BMW X5 - TopCarNews

BMW X5 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW X5 is a large SUV model that sits between the smaller X3 and the larger X7 in the BMW SUV family. The current model went on sale in 2018 and is the third generation of BMW X5.

The X5 currently holds an Expert Rating of 78% as of January 2022, which makes it one of the highest-rated large SUVs on sale. It is available with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as higher-performance M Performance models. There is also a range-topping X5 M Competition model, which is not covered in this rating.

The BMW X5 has received particular praise for strong on-road performance and low running costs. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is also considered to be one of the better implementations of this technology. However, the X5 has been criticised for a lack of off-roading ability and fussy, divise styling.

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUVEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: from £60,010 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2018Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

“The X5 falls down in too many areas to call it a definite class-leader, but the attraction will be there for many – it’s still a status symbol, it’s still eye-catching and it’s still great to drive.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: M Competition 2021Score: 8 / 10“Technically, the BMW X5 M Competition is an impressive performance SUV, but unlike rivals such as the Range Rover Sport SVR, it lacks the sparkle that puts a smile on your face.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X5 is pushing boundaries in the large SUV class, delivering performance, practicality and tech.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s hard to criticise a car that can deliver genuinely low running costs, lightning fast performance, and enough space for five people to travel in genuine comfort.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: xDrive45e M SportScore: 9 / 10“A six-cylinder petrol engine and a bigger battery work wonders for BMW’s plug-in hybrid SUV.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive 45eScore: 8 / 10“Whether this is the right X5 for you comes down to your driving habits. If you do a lot of urban driving and have easy access to a high-speed charger the xDrive45e is definitely worth consideration.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“For a buyer who needs much of what a big SUV does but who doesn’t want a car that embodies everything that the modern luxury SUV has become, the BMW X5 should continue to appeal strongly.”
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Model reviewed: X5 M50dScore: 8 / 10“Combines big pace with efficiency in stereotypically Teutonic fashion, but isn’t the performance SUV you’d choose for the last word in poise or excitement.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Whether or not you buy into the lifestyle image that comes with a large SUV like a BMW X5 is entirely up to you – we reckon a 5 Series Touring is a more satisfying drive most of the time and just as practical.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic xDrive 45eScore: 9 / 10“Unlike other plug-in hybrids, this BMW X5 xDrive45e is a seriously well-rounded package. From its 54-mile electric range that means you might rarely have to utilise the petrol engine at all, to its exceedingly low company car tax bills, it’s a very appealing model.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: xDrive45e hybridScore: 7.6 / 10“The switch between electric and petrol is smooth, and the combined maximum power of the motor and six-cylinder petrol is a considerable 389bhp, resulting in 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“The BMW X5 has had a growth spurt that makes it a better all-rounder, but it still offers a satisfying drive”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The BMW X5 manages to do a rare thing for a large SUV: be both comfortable and fun to drive. It’s a shame about the fake engine noise and lack of Android Auto, though.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid xDrive 45e M Sport“Even if the car wasn’t so good, the costs case would make the PHEV compelling. Add in the impressive range and performance and it’s a winner.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: (range review)“It’s a refined but sporty drive with sharp steering and good handling on corners and plenty of punch for overtaking and cruises effortlessly on motorways, with sufficient oomph when required. The engine is quiet and smooth, while still engaging.”
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Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid xDrive45eScore: 9 / 10“BMW’s thoroughly refreshed plug-in hybrid SUV is great to drive and has a decent electric-only range too. Besides making it easier to do electric only miles, it brings massive tax benefits for company car drivers.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“BMW’s original SUV is still its best, still handling like a big 5-series. It’s just a shame it means so much less today…”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: xDrive 45e PHEVScore: 9 / 10“The BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid drives like a BMW rather than a hybrid, and it has an official electric driving range of 54 miles.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The BMW X5 is a highly impressive SUV. It’s practical, spacious and comfortable, but also fun to drive. A smooth gearbox, powerful engines and supple air suspension make it a compelling package. It’s expensive, but the plug-in hybrid 45e has minute running costs and is luxurious enough to feel worth it.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“Our biggest grievance with the X5 is BMW’s refusal to offer Android Auto – which says a lot about how good the car is. It’s great to drive, with a premium interior and plenty of space for the family.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The X5 is arguably the sweet-spot in BMW’s range of SUVs – not to mention one of the best family off-roaders you can buy.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.8 / 10“Imposing SUV is luxurious and great to drive”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range overview“Packed so full of gizmos, there’s no room for fun” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview“BMW’s X5 is now bigger, bolder and more tech-laden than ever”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 30d 3.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“Undemonstrative design (apart from the huge grille) but comfortable, competent, with surprisingly good ride and handling, and a decent turn of speed. If you’ve got to have an SUV and don’t want a Range Rover Sport this is as good as it gets”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The X5 is more of a tech tour de force than ever, but did it have to be this brash, BMW?”
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Model reviewed: xDrive 45e“According to BMW, this plug-in hybrid is the X5 for all your needs. Which is a bold claim.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X5 is a smooth, classy and luxurious SUV, but not as practical as its best rivals and relatively expensive to buy.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid xDrive45e“Long-distance drivers will find the diesel option a better bet overall, but the BMW X5 Plug-in hybrid offers the potential for low running costs for those who can plug it in regularly.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“We have a few qualms with some of the optional extras, but overall this is a stunning example of a full-size luxury SUV.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018

89%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

75%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

75%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of January 2022, the BMW X5 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X5 has received

2022

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV

2021

Auto Express Awards – Best Large Premium SUV
Business Motoring Awards – Best Large SUV
Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Plug-in Hybrid (xDrive45e)
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Large SUV
What Car? Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Interior
What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Luxury SUV

2020

Auto Express Awards – Best Large Premium SUV
Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Plug-in Hybrid
What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid Luxury SUV

2019

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large SUV

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