Business Car Manager verdict

What’s the case for the X5 M50d?

So ubiquitous has the X5 become since it arrived in the UK in 1999, that this model –even in M50d ‘hot’ guise- raises few eyebrows. Rather, it has been subject to a vast numbers of deeper-than-skin changes to improve refinement and performance.

For instance, BMW tinkered with numerous wing mirrors in a wind tunnel to reduce wind noise at M-Way speeds. So noise levels are noticeably down, as is drag and fuel consumption.

In addition to M Sport styling package, the M50d gets several additional tweaks such as blackened, stainless steel exhausts, M badges and special M steering.

Above all, though, it’s the engine that sets it apart. It lifts performance to truly entertaining levels accompanied by a great sound. The M50d boasts 123 horses more than the xDrive 30d that will account for 60% of UK sales; so if you really want to stand apart and are addicted to the SUV experience, this is the model you’ll want. Even on optional, 20 inch rims, the ride is unbelievably fluid for a two-tonne leviathan.

You can quickly point out the obvious ‘flaw’ of this particular flagship model in BMWs 2014 X5 range. If you want to go very fast in a car, would you really do it in an SUV?

But it’s a pointless question as thousands of happy X5 customers testify. Simply put, this vehicle comes into its own as soon as you drive away in it, and that’s BMW’s achievement here, to have honed the road handling of the X5 to a point where it is more car and less SUV, but retaining the height and tough looks that owners prefer.