Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

BMW X5: update for BMW’s sporty SUV

Share

9 November 2010

BMW X5 road test report

BMW X5 3.0d SE

BMW X5 3.0d SE

What is it?

UPDATED version of BMW’s hugely popular sporty SUV. With a million X5 models sold since launch, the formula obviously works – so there are no revolutionary changes, just slight visual tweaks including new lights, bumpers all-round, plus an even more powerful, yet cleaner 3.0-litre diesel. Tested here in entry-level SE spec, priced at £43,980.

What’s hot?

  • Smooth six-cylinder diesel now boasts 248PS and 540Nm of torque…
  • …and races from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds
  • New eight-speed auto shuffles gears superbly; there’s always lots of urge
  • Surprisingly frugal though with 38.2mpg and 195/gkm of CO2
  • Handling is as sporty and car-like as it’s possible to get
  • Leather upholstery now standard
  • Options list has grown, now including Lane Departure Warning…
  • …Active Cruise Control and side-view parking cameras
  • You can choose between five and seven-seater layouts
  • Build quality superb throughout
  • Split tailgate neat
  • Hill descent control gives it some off-road ability

What’s not?

  • The X5’s image is likely to put off as many buyers as it attracts
  • No powered tailgate, which you could expect given the price tag
  • That’s about it

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 43,500
Monthly Rental*: 575 (CH)/£676 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 31%, 32%, 33%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 3.0 straight six turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 195g/km
Power/torque: 248PS/540Nm
Economy: 38.2mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

The changes made to the latest BMW X5 are hardly radical – but they’re very welcome. With a revised diesel and new automatic gearbox, it’s even better to drive, yet it’s economical and reasonably cheap to tax, too. Add in a spacious, quality cabin with the option of seven seats, and you’ve got one of the best sporty SUVs in the world.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

Latest news

Top