BMW X5

BMW Gran Tourer - Facts and Figures;
BMW X5M - For Sale;
BMW X5 - Expert Reviews.

3rd Generation BMW X5

The 2016 BMW X5 is in its Third Generation. It drives exceptionally well and is extremely nimble considering its size. The third row seats are an extra. They do not come as standard (£2,000). The new BMW 2 Series Grand Tourer has seven seats as standard.

BMW Efficient Dynamics

The BMW Efficient Dynamics is an award winning program using advanced technologies to lower Co2 emissions and raise fuel economy. This is done whilst preserving driving quality.

The third generation BMW X5 uses a combination of auto stop-start, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, lightweight engineering and optimum shift to achieve lower Co2 emissions and higher miles to the gallon.

Models Available

The 3rd edition BMW X5 has seven engines, namely; the XDrive40e (electric), XDrive50i, sDrive25d, XDrive25d, xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M50d.

Purchase Price

Prices for the BMW X5 Third Edition vary between £54,500 (sDrive25d) and £89,800 (XDrive30d) depending on what model and extras you add. Buying new isn't cheap. If you’ve got the budget then great! However if you fancy owning such a beast but don't want to pay the full asking price, why not try buying second hand or research online to compare prices. The new BMW 2 Series Grand Tourer is much much cheaper.

Fuel Consumption

The electric XDrive40e is stated to do 83.1 to 85.6 miles the gallon. BMW boast that it can do over 850 miles to the tank.

The next, most economical BMW X5 is the SDrive25d states as achieving between 47.9 to 57.6 miles per gallon.

Following this the xDrive25d manages between 45.6 and 50.4 miles to the gallon.

The XDrive30D and the xDrive40d have similar fuel consumption figures of between 41.5 and 47 miles to the gallon.

The penultimate least efficient choice in the BMW 5 range is the M50d model. The figures range from 39.2 to 42.8 miles to the gallon.

The least efficient but extremely powerful BMW X5 is the XDrive50i version that achieves only 21.7 to 29.4 miles to the gallon.

Performance

Speeds vary depending on which of the seven X5 engines you are looking at. In summary they perform as follows, (engine, engine size, top speed and time to 62mph):-

xDrive40e Electric (2L, 130mph & 6.8s).
sDrive25d (2L, 136mph & 7.7s).
xDrive25d (2L, 136mph & 7.7s).
xDrive30D (3L, 142mph & 6.8s).
xDrive40d (3L, 147mph & 5.9s)
m50d (3L, 155mph & 5.3s)
xDrive50i (4.4L, 155mph & 4.9 s).

C02 Emissions and VED bands

The electric XDrive40e (electric BMW 5) has ridiculously low C02 emissions of only 3.3 to 3.4 g/km. This falls into Car Tax band A (no annual fee).

The SDrive25d has emissions of between 139 and 141 g/km. This falls between bands E and F, which is between £130 and £140 per year.

The xDrive25d, XDrive30D and xDrive40d emissions range between 154 and 159 g/km. These three falling into Car Tax Band G which is currently £180 a year.

The penultimate least environmentally friendly choice in the BMW 5 range is the M50d that emits 173 g/km of C02. This is Car Tax Band H (£205 per year).

The least environmentally friendly is the XDrive50i with a whopping 224 to 226 g/km c02 being emitted. This falls into Band K and L (£290 to £490 per year).

All prices are for the 2015-2016 financial year.

Boot Capacity

With all seats folded flat (including the second row) the capacity in litres is 1,870. With the rear seats upright and in use the boot space decreases to 585 cubic litres.

BMW X5 boot area shown above.

BMW X5 boot space with all seven seats upright (enough space for a reasonable sized handbag).

Standard and Optional Features

There are so many standard features available when buying the BMW X5 Third Edition that it’s tricky to summarise. The rear lights have LED elements. The front lights come with a headlight wash. The fog lights are LED. There’s an air breather in the wheel arches that reduces fuel consumption. The roof rails are black. The tailgate is controlled remotely.

Optional features include nicer roof rails, sun protection glass, running boards, a tow bar, soft close doors and a high gloss shadow line.

There’s a whole page in the brochure on tyres and steering wheels. Wheels can vary in size from 18 to 20 inches. As standard the steering wheels are multifunctional and leather. You can opt for an individual leather sport or leather active steering wheel.

The BMW Professional Multimedia navigation system is a standard feature. Or you could opt for the Night Vision with Dynamic Light spot, which uses thermal imaging to recognize people or animals.

Other additional equipment includes variations on entertainment packages, lighting and audio equipment.

The most important (if you’re on my website) is the option to add a third row of seats. This makes the BMW X5 a 7-Seater. It costs just under £2,000.

Safety

The safety features available in the BMW X5 are not dissimilar to other BMW’s. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) recognises an imminent skid and stabilises the car. The Cornering Brake Control does what its says whilst the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) adds wheel slip to improve forward travel. The run-flat tyre allows you to travel up to 50 miles per hour after a puncture by not letting the tyres completely deflate.

The Passenger cell function increases passenger safety with its high strength materials placed to maximise safety. The Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the cruise control function to slow you down whilst going down hill. The Adaptive Headlights light up corners like never before. They also improve long and short range visibility.

The Driving Assistant consists of a lane departure and forward collision warnings. The most impressive (in my mind) of all the safety features is the Dynamic Safety function. This tightens the seatbelts, closes the window (including the sunroof) and moves the seat to reduce passenger injury. This is only available when you add the Active Security package.

Dimensions

The BMW X5 is 1.938m wide, 1.792m high and 4.886m long. The width from the inside is 1.662m in the front row and 1.525m in the second row seats.

Colours

The BMW X5 (third edition) exterior paint is available in the standard BMW colours, namely; Alpine White, Jet Black, Glacier Silver, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Sparkling Brown, Mineral Silver, Space Grey, Mineral White, Imperial Blue, Carbon Black, Pearl Silver, Ruby Black, Pyrite Brown or Azurite Black.

BMW X5 Upholstery colours are available in Black, Mocha, Ivory White, Terra, Canberra Beige, Criollo Brown, Amaro Brown, Smoke White, Nutmeg and Taupe. The leather (depending on choice) is either Dakota or Alcantara.

Additional variations in interior colours and trims can make your X5 unique. The choice is huge. The plastics could be Black, Ivory White or Canberra Beige. The trims available include a variety of wood and aluminum effects.