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4X4
The X5 is a high-image cruiser bought for its looks rather than its off-road ability. Despite its bulk, it is easy and satisfying to drive, and most have auto gearboxes that change smoothly. Inside, it's classic BMW: the dash is lifted from a 5 Series, albeit with a few modifications, but everything is easy to find, although some buttons are small.
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Up front, comfort is spot-on: the driver's seat has electric height adjustment and the wheel adjusts in both directions, so everyone should find the spot that suits. The view out is clear, too, although most models have reversing sensors, which are very handy. Practicality, too, is excellent. There's space in the back for three adults and, although the boot isn't the biggest, it is a good shape. Plus, the tailgate is split so that just the glass can be opened, and the lower part drops to give a flat loading platform. The car earned a full five stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety in a crash, but only one star for pedestrian protection.
Running Costs
X5s will chew through your cash. Fuel bills on any petrol model will be enormous and only the diesel offers sensible economy. Spares cost a packet, too. Remember that, for a specialist car like this, meticulous servicing and specifying the correct brand of replacement tyres and so on are vital if you're to sell it for its maximum. All of this means you're locked into costly BMW dealer servicing and labour rates, although most franchises offer discounts for vehicles once they reach four years old. Insurance is hefty: group 17 for the 3.0 diesel and petrol, group 20 for the others. If you're over 30 and have an accident-free driving history, premiums may be at sensible levels but we'd pay extra to protect that no-claims discount. The one saving grace is that the X5 loses value over time very slowly indeed, making it a much better bet financially than most others in its price bracket.