BMW X5 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 05 March 2007

Last Updated: 28 July 2008

BMW's X5 can claim to have begun the trend towards large 4x4s that were meant for road use rather than frequent forays into the wilderness. And the new model launched in 2007 improves that formula further - it's more spacious, economical and quicker than before, plus it's better to drive too. But the big news is that it's BMW's first ever seven-seater (although the extra chairs are a £1,320 optional extra) making it a more practical family car. Diesel versions will be the most popular but the petrol engines have been upgraded and are now greener while all cars get a new six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It's not cheap and has limited off road ability, but if you can afford one you'll be rewarded with one of the best on-road 4x4s on the market.

4.5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£45,070 - £83,290

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Used price range:

£16,618 - £64,584

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Upmarket image, robust build quality, comfortable and hushed on the move, seven seat option

Limited off road, cramped third row of seats, firm ride

Driving & Performance

Performance

4.5 out of 5
"It's little surprise that the diesel engines are favoured by X5 buyers - they accounted for 94% of..."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"Although the original X5 had excellent road manners, the second-generation model has made..."

Comfort

Comfort

4.5 out of 5
"The X5 offers excellent comfort in its roomy interior however the optional third row of seats are..."
Practicality

4 out of 5
"Roomier than the original model, the second-generation X5 also offers up to seven seats for the..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"The X5 only comes in two trim levels - SE and M Sport. SE models come with six airbags, electronic..."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"The interior is more rounded and softer looking than in the original X5 - and feels even more..."

Costs

Running costs

3 out of 5
"The X5 is a little more expensive than the original model and some features (such as floor mats) are..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"BMW has fitted its Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology to the X5 but as a heavy 4x4 it's no..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4.5 out of 5
"The X5 comes with front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as curtain airbags..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"The previous BMW X5 had good reliability, with only a few niggling problems for some unlucky owners."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2.5 out of 5
"Getting a discount on any BMW is difficult but even more so on the popular X5. It comes fairly well..."
Buying used

2.5 out of 5
"Diesels will be the most expensive, but will genuinely be cheaper to run, however if you want to..."
Selling

4.5 out of 5
"The second-generation X5 will be in demand throughout its life so you'll have few problems selling..."