Used BMW X5 (2007 - 2013) Review Review by David Ross on 05 Mar 2007 Last Updated: 16 Oct 2012 4.5 The BMW X5 can claim to have begun the trend towards large 4x4s that were meant for road use rather than frequent forays into the wilderness. And the new model launched in 2007 improves that formula further - it's more spacious, economical and quicker than before, plus it's better to drive too. Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Gallery Upmarket image, robust build quality, comfortable and hushed on the move, seven seat option Limited off road, cramped third row of seats, firm ride New price range: £39,930 - £82,735 Used price range: £4,131 - £22,580 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Test drive with BMW or request a brochure The BMW X5 can claim to have begun the trend towards large 4x4s that were meant for road use rather than frequent forays into the wilderness. And the new model launched in 2007 improves that formula further - it's more spacious, economical and quicker than before, plus it's better to drive too. The big news is that it's BMW's first ever seven-seater (although the extra chairs are a £1,320 optional extra) making it a more practical family car. Diesel versions will be the most popular but the petrol engines have been upgraded and are now greener while all cars get a new six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It's not cheap and has limited off road ability, but if you can afford one you'll be rewarded with one of the best on-road 4x4s on the market. Image and enginesThe BMW X5 was the first car to really grasp the whole SUV sector’s imagination with the first generation model and the second generation X5 has refined this to the point of near perfection. Its limited off-road ability will be of no concern to the vast majority of its owners, but the superb on-road dynamics will be a high priority for them. As well as the fine handling, BMW offers a superb range of engines. Most buyers choose a diesel from the three available that deliver quick, quicker and quickest performance depending on your budget and tastes. There are also two petrol V8 engines that are silky smooth and oh-so swift, but you’ll need the equivalent of a medium-sized country’s national debt to pay for the fuel. Firm rideOne downside of the BMW X5’s focus on driver satisfaction is the ride quality is on the firm side with the standard suspension and wheels. Most owners then add M Sport suspension and larger wheels for the looks they add. However, this further compromises the ride quality and can make the X5 just too brittle on more battered stretches of tarmac. The pay-off, though, is the brilliant handling the X5 offers that is more than enough to give the Porsche Cayenne a run for its money, as well as many executive saloons and estates. Can it take on the Porsche and win? Read the BMW X5 review to find out. Parkers Ratings Overall 4.5 out of 5 Performance 4.5 out of 5 Handling 4.5 out of 5 Comfort 4.5 out of 5 Practicality 4 out of 5 Behind the wheel 4.5 out of 5 Safety 4.5 out of 5 Reliability 4 out of 5 Running costs 3 out of 5 Green credentials 3 out of 5 Buying used 2.5 out of 5 Selling 4.5 out of 5 Equipment 3.5 out of 5 What owners say... “ The sheer size of it - it can pretty much swallow anything I can think of putting into it! Got three mountainbikes in with the rear seats down. ” 5 out of 5 Duncan Gibson , 18 Nov 2009 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps Test drive with BMW or request a brochure View 207 used BMW X5 Estates for sale Get an Insurance QuoteRead 8 owners' reviews Tweet Other BMW reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance Best deals on BMW X5 Estates Used BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport (7 Seat) 5d Auto (2010/10) Price £9,990 Save £2,755 DM Vans Used BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport 5d Auto (2012/12) Price £9,949 Save £2,151 Car Valley Used BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport 5d Auto (2011/61) Price £9,450 Save £2,000 Grand Car Market Used BMW X5 3.0d SE 5d Auto (2007/57) Price £5,750 Save £1,200 Auto Show Cars Ltd
“ The sheer size of it - it can pretty much swallow anything I can think of putting into it! Got three mountainbikes in with the rear seats down. ” 5 out of 5 Duncan Gibson , 18 Nov 2009 ... read more