The BMW X5 once came out on top among the luxury SUV models, setting the standard for other brands such as the Porsche. Although other luxury car brands have caught up and continue to contend with the X5, BMW’s luxury SUV still stands out with its sophisticated design and diverse capabilities. Its latest generation provides more than enough room, practical fuel economy, and an overall comfortable experience that makes it the top choice among families.

Pros

In terms of performance, the BMW X5 boasts of efficiency with its six-cylinder diesels that’s linked to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Other options include the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesels: either a 302bhp twin-turbo version or the xDrive30d. Petrol choices are either the 4.4-litre V8 in the xDrive50i or the said engine’s modified version, the X5M that produces 547 bhp. X5 buyers usually opt for the diesel engines due to their better economy and more powerful capabilities. The 245bhp introduced in 2010 had the eight-speed automatic gearbox and could arrive at 62mph from zero after just 7.6 seconds. The improved diesels, such as the 306bhp in either 40d or 50d include a triplecharged variation that can reach 62mph after 5.4 seconds.

The BMW X5 continues to impress with its redesigned elements. Some of the new features included in the 2010 redesign were the LED tail-lights, headlamps, and body-coloured bumpers. More changes have been emphasized in the weight, such as the 2.2 tonnes added to one side. The side depends on the model you choose as your vehicle. Despite the small addition, the vehicle still weighs the same as the Mercedes Benz M-class and is slightly lighter than the Audi Q7. The aluminum made bonnet and the thermoplastic used for the front wings is what makes the X5 still lighter or just in the midrange weight of other SUV models. In terms of size, the length is at 4.85 metres, enabling more room for an optional third row and providing a much bigger seater capacity than the Mercedes and Audi competitors. The BMW X5 also boasts of double wishbone front suspension, active steering, and adaptive anti-roll bars, with the last two as optional choices for those that would like to expand the X5’s on road capacities.

Cons

Two extra pews are the most prominent change in the second generation BMW X5  interior. Although these are helpful if you need the extra space, they come at a costly £1000 and will lessen the 90-litre sized underboot cavity. Other improvements in the X5 interior include better third row access via a lever that slides the middle seats and rearmost seats that can fit 5’7”-tall individuals. Anyone taller, however, will have some trouble squeezing in. 

There's a slight wind noise disturbance on the roof and outside the big door mirrors when going at a motorway speed. If you're looking for a smooth, quiet ride on long, empty roads this could put a damper on your concentration. 

Although there's a V8 petrol version available for extreme high end customers, it's more practical to go for the 241bhl 30d diesel. The latter is the cheapest variation that offers enough speed and affordable running costs. The M50d and 40d alternatives, although pack in more power and offer more fuel economy, are not worth the steep price.

The BMW X5 is the first four-byfour with the BMW marque. Introduced in 1999, it was a based on existing BMW technologies but riding on a four-wheel-drive transmission. Initially, it was marketed as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) to emphasize its on-road capabilities, rather than the off-road features. It also fits the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) category mainly because its on-road handling feels more like a car than a truck. It shares a niche market with the Mercedes Benz M-class and the Lexus RX in the luxury CUV category.

The first models came in a manual or automatic transmission, with a gasoline (petrol) inline-6 or V8, or a diesel engine. The X5 was originally based on the BMW 5-series, as well as the Range Rover HSE from Land Rover. The entertainment system is identical to the BMW 5-series.

The first generation models were manufactured from 1999 to 2006. The second generation was introduced to the market in 2006. Unlike its predecessor, it uses BMW's iDrive system and it had a third row of seats which increased passenger capacity to 7. In 2011, the series had an engine upgrade with turbocharged engines.

The BMW X5 M (sport variant) was released to the market in 2009. It used the same power and transmission as the X6 M and comes with the M Dynamic Performance Control.