BMW X5 2024 review
Photo: Damian B Oh, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The facelifted BMW X5 (G05 LCI) remains the definitive large luxury SUV for UK buyers who want seven seats, serious towing ability and an engine with character. The headline act is the xDrive40i: a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, producing 381hp and 520Nm for a 5.4-second 0–62mph sprint — while officially returning 33.2mpg.
The facelift brought BMW's Curved Display with iDrive 8, slimmer headlights and cleaner styling, while standard kit includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive LED headlights, heated front sport seats and adaptive two-axle air suspension. Practicality is a strong suit: 650 litres of boot with the seats up (1,870 litres folded), a clever two-section split tailgate, an optional third row on 40i and 40d models, and a 3,500kg braked towing limit.
The UK range runs from the xDrive40d xLine at around £66,230 to the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid at £78,360, with the xDrive40i M Sport at £69,070. The 50e offers 58–68 miles of electric range but cannot be ordered with seven seats; the 40d diesel remains the pick for high-mileage drivers at 37–41mpg WLTP.
Running costs are the reality check: real-world petrol economy sits around 25–28mpg, insurance is group 44, and the options list is expensive. But with a five-star Euro NCAP rating, BMW's three-year unlimited-mileage warranty and that superb straight-six, the X5 is still the large SUV to beat.
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UK price from: £69,070
Specifications
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 petrol + 48V mild hybrid |
| Power | 381 hp |
| Torque | 520 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 5.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 151 mph |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 33.2 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 193 g/km (WLTP) |
| Boot space | 650 litres |
| Kerb weight | 2,165 kg |
| Insurance group | 44 |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited miles |
Features
- 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol with 48V mild hybrid (381hp)
- BMW Curved Display with iDrive Operating System 8
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Two-section powered split tailgate
- Heated front sport seats with Sensafin upholstery
- Parking Assistant and Driving Assistant as standard
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £89.99 | Quality aftermarket; genuine BMW £100–140 |
| Oil filter | £16.99 | Cartridge type for the B58 engine |
| Engine air filter | £27.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | Activated carbon type |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £39.99 | Aero type |
| 12V AGM battery | £159.99 | 105Ah; Yuasa/Varta equivalent |
Pros
- Superb straight-six engine — smooth, strong and refined
- Huge 650-litre boot with a clever split tailgate
- Excellent long-distance cruiser: quiet, stable and comfortable
- Strong standard tech with wireless smartphone mirroring
- Seven-seat option and a 3,500kg towing capacity
Cons
- £66,000-plus entry price with steep options and group 44 insurance
- Real-world petrol economy of around 25–28mpg
- Plug-in hybrid cannot be ordered with seven seats
- Climate controls buried in the touchscreen
