BMW X5 Review
By Motor Match • 14/12/2023
The BMW X5 was one of the firm’s original SUVs, the market is seriously busy with options of all shapes and sizes but the X5 continues to be a go-to for a whole lot of buyers.
What is it?
The BMW X5 was one of the firm’s original SUVs. These days, the market is seriously busy with options of all shapes and sizes but the X5 continues to be a go-to for a whole lot of buyers after a premium SUV which has that upright, commanding driving experience that people want in this segment.
The X5 is available with a good range of engines, too, including an efficient plug-in hybrid as well as loads of in-car tech which can make it very easy to live with day-to-day. Let’s check it out in a bit more detail.
What’s new?
We’re checking out the plug-in hybrid here, which now enters its second generation. A larger battery means a better range and, in truth, it was a big battery which made the previous plug-in hybrid X5 stand out. But above and beyond that, we’ve got a more imposing design that isn’t quite as controversial as other BMWs in the range.
But it’s that long-distance refinement which remains at the core of the X5’s appeal, which is why BMW has boosted the level of comfort available inside through the use of high-quality materials and solid ergonomics.
What’s under the bonnet?
This plug-in hybrid SUV takes a different approach to many others in the market. Whereas many of the X5’s rivals use small-capacity engines linked to an electric motor and batteries, the X5 uses a far larger petrol engine than you might expect - a 3.0-litre straight-six, in fact. It means that when the batteries are depleted, you’ve still got a strong, powerful engine to rely on.
However, when it’s combined with the electric motor you get a heady 389bhp and 600Nm of torque sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW claims that you can get up to 54 miles of electric-only range, too, which contributes to its low CO2 emissions of just 37g/km. BMW claims that you could get up to 235.4mpg, too, though this will only be realistic if you spend nearly all of your time driving on electric power alone.
What’s it like to drive?
Being able to travel for big distances on electric power alone makes the X5 plug-in hybrid experience very relaxing. The plus ride - helped no end by the standard air suspension - only adds to this, too, though the X5’s weight does mean that larger imperfections and potholes have a tendency to unsettle the whole car.
However, that decent electric range means that for a lot of the time you don’t even need to trouble the petrol engine. When it is required, the 3.0-litre unit provides pleasantly smooth acceleration and isn’t too noisy, either, unlike a lot of its four-cylinder rivals.
How does it look?
BMW has gone down a controversial route with a lot of its new cars. Vehicles like the latest 7 Series, XM and X2 have all debuted a very distinguished front-end design which is centralised around very large kidney grilles. The X5, however, does without this and takes a far more understated approach which we think looks great.
In more traditional shades like blue and black the X5 looks like a classy thing indeed and while it might lack the head-turning abilities of some of BMW’s other SUVs, we think that for many people this undercover design will be a real plus-point.
What’s it like inside?
The X5’s interior is just what you’d expect to find inside a premium SUV. There are plenty of high-quality materials used throughout and it’s all put together very well. The ergonomics are spot-on as well and we like that there’s plenty of adjustability for the driver’s seat so you can get comfy in an instant.
There’s plenty of head- and legroom on offer, too, while the 500-litre boot is of a good size as well, despite being 50 litres down on the one you’d find in the standard X5. However, it’s nice and square while a relatively low load lip makes putting heavier items in there easier.
What’s the spec like?
All versions of the X5 get plenty of equipment but as a high-end SUV you will pay quite the premium for the BMW experience. However, you’re getting the fit-and-finish that you’d expect while the mechanical aspects of the X5 are all spot-on, from the steering and handling to the well-sorted hybrid system.
All cars get lots of standard equipment too including cruise control and a full assistance package. Remember, as with any BMW it can be easy to get carried away with the optional extras, so go easy with those additions otherwise the X5’s price can quickly skyrocket.
Verdict
The X5 is a dependable and plush-feeling premium SUV. Both inside and out it’s a car which feels well made and of a high-quality, from the materials used inside to the quiet driving experience that you get from behind the wheel.
This plug-in hybrid version will be a good option to those looking to reduce fuel costs, too, though the standard petrol and diesel versions will still deliver the same great experience and bring a slightly larger boot too.
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