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The latest BMW X5 adds to the appeal of its predecessors with new platform engineering that sees a significant tech upgrade to infotainment and safety systems, but also brings improvements to practicality and design. The X5’s styling is crisp and contemporary, with a luxurious interior that moves the game on considerably in the latest BMW style.
There are limited engine choices, but each version delivers admirable performance and efficiency. The addition of an Off Road package brings an extra dimension to the X5 as well, although the focus is still very much on-road handling and performance. While the BMW X5 isn’t the most engaging driver’s car in its sector, it sits pretty close to the top of the tree.
The BMW X5 is now in its fourth generation, and the evolution from the original to the car we see today has been pretty smooth, as is usually the case with the brand. That original, launched all the way back in 1999, was notable for helping to popularise the concept of an SUV with four-wheel drive and a chassis set up exclusively for swift road use. In fact, to help make the point, BMW called it a Sports Activity Vehicle instead of a Sports Utility Vehicle, a tradition that continues to this day.
Only one body style is available, and it’s a boxy five-door that maximises utility. The latest model takes this to a new level, in fact; it’s bigger than before, and while it still comes with the option of a third row of seats, it now boasts user-friendly features such as electric seat folding from the boot, as well as an automated ‘hands-free’ split tailgate.
• The best SUVs on sale now
The latest model range has broadened to include five engine options; two diesels, two petrol units and a plug-in hybrid combining petrol power with an electric motor - all offering punchy performance and all mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive 4x4 system.
Prices start from around £60,000 for the entry-level diesel model, rising to almost £77,000 for the X5 M50i.
BMW X5 steering wheel buttons
BMW X5 grille
BMW X5 wheel
BMW X5 vents
BMW X5 boot
BMW X5 rear seats
BMW X5 front
BMW X5 rear
BMW X5 headlight
BMW X5 badge
There are only two trim levels to pick from, too. The xLine comes with 19-inch alloys, LED headlights and tail-lamps, air suspension and luxuries such as heated leather seats, parking assist and wireless phone charging. M Sport spec features 20-inch alloys, M Sport brake calipers and blacked-out trim, an M aerodynamics pack, sporty steering wheel and anthracite headliner.
The current flagship cars in the core X5 range are the M50i/d models, which add 22-inch alloys, a greyed-out grille and adaptive M suspension, as well as other unique M Sport touches.
BMW's M Division has also worked its magic on the X5, producing the M Competition model. You'll have to really want one, though, as it's priced at an eye-watering £110,650.
The X5 sits in BMW’s SUV line-up between the smaller X3 and larger X7. It competes against a wide range of luxury rivals including the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90.
For an alternative review of the latest BMW X5 SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Continue reading...
There are limited engine choices, but each version delivers admirable performance and efficiency. The addition of an Off Road package brings an extra dimension to the X5 as well, although the focus is still very much on-road handling and performance. While the BMW X5 isn’t the most engaging driver’s car in its sector, it sits pretty close to the top of the tree.
The BMW X5 is now in its fourth generation, and the evolution from the original to the car we see today has been pretty smooth, as is usually the case with the brand. That original, launched all the way back in 1999, was notable for helping to popularise the concept of an SUV with four-wheel drive and a chassis set up exclusively for swift road use. In fact, to help make the point, BMW called it a Sports Activity Vehicle instead of a Sports Utility Vehicle, a tradition that continues to this day.
Only one body style is available, and it’s a boxy five-door that maximises utility. The latest model takes this to a new level, in fact; it’s bigger than before, and while it still comes with the option of a third row of seats, it now boasts user-friendly features such as electric seat folding from the boot, as well as an automated ‘hands-free’ split tailgate.
• The best SUVs on sale now
The latest model range has broadened to include five engine options; two diesels, two petrol units and a plug-in hybrid combining petrol power with an electric motor - all offering punchy performance and all mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive 4x4 system.
Prices start from around £60,000 for the entry-level diesel model, rising to almost £77,000 for the X5 M50i.
BMW X5 steering wheel buttons
BMW X5 grille
BMW X5 wheel
BMW X5 vents
BMW X5 boot
BMW X5 rear seats
BMW X5 front
BMW X5 rear
BMW X5 headlight
BMW X5 badge
There are only two trim levels to pick from, too. The xLine comes with 19-inch alloys, LED headlights and tail-lamps, air suspension and luxuries such as heated leather seats, parking assist and wireless phone charging. M Sport spec features 20-inch alloys, M Sport brake calipers and blacked-out trim, an M aerodynamics pack, sporty steering wheel and anthracite headliner.
The current flagship cars in the core X5 range are the M50i/d models, which add 22-inch alloys, a greyed-out grille and adaptive M suspension, as well as other unique M Sport touches.
BMW's M Division has also worked its magic on the X5, producing the M Competition model. You'll have to really want one, though, as it's priced at an eye-watering £110,650.
The X5 sits in BMW’s SUV line-up between the smaller X3 and larger X7. It competes against a wide range of luxury rivals including the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90.
For an alternative review of the latest BMW X5 SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Continue reading...