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BMW X5 road test report

BMW X5

The new BMW X5 is a significant improvement upon the old BMW X5. Featuring an excellent choice of engines, the third row of seats turns the X5 into a genuine seven-seater. The X5 is a capable performer both on-road and off-road.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
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PHIL SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

BMW provides the choice of three quality engines, the 3.0-litre and 4.8-litre petrol and the 3.0-litre diesel. There is also a twin-turbocharged 3.0sd model.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

The X5 corners superbly, the steering is communicative and well-biased. Visibility is excellent in all directions but the rear, where the smallish window limits. The X5 is a 4x4 that is enjoyable to drive with engines that provide great power.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

BMW and high build quality consistently go hand-in-hand (the X3 notwithstanding) and the X5 is expertly put together using the finest materials. BMW’s iDrive makes the dash uncluttered. Reliability should be top notch.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

Euro NCAP crash tests awarded the X5 with four stars for adult occupation. However, it only received 1 star for pedestrian protection, an area in which Euro NCAP described its performance as dire. Driver, passenger, front and side airbags are included as standard, so are anti-lock brakes, automatic stability control, brake drying, brake fade compensation, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and electronic brake-force distribution.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

The new 7-seater X5 has been lengthened by 18.7cm and widened by 6.1cm to make room for the new row of seats. As a five-seater the X5 is now extremely spacious with a massive boot space. The third row of seats is suitable only for children.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

The fuel economy of the petrol engines is poor; you will struggle to get more than 25 miles to the gallon. The diesel engines are better though averaging 25 miles to the gallon. The insurance groups are high, starting at 17, going up to 19. Residuals will be good and the X5 may make a better leasing option as the price tag is steep.

Submitted: 01/07/2008 10:58:13

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