six months in London – reasonable value, all things considered.

Our verdict of the Bmw X5

4.5 rating

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

BMW has upgraded its mid-size crossover into a full-size, roaring SUV that's comfortable in family life and dynamic off-roading alike.