BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) | Expert Rating

Model reviewed: xDrive40e
Score: 6 / 10
“In some respects, the X5 xDrive40e offers the best of both worlds, but in others it’s fundamentally flawed.”
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Model reviewed:
“Opt for the xDrive45e, and you are buying one of the most impressive plug-in hybrids around, combining many of the best points of the standard X5 with a substantial real-world electric range and low company car tax.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“While it wasn’t the standard bearer for sporty handling this time around, the BMW X5 Mk3 was nevertheless a decent car to drive, and the trade-off for reduced handling prowess did at least result in a more comfortable ride.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive 50i M Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“The engine’s smooth soundtrack is a real plus-point, offering a nice, rich warble under light acceleration that turns into a high-pitched howl.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation BMW X5 is faster, cleaner and more comfortable than ever.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“New four-cylinder diesel X5 offers up impressive economy and stout performance without overly compromising on refinement.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The X5 sticks to BMW’s well-proven SUV formula, delivering a competent and refined off-roader.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Hybrid power increases the BMW X5’s weight but cuts its CO2 emissions to 77g/km and improves its combined economy to 85.6mpg.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive30d
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 is no looker, but it’s certainly a more complete car than its predecessor – it’s still a sharp drive, but couples more maturity and refinement with a much more premium-feeling cabin.”
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Model reviewed: M50d xDrive
Score: 5 / 10
“Six versions of the new X5 will eventually come to the UK, plus an X5M. I’d be surprised if any were better than this.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re looking for a spacious yet classy model that is comfortable on longer journeys, the BMW X5 would be a good choice. Go for the xDrive versions if you want to take this vehicle off the beaten path.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The X5 is a bit like Sean Connery – getting on a bit, but still impressively handsome.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive40e
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is ideally suited to company-car buyers after a large SUV”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The BMW X5 is an SUV that offers real driver involvement.”
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Model reviewed: 2014-18
Score: 6 / 10
“You simply can’t miss the BMW X5 whether it’s in a car park or your rear-view mirror – it’s a big, imposing SUV that looks and feels expensive from every angle.”
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Model reviewed: X5 40d M Sport
“If you desire crushing performance with a sustainable fuel bill then this 4×4 could be the car to take you there.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive40e
“The BMW X5 xDrive40e may be able to drink from the electric tap, but don’t expect to go too far on EV power alone.”
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Model reviewed:
“The big, butch BMW X5 has a lasting upmarket image and has long been one of the go to models for a large SUV.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 boasts excellent build quality and a capable chassis.”
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Model reviewed:
“The X5 sDrive25d is the lightest, most fuel-efficient and most affordable car in this class.”
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Model reviewed:
“If you’re looking for a big, fuel-efficient SUV, where price or true driving dynamics aren’t an issue, then there’s little not to like about the X5 50d.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive40e
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a big, heavy 4×4 with a petrol engine, so when you’ve run out of electric power, real-life economy won’t be great.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 is a bold and brash SUV stalwart.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“If you can live with the slightly aggressive image, you’ll love the BMW X5. It’s an SUV for all seasons, all reasons and all roads.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 25
“The BMW X5 xDrive40e is technically rather brilliant. BMW’s engineers have made the whole set up work in such a slick manner that you can barely tell you’re driving something a bit unusual.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The third-generation BMW X5 boasted improved comfort and efficiency, as well as new connectivity technology.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Nimble handling belies the X5’s enormity.”
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Model reviewed: F15
Score: 8 / 10
“Talented in all areas but more luxurious than the outgoing model and the Dynamic suspension option will blow your mind.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive40e
Score: 6 / 10
“The X5 hybrid is certainly functionally impressive, and will make more sense as deterrents from buying diesel models strengthen.”
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Model reviewed: X5 xDrive40e M Sport 5dr Auto
“If you’re going to build a hybrid, it’s crucial you nail the calibration between the power sources chiming in, and BMW’s is up there with the best.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive25d M Sport 5dr
Score: 5 / 10
“It’s impressive that BMW has had the gumption to launch a two-wheel-drive X5, but if we really had to pick an X5, we’d still go for the 30d.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive25d SE 5dr Auto
“The CO2 emissions are 149g/km and it should average 50.4mpg. Impressive stuff for a near-two tonne SUV.”
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Model reviewed: 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e PHEV
“You need to drive quite carefully to avoid the petrol engine kicking in, but when it does it deploys smoothly, and during normal driving is heard as a background thrum.”
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Model reviewed: M50i 5dr Auto
“Where it really impresses is the quality of its lavish interior and superb infotainment system.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“For an SUV that excels in daily use, the BMW X5 is a formidable machine, partly because it’s one of the more saloon-like SUVs to drive.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive25d
“That the 2.0-litre diesel engine is much more refined in the X5 than in other BMWs – and doesn’t feel underpowered – seals the deal.”
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Model reviewed:
“If you’re a company car driver, it’s easy to see why you’d choose the BMW over a Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes ML; the X5’s lower CO2 emissions mean you’ll have to sacrifice less of your salary each month in tax.”
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