BMW X5 review (2013 onwards)

BMW X5 review (2013 onwards)

BMW X5 2013: first impressions

The second generation BMW X5 is a striking looking lump of Teutonic prowess, all bulging wheel arches, wide tyres and looming presence. Compared to that, this new third generation BMW X5 appears a little pinched – like a chubby bodybuilder after a crash diet. Or liposuction.

The new BMW X5 30d 3.0-litre diesel feels effortless in every given situation

That’s not to say the new X5 is ugly; rather that with its 3 Series-esque front end and various aerodynamic addenda – both obvious and unexpected – it seems to have lost some of that previously self-assured swagger, like it’s trying to be something it’s not. After all, let’s face it; it is still a hulking-great SUV.

BMW, of course, would prefer we use the term ‘SAV’, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle instead of Sports Utility Vehicle. The distinction is something it’s always made clear by virtue of a sharper than average driving experience and some powerful engine choices. Neither of which are going to change here.

What has changed – for the better – is the passenger accommodation and the efficiency. The latter is enhanced by the inclusion of a rear-wheel drive only model in the X5 range for the first time, but reduced weight and drivetrain improvements mean even the 4x4 variants are more green.

The technology count also increases. Sat-nav is standard, there’s a choice of four optional suspension packages on top of the standard setup, and the available safety kit is enhanced. The new X5 comes in SE and M Sport flavours, with two additional design packs on offer and either five or seven seats.

BMW X5 2013: performance

Five engines will be offered to UK buyers at first – four diesels and one petrol. All are turbocharged. The range starts with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel badged 25d; the other three diesels are carried over but fitter than before. The sole petrol is a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 badged 50i.

The twin-turbo petrol V8 will go 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds – it's almost uncomfortably fast

Only this and the 30d were available to try on the initial launch in rain lashed Canada. So while the 449hp V8 will barely account for 3% of a sales in the UK, it seemed rude not to get stuck in.

BMW says the 50i will go 0-62mph in just 5.0 seconds, and we’ve no reason to doubt it. This X5 is almost uncomfortably fast, with a snorting V8 soundtrack every bit as hell raising as you’d want and expect after dropping nearly £64k on a 4x4 that will barely crack 27mpg according to the official figures (we saw 19).

Only trouble is, the engine and its 479lb ft of torque seems to have the gearbox spooked. Every third generation X5