BMW X5 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
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

3 out of 5

Running costs

The X5 is a little more expensive than the original model and some features (such as floor mats) are frustratingly restricted to the options list. Six-cylinder X5s are in insurance group 17, while the 4.8i is in group 19. Although petrol versions are thirsty, fuel consumption is improved over the original X5 - but for most, the diesels will be the sensible option to go for while depreciation is slow meaning the X5 will hold it's value well.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,273 - £3,069 *

Diesel

£1,687 - £1,885 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£250.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
    195
  • K
  • L
  • M
    325

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

BMW has fitted its Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology to the X5 but as a heavy 4x4 it's no surprise that it is far from green. The average CO2 across the range is 240g/km which is high - but when you compare this to rivals it's actually quite impressive. The greenest model is the 3.0d which emits 214g/km of CO2 and can average 35mpg - although the more powerful twin-turbo version (badged 3.0sd) is little different emitting 2g/km more and returning 0.5mpg less. X5 is a polluting model. With an average of 265 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are quite high for a large 4x4. It's worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is quite thirsty, averaging 25 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2