BMW X5 Car Reviews

The X5 is a costly car to buy, and the options that are made available only raise the price further. It’s also a costly car to run, since it isn’t very economical on fuel due to its large size, and equally large engines. In addition, it is generally expensive to insure. On the other hand, the X5 has a higher resale value than most of its competitors.

The X5 is a far better performer on the road than its size would suggest, its commanding driving position and superb handling help make it a great driving experience, whilst the X5 M makes you feel like you’re driving a large  tourer, rather than a 4x4.

The X5 would make an excellent family vehicle for any family who could afford to fuel it. The vehicles large size and four-wheel drive capabilities make it a top choice. The X5 is practical and spacious, with plenty of room for passengers, and the option of having 7 seats, ideally suiting it to the rigors of family life. In addition, the rear seats can be folded down to increase the boot capacity to transport larger cargo.

Background

The X5 is a large 4x4 that was first produced in 1999. It was developed at a time when BMW owned Land Rover, and enabled them to benefit from the expertise that the company had in developing four-wheel drive vehicles. The X5 represented BMW’s first attempt at a 4x4 and shared a number of features on the Range Rovers of that time. Since 2003, it has featured the xDrive system, which allows the distribution of torque to change instantaneously between the front and rear axles to maintain traction. When the xDrive system was introduced, the model was given a facelift, with modifications to both the headlights and rear lights to match that of the 5 Series, the car with which the X5 shares a platform.

In 2006 production of the second generation of the X5 began. It features a number of technological advancements, including the BMW on-board computer, iDrive and an ever advancing xDrive system that was introduced to the previous generation.   In 2010 the X5 M was introduced. It offers the same utility and practicality as the X5, but boasts a V8 M TwinTurbo, a 4.4 litre engine producing 555bhp. It is aimed at competing with the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

Summary

The X5 is a very capable large 4x4, offering a sporty drive on the road and a rugged drive off it. It is available with a range of engines, each of which will give more than enough performance for the average user. Both spacious and stylish, it is an excellent family car for those who require extra space but don’t want to compromise.