BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) Review
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BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) At A Glance
Impressive interior quality and exceptionally comfortable, handles very well for such a big vehicle, available as a two-wheel drive 25d model with strong fuel economy.
Aggressive looks not universally popular, expensive to buy, thirsty petrol engines, high running costs.
The BMW X5 is the family SUV that appears to have it all. A practical and cavernous interior. The option of seven seats. Ride and handling that would shame a low-slung hatchback. Plus a cabin that’s rich in quality and loaded with technology. Launched in 2014, the X5 takes on cars like the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Land Rover Discovery, but the way it drives gives the BMW the edge in the crowded luxury SUV segment. The diesel engines provide decent fuel economy, not to mention a huge dollop of punch. It’s not cheap, but the X5 is a hugely appealing SUV.
This is one of the most desirable premium SUVs on the planet. For 20 years, the BMW X5 has been the go-to car for buyers who aren’t prepared to sacrifice ride and handling when buying a tall and slab-sided vehicle. There were SUVs before the original X5, but none drove as well as the BMW.
Launched in 2014, this era of X5 took BMW’s large SUV to new heights: better to drive than ever before, more refined, yet still hugely practical. Most new car buyers opted for the supremely spacious five-seat version, but there’s a seven-seat X5 if you need extra people-carrying capacity. As a seven-seater, the X5 boasts a small boot and two third-row chairs that are suitable for children.
It makes a stronger case for itself as a five-seater. The boot is massive, even more so if you fold the rear seats. Meanwhile, there’s enough room for five adults, with those travelling in the back enjoying the luxury of reclining rear backrests. The cabin is finished to the highest quality and loaded with neat details.
As is common for BMW, new car buyers were encouraged to select from an array of expensive options. The good news is that they’re unlikely to add to the cost of a used X5, so you can grab a bargain.
Indeed, used prices start from around £16,000. Admittedly, this is based on a 2014 car with intergalactic miles on the clock, possibly with a history at the hands of a traffic cop. Upping the budget to £20,000 will deliver an upshift in quality and provide a greater choice of cars. The BMW X5 sold in big numbers, so you can afford to be picky.
There were some significant changes for this X5, most notably the launch of a rear-wheel-drive version powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The sDrive 25d is the X5 to choose if you’re after a lower price and reduced running costs. However, it lacks the depth and breadth of talents offered by the xDrive four-wheel-drive models, so it’s hard to recommend.
It’s also hard to mount a serious case for buying a BMW X5 with a petrol engine. The X5 M and M50i are great fun, but the cost of insurance and fuel will be less enjoyable. If you’re after the pace and performance, but without the thirst, opt for the rare M50d.
Elsewhere, the xDrive 40d six-cylinder diesel is arguably the most relevant BMW X5, offering a terrific blend of performance, economy and efficiency. No matter what the weather, this is a car that feels surefooted and secure, inspiring confidence on all roads.
And we do mean all roads. On a B-road, the X5 feels light and agile, but it’s equally happy to sit on a motorway for hours on end. No wonder it’s so popular with the nation’s traffic cops. It’s almost as good to drive as the BMW 5 Series.
Reviews for BMW X5 (2014 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from sDrive 25d to X5 M
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 16–46 mpg
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Handling and ride quality
The BMW X5 weighs at least 2000kg, depending on the engine/spec, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that trying to thread one through a series of bends would be like asking an elephant to enter Dancing on Ice. So it’s all the more remarkable that the X5 is so good to drive.
Highlights include well-weighted steering, sharp handling and an overall feeling of tautness. This means the ride quality is less cushioned than on, say, a rival Mercedes-Benz or Volvo, but an Adaptive Comfort option means you can adjust the suspension to suit your needs.
The air suspension is a worthwhile upgrade, as the car feels more controlled and assured when cornering, but more absorbent and cosetting at high speeds. Be careful in the rear-wheel-drive sDrive versions, as they have a tendency to spin their wheels when the roads are greasy.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Engines
The xDrive 30d is arguably all the engine and powertrain you ever need in the BMW X5. The diesel engine is smooth and quiet, with the 0-62mph time completed in an impressive 6.8 seconds. The 40d completes the sprint in 5.9 seconds.
We understand why you might be tempted by the entry-level 25d, not least because it’s the only X5 offered with a rear-wheel-drive option. The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces a respectable 218PS, but the other versions are better all-rounders. All X5 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The hardcore M50d triple-turbo diesel produces 381PS and completes the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds, so it’s the engine to choose if you fancy chasing down Porsche Cayenne diesel drivers (without living with the thirst of a petrol engine). Speaking of which, the V8 xDrive 50i and 575PS X5 M are a huge amount of fun, if terribly thirsty.
For the best of both worlds, consider the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid. It pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack to deliver 37 miles of electric range.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Safety
This generation of X5 wasn’t crash-tested by Euro NCAP, so we can’t provide a safety rating. All versions come with a range of passive safety features, including multiple airbags, two Isofix points in the back and a third Isofix point in the front. Safety assist features included lane-departure warning and an auto-brake collision avoidance system that detects pedestrians and other cars.
The Driving Assistant Plus package added adaptive cruise control, which can be used in stop-start traffic. Emergency call was standard, automatically telephoning the emergency services in an accident, as was a driver attention monitor.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Towing
The BMW X5 is a formidable tow car, with the xDrive 40d a class winner in the Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year awards. A maximum towing capacity of 2700kg makes the X5 an ideal car for pulling a caravan or large trailer.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50d | 36 mpg | 5.3 s | 173 g/km |
| sDrive 25d | 48–52 mpg | 7.7–8.2 s | 139–156 g/km |
| X5 M | 25 mpg | 4.2 s | 258 g/km |
| xDrive 25d | 50 mpg | 7.7 s | 148 g/km |
| xDrive 30d | 40–41 mpg | 6.8 s | 156–162 g/km |
| xDrive 40d | 40–41 mpg | 5.9 s | 157–164 g/km |
| xDrive 40e | 83 mpg | 6.8 s | 77–78 g/km |
| xDrive 50d | 36 mpg | 5.3 s | 177 g/km |
| xDrive 50i | 29 mpg | 4.9 s | 224–244 g/km |
Real MPG average for the BMW X5 (2014 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
72%
Real MPG
16–46 mpg
MPGs submitted
492
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 500–1870 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4880–4886 mm |
| Width | 2184 mm |
| Height | 1754–1762 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2933 mm |
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Practicality
This is a big car, so that means there’s plenty of room inside. The boot is vast, with five-seat models offering 650 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats up, or 1,870 litres with them folded down. The boot is smaller in seven-seat models when all seven seats are occupied, but that’s normal for a car of this type. You’ll have enough room for a couple of bags, but beyond that you’ll need a roof box.
Space in the cabin is excellent, with the middle row of seats feeling considerably more spacious and luxurious than a BMW 5 Series.
There’s a flat floor, which is great for anyone sitting in the middle, while the seats are adjustable for comfort. Space in the third row is less generous, but that’s normal for a seven-seat SUV. Children will love sitting there, not least because they can look out of large windows.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Quality and finish
From the outside, the tight panel gaps, rich paint finish and neat details provide a great first impression, but things are even better on the inside. The plastics feel soft and smooth, while the leather-trimmed dashboard is a classy and upmarket touch.
The buttons and switches operate with precision and a feeling of solidity, while the instruments look crisp and clear. A number of options were available when the X5 was new, but they’re unlikely to add to the cost of a used car. Good news for you, as you’ll save yourself a small fortune.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Infotainment
Even now, six years on from the car’s launch in 2014, the infotainment feels modern and up-to-date. The 10.2-inch windscreen display sits alongside the instrument panel, looking like a tablet device, rather than a screen integrated within the dashboard. The display is crisp and sharp, with the system operated by BMW’s familiar iDrive controller.
It’s a comprehensive system, with the mapping a particular visual treat. For the best system, choose a post-2016 BMW X5, as a new interface means the system is quicker and easier to use. There’s also the option of a WiFi hotspot and wireless charging.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) value for money
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Prices
Prices start from around £16,000. This is enough to secure a 2014/2015 BMW X5 with up to 150,000 miles on the clock.
Alternatively, the same price is enough for a 2016 ex-police car. Most are advertised as such – there are dealers specialising in former emergency vehicles – and many are white. Mechanically, they should be sound, perhaps more so than a regular X5, but you might have to put up with a few holes in the dashboard and some battle scars on the paintwork.
Seven-seat versions are rarer than the five-seat X5 and they tend to fetch more on the used car market. Expect to spend at least £18,000 to secure a 2014 model, rising to £40,000 for a 2018 example.
Buying a 2017 or 2018 X5 will ensure you benefit from the remainder of BMW’s three-year warranty. Prices start from around £27,000, or less if you’re prepared to put up with more miles on the clock or an ex-police car.
The BMW X5 M is significantly more expensive. Prices range from £40,000 for a 2017 example to £55,000 for a 2018 car. Great to have 583PS on tap, but you’ll pay for the privilege at the petrol station. Make sure you have a loyalty card.
Back in the real world, the vast majority of used X5s are M Sport models, with diesel dominating sales.
BMW X5 (2014 – 2018): Running Costs
We’ll start with the diesel engines, as you’re more likely to buy a BMW X5 diesel than you are a petrol. We’ll also focus on the figures sourced from Honest John Real MPG data, as these are more representative of what you can expect to see in reality.
You’d think the xDrive 40e plug-in hybrid would perform well, and you’d be right. However, although BMW claimed it would deliver 83.1mpg, the reality is closer to 38.1mpg. Not bad for a four-wheel-drive SUV, but not great if you budgeted for 83.1mpg.
Other diesel engines range from 28.7mpg to 32.8mpg, depending on the output. Forget about achieving anything reasonable in the petrol versions. The M50d is good for 28.5mpg, the xDrive 50i just 21.2mpg, while the X5 M can only muster 17.5mpg. Ouch.
Insurance is another problem for the X5 M, with the super-SUV slotting into group 50. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the sDrive 25d gets a group rating of 37, so the cost of insurance should be more reasonable, if not exactly cheap.
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It’s not hard to see why the X5 is such a popular family SUV. It appears to have it all: excellent road manners, a cabin rich in quality, a huge boot, the latest tech and superb engines.
However, fuel economy is comically poor in the petrol versions, prices are higher than some impressive rivals, and the X5 doesn’t enjoy the best reputation for reliability. That said, the x40d is a terrific all-rounder. It’s the X5 we’d choose for mixing school runs with doing lifestyle things at the weekend.
Design Pure Experience has brushed stainless steel underbody protection, kidney grille and air intake bars plus a titanium effect rear trim strip. The exterior mirror bases and pillars are in high-gloss black and there is a matt aluminium trim around the side windows.
The exhaust tailpipes have a matt chrome finish. Inside, there is Nappa leather with contrast stitching in dark mocha and black, black leather on the instrument panel and upper arm trims with nut brown contrast stitching and an interior trim in Fineline Pure textured wood. The lower area of the instrument panel is in mocha. The Design Pure Experience package costs from £1760.
Design Pure Excellence gets underbody protection and wheel arch surrounds in the body colour, while the kidney grille bars are black with highgloss chrome fronts. There are T-shaped bars for the outer air intakes and louvres for the lower aperture, a chrome strip adorns the rear apron and the side windows have chrome line trim. The mirror bases and pillars are in high-gloss black.
The Nappa leather interior features extensive areas in ivory white with contrast stitching, American Oak interior trim and atlas grey leather instrument panel and door panel coverings with contrast stitching. The lower part of the instrument panel is in ivory white. The Design Pure Excellence package costs from £1160.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4880–4886 mm |
| Width | 2184 mm |
| Height | 1754–1762 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2933 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1995–2350 kg |
| Boot Space | 500–1870 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Run-flat tyres | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £43,745–£97,115 |
| Insurance Groups | 37–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–M |
| Official MPG | 25.4–83.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until July 2019
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.4 V8 Auto 5dr | £97,115 | 25.4 mpg | 4.2 s |
| xDrive40e M Sport 5dr | £61,065 | 83.1 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive40e SE 5dr | £57,080 | 83.1 mpg | 6.8 s |
On sale until April 2019
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| M50d 5dr | £71,065 | 36.2 mpg | 5.3 s |
| M50d 7Seat 5dr | £72,055 | 36.2 mpg | 5.3 s |
| sDrive25d M Sport 5dr | £52,725 | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | £54,135 | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d SE 5dr | £49,540 | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d SE 7Seat 5dr | £50,950 | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d M Sport 5dr | £55,855 | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | £56,845 | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d SE 5dr | £51,870 | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d SE 7Seat 5dr | £53,280 | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive30d M Sport 5dr | £59,405 | 40.3 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | £60,395 | 40.3 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d SE 5dr | £55,420 | 40.3 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d SE 7Seat 5dr | £56,830 | 40.3 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive40d M Sport 5dr | £62,125 | 40.3 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | £63,115 | 40.3 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d SE 5dr | £58,140 | 40.3 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d SE 7Seat 5dr | £59,550 | 40.3 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive50i M Sport 5dr | £70,705 | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i M Sport 7Seat 5dr | £71,695 | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i SE 5dr | £65,545 | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i SE 7Seat 5dr | £66,955 | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
On sale until October 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| M50d 5dr | - | 36.2 mpg | 5.3 s |
| M50d 7Seat 5dr | - | 36.2 mpg | 5.3 s |
| sDrive25d M Sport 5dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d SE 5dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| sDrive25d SE 7Seat 5dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d M Sport 5dr | - | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | - | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d SE 5dr | - | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive25d SE 7Seat 5dr | - | 50.4 mpg | 7.7 s |
| xDrive30d M Sport 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d SE 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive30d SE 7Seat 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive40d M Sport 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d M Sport 7Seat 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d SE 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40d SE 7Seat 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| xDrive40e M Sport 5dr | - | 83.1 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive40e SE 5dr | - | 83.1 mpg | 6.8 s |
| xDrive50i M Sport 5dr | - | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i M Sport 7Seat 5dr | - | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i SE 5dr | - | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
| xDrive50i SE 7Seat 5dr | - | 29.1 mpg | 4.9 s |
On sale until July 2015
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| sDrive 25d M Sport 218 Auto 5dr | £47,680 | 49.6 mpg | 8.2 s |
| sDrive 25d SE 218 Auto 5dr | £43,745 | 50.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| xDrive 25d M Sport 218 Auto 5dr | £50,750 | 47.9 mpg | 8.2 s |
| xDrive 25d SE 218 Auto 5dr | £46,050 | 48.7 mpg | 8.2 s |
Model History
- May 2013: New X5 revealed
- October 2014: X5 M announced
- March 2015: BMW X5 PHEV revealed
- May 2016
- May 2016: BMW X5 now benefits from latest iDrive interface
May 2013
New X5 revealed
The third generation X5, on sale in the UK from 16 November 2013, offers advances in design, luxury, comfort, versatility, efficiency, driving pleasure, safety and connectivity. Available with five TwinPower Turbo engines – four diesel and one petrol – a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of two or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive). In the UK it will be offered in SE or M Sport specifications.
|
Model |
OTR Price from |
Power |
Torque Nm |
0 – 62mph Seconds |
Top Speed Mph |
Combined Mpg |
CO2 Emissions g/km |
|
|
sDrive25d |
£42,590 |
218 |
450 |
8.7 |
137 |
50.4 |
from 149 |
|
|
xDrive25d |
£44,895 |
218 |
450 |
8.7 |
137 |
47.9 |
from 155 |
|
|
xDrive30d |
£47,895 |
258 |
560 |
6.9 |
142 |
45.6 |
from 162 |
|
|
xDrive40d |
£50,665 |
313 |
630 |
5.9 |
147 |
44.1 |
from 169 |
|
|
M50d |
£63,715 |
381 |
740 |
5.3 |
155* |
42.2 |
from 177 |
|
|
xDrive50i |
£63,920 |
449 |
650 |
5.0 |
155* |
27.2 |
from 242 |
|
The third generation X5 offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as a result of a raft of EfficientDynamics technologies. All engines already meet the EU6 emissions standard. In the diesels this is due to a combination of a nitrogen oxide (NOx) absorber catalyst, Selective Catalytic Reduction and a urea (AdBlue) injection which turns the vast majority of NOx in the exhaust stream into harmless nitrogen and water.
The range will initially be made up of the xDrive30d, M50d and xDrive50i, available from November 2013. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder xDrive30d is 19 per cent more fuel efficient, with economy improved by 7.4mpg and CO2 reduced by 33g/km – despite power and torque increases of 13hp and 20Nm. The M50d, powered by a triple turbo version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine first seen in the X6, is 12 per cent more efficient.
Consumption is reduced by 4.5mpg and CO2 emissions down by 22g/km, while maintaining its high power and torque outputs. The xDrive50i has a new-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine now incorporating VALVETRONIC variable valve timing as well as twin turbochargers. Power is improved by 10 per cent (41hp) and there has been a 50Nm increase in torque, but consumption falls by 20 per cent (4.6mpg) and CO2 emissions have been cut by 50g/km compared with the previous engine.
These three engines are joined at the end of 2013 by a four-cylinder diesel – taking advantage of the new X5’s considerably reduced weight, and a more powerful six-cylinder diesel.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is new to the X5 and appears in the sole two-wheel drive model, the sDrive25d, and the xDrive25d, which provisionally achieve fuel economy of 50.4mpg and 47.9mpg respectively. The respective provisional CO2 figures are 149g/km and 155g/km.
The xDrive40d, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, is expected to have average fuel consumption of 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.
All versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission which not only adds to driving enjoyment but also makes its own contribution to fuel-saving. The ECO PRO mode adapts the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics to support a particularly fuel-efficient driving style, and even programmes the climate control and heated seats and mirrors for the most efficient use of energy.
The new BMW X5 is equipped with a raft of EfficientDynamics features which complement the new engine line-up and standard eight-speed automatic transmission to keep fuel consumption and emissions to a minimum. They are joined in the new model by extensive weight and drag-reduction measures, making the new X5 the lightest and most aerodynamic car in its class.
The new BMW X5 comes as standard with a Drive Dynamic Control switch, allowing the driver to fine-tune the balance between comfort and sportiness on and off-road.
The Driving Experience Control switch adjusts accelerator response, the characteristics of the power-assisted steering, automatic transmission shifting and – depending on the choice of suspension – damping qualities and roll stabilisation. It is mounted in the centre console. In addition, there is a choice of four suspension packages to provide the ultimate in personalisation: Adaptive Comfort suspension, Adaptive M suspension, Adaptive Dynamic suspension and Adaptive Professional suspension.
Adaptive Comfort suspension comprises Dynamic Damper Control and air springs with automatic self-levelling, and offers two damping modes selected via the Drive Dynamic Control switch. It is ideally suited to owners who will use the X5 on a variety of surfaces. Adaptive M Suspension is standard with the M Sport package and includes SPORT and SPORT+ modes for drivers who enjoy a more dynamic driving style. The Adaptive Dynamic suspension package provides significantly sportier cornering characteristics by optimising roll stabilisation and directional stability via Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive. The Adaptive Professional suspension delivers the best of all worlds by combining the qualities of the Comfort and Dynamic packages into an integrated system.
In all models there are newly designed front seats with the option of comfort or sport seats. Heated comfort seats are now available for the second row. An Easy Entry function and a grip on the C-pillar make access to the rear simpler. The third-row seats can be lowered into the floor individually. The folding backrest in the middle row is now split 40:20:40 as standard for greater versatility.
The BMW X5 offers a minimum of 650 litres of luggage space, and 1,870 litres – an increase of 30 litres with the seats up and 120 litres with them folded – in two-seat formation. There is increased storage space within the cabin, while the split tailgate includes automatic operation of the upper section as standard and, now, remote control closing as well as opening.
Innovations have been added to the BMW ConnectedDrive system to enhance the active safety, convenience and infotainment facilities of the new X5. The new Driving Assistant includes Lane Departure Warning and a pedestrian and collision warning system with braking function. This first alerts the driver to a potential accident, primes the brakes and then initiates moderate braking at speeds of up to 35mph.
The Driving Assistant Plus package adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go to maintain a safe distance to vehicles ahead from around 19mph through a combination of a front-end camera and full-range radar sensors. It can brake the X5 to a standstill if necessary and will later this year include Traffic Jam Assistant to maintain the X5’s position in its lane at up to 25mph.
Dynamic Safety adjusts the seat belts, front passenger seat, windows and sunroof (if fitted) to the optimum position to survive an accident, while Attention Assistant can sense possible driver fatigue and issue audible and visual alerts. There is also the standard BMW Emergency Call, which identifies the X5’s position after an accident and automatically advises the BMW Call Centre of the severity of the impact, the number of occupants and if any airbags were triggered.
The BMW Parking Assistant (planned from late 2013) will identify suitable parking spaces and not only steer the X5 into them but also operate the accelerator and brake, while Surround-view gives the driver a 360-degree view of the outside of the car. There is also a new version of the BMW Head-Up Display which is able to put additional information on the windscreen, such as telephone contact lists, entertainment programmes, speed limit information and overtaking restrictions. The X5 is also available with Concierge Services to make hotel reservations or search for telephone numbers and addresses, while Real Time Traffic Information can guide the driver away from hold-ups on the chosen route.
October 2014
X5 M announced
BMW has outlined its plans to launch an M version of the X5 in 2015. The high performance SUV will be powered by a 575PS 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 and be capable of covering 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. The BMW X5 M and will reach UK dealerships on 11 April, 2015, and be priced at £90,170.
Capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the BMW X5 M promises to be brutally quick, with 750Nm of torque available from just 2200rpm. To cope with the colossal grunt, the ~X5 uses an eight-speed M Steptronic ‘box, with a wider gap between the gear ratios to improve performance.
Fuel economy is a claimed 24.4mpg for both vehicles, while CO2 emissions is a hefty 258g/km, which puts the X5 Minto the highest VED bracket, which is fittingly Band M. As you'd expect from a 575PS SUV, the suspension is firmer and the damping can be customised with three driving modes - Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - which will stiffen the ride and improve the responsiveness of the electronically assisted rack and pinion M Servotronic steering system.
Styling upgrades are included as part of the M treatment, with larger air intakes at the front and a new diffuser at the rear. Both cars feature twin-stalk exterior door mirrors, with integral indicators, and a four-tailpipe exhaust.
March 2015
BMW X5 PHEV revealed
The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency.
The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and the electric drive, which together generate a total system output of 313hp, endows the BMW X5 xDrive40e with strong acceleration while simultaneously realising a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 85.6mpg, and a combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO2 emissions are just 77g/km.
The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. With a capacity of 500 – 1,720-litres, the luggage area is barely compromised compared with other X5s. The standard charging cable can also be stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.
Short, everyday journeys in urban areas can easily be completed with zero tailpipe emissions, while actual fuel consumption is reduced substantially when driving for distances of up to approximately 15 miles in urban traffic. Driving in this way equates to an equivalent 94.2mpg.
On longer journeys, when both engine and motor need to be deployed, the powertrain keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower than in comparable models with similar power outputs. Assuming the high-voltage battery is fully charged, daily commutes of up to 37 miles can therefore be completed with a fuel consumption of no more than 43.5mpg, depending on driving style. What’s more, when the fuel tank is filled to its 85-litre capacity and the high-voltage battery pack is charged, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also boasts the X5’s customary long-distance capabilities for travelling on holiday, for example, when it still succeeds in keeping fuel consumption above 25.7mpg.
The 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol engine fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive40e features a TwinScroll turbocharger and generates a maximum power of 245PS and 350Nm of peak torque.
The electric motor has an output of 113PS, while its maximum torque of 250Nm is available instantly in typical electric drive fashion. This boosts the engine’s output for increased responsiveness with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as providing strong performance whenever a quick burst of speed is required. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130mph. In all-electric drive mode, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 75mph, again, electronically limited.
Bespoke design touches on the exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy, while the exhaust system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, roof rails, the doorsill strips with their blue background colour, and the centre console.
May 2016
BMW X5 xDrive40e now part of iPerformance range Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.
May 2016
BMW X5 now benefits from latest iDrive interface
Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.
In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.
Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.
What to watch out for
Report of centres of alloy wheels of 2016 BMW X5 corroded after only 14,500 miles. BMW refused to replace them because owner had kerbed the rims.
04-08-2018:Report that once a proximity key signal for a BMW X5 has been cloned, the thief can then open the car at any time subsequently, but rolling immobiliser codes mean he cannot start and drive the car away.
15-01-2019:BMW X5, in for EGR cooler recall, needed a new EGR and none available due to supply shortage. Dealer told owner it woud be at least 5 weeks. (Happily this was resolved and a new EGR cooler arrived on 22nd January.)
