BMW X5 overall verdict

It’s hard to argue with the new BMW X5 – it’s imposing to look at, amazing to drive and now has a seven-seat option. SUVs don’t come much better.

    Comfort

    The X5 is firm but well sorted, so it's really very comfy, especially over long distances. BMW has also installed some lovely seats which seem to suit the bigger driver and the car is quiet at all speeds.
    Rated 12 out of 20
   
Performance

    All the bigger BMW engines are wonderful and the X5 boasts the best. You can go for a ‘base'  3.0d (245bhp, 0-62mph in 7.3 and a 138mph top end), the same diesel tweaked to 306bhp (4.0d) or go for the range-topping twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8 with 408bhp, 155mph and 0-62 in 5.5.
    Rated 18 out of 20
 
  Cool

    It's a big SUV, so it's genetically incapable of coolness. Might want to respect it though.
    Rated 11 out of 20
   
Quality

    Build quality on the new X5 is exemplary. And the new gear selector is weird but brilliant.
    Rated 15 out of 20





   Handling
    Only the Porsche Cayenne comes close to the X5 in terms of on-road handling; the X5 can really shift. Swivel motors mounted on the anti-roll bars mean that at slow speed the X5 can ride well, and then when the going gets faster it can tighten itself up to feel more sporting. Feels a bit weird actually.
    Rated 14 out of 20

    Practicality

    For an extra grand you can have seven seats, which should stop bigger families drifting to the Land Rover Discovery, even though those rear seats are for kids really (even BMW makes that point). The car is huge, but visibility is good.
    Rated 13 out of 20
   
Running costs

    Petrol isn't the way to go if you're worried about running costs; the V8 gets low twenties. The diesel fares batter with 38.2mpg, but this is an expensive car to own and run - they start at Group 17 insurance.