BMW X5 M ESTATE xDrive X5 M Competition 5dr Step Auto [Ultimate]

BMW's X5 was the original 'Sports Activity Vehicle'. And this improved version of the fourth generation model is more sophisticated than ever before. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

This updated version of BMW's fourth generation X5 demonstrates the brand's latest advances in technology, design and safety, with sharper looks, a completely upgraded cabin and extra equipment. The key changes though, lie beneath the bonnet, with big advances in electrification, particularly for the now larger-battery xDrive50e Plug-in Hybrid model. So it's all change - but very much business as usual. You wouldn't expect anything less really.

Background

The BMW X5. It was the car that, back at the turn of the century, completely changed the way we thought about large, plush 4x4s, the car that, more than any other, defined the modern luxury SUV and the one that since the turn of the century, almost every other prestige brand has sought to copy. Nevertheless, 2.2 million X5s have been sold since this model line first appeared back in 1999. BMW doesn't actually like the term 'SUV' with its clunky connotations and has always marketed this car as an 'SAV' or 'Sports Activity Vehicle', though the tag has never really caught on. As you'd expect, this fourth generation version moves the game on a little further again, offering what, on paper at least, BMW claims to be the best combination of performance and efficiency in its class. But the competition's tougher than ever before, with rivals claiming better driving dynamics, extra practicality and greater luxury. With all that in mind, is this still the most complete car in its segment? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

As before, xDrive 4WD comes fitted across the range, but otherwise quite a lot's gone on under the bonnet as part of this facelift. The 3.0-litre six cylinder diesel variant most will choose (still badged xDrive30d) gains a revised 48V mild hybrid system, adding 12bhp and 200Nm of torque via a gearbox-mounted electric motor. That xDrive30d diesel puts out 298hp and makes 62mph in 6.1s. The other conventionally-powered model is petrol V8 M variant, now badged 'M60i' (which also gets the 48V mild hybrid system); that M60i offers 530hp and makes 62mph in just 4.3s, courtesy of a prodigious 750Nm of torque. At the very top of the range is the X5 M Competition, which has 625hp and makes 62mph in just 3.9s. The biggest mechanical changes though, are reserved for the Plug-in Hybrid version, now badged 'xDrive50e'. This gets a newer generation turbocharged 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol engine putting out an extra 26hp. There's also a more powerful 84hp gearbox-mounted electric motor, creating a powertrain total output of 490hp and a 0-62mph capability of 4.8s. Yet because battery capacity has also risen (by 3.4kWh to 25.7kWh), if you drive more conservatively, an official WLTP-rated EV driving range between 58 and 68 miles is apparently possible. All X5s get an updated eight-speed Steptronic Sport auto transmission with a host of innovations over and above the electric motor integrated into its housing. The unit's internal efficiency, vibration damping and shift timing have all been optimised, while shift characteristics are now adapted to the Driving Experience Control switch setting. The gearbox also includes a Launch Control function, plus using the gearshift paddles, drivers can activate a Sprint function for a quick burst of speed. Otherwise, things are much as before. A two-axle air suspension system is standard, as is a 'Dynamic Damper Control' set-up to tailor ride quality, this accessible through the usual Driving Experience Control driving modes system. If you want to go further, the 'Adaptive M suspension Professional' package delivers two key enhancements. First, there's 'Active roll stabilisation - which compensates for cornering roll. And second there's 'Integral Active Steering' - which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction, depending on the vehicle speed. This optimises cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic. The few customers likely to venture 'off piste' can also specify an Off-Road package.

Design and Build

This updated version of the fourth generation X5 may appear fairly similar to the earlier version but if you take a second look, much is different. There's a new-look front kidney grille which can now be ordered with 'Iconic Glow' illumination. And there are narrower signature BMW headlights, with arrow-shaped daytime driving lamps that serve as turn signal indicators. The front bumper's reprofiled too and the lower front air intake has a horizontal trim detail in Pearl-effect Chrome and triangular apertures in its outer areas. At the back, there's new geometry for the rear apron, while redesigned rear lights feature striking sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements. The updates are even more obvious inside, the dash de-cluttered of buttons courtesy of the installation of the BMW Curved Display we've been seeing in all the brand's most recent models. Here, it's made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment control screen, both located behind a single glass surface. The automatic climate system is now operated via permanently displayed control graphics on the BMW Curved Display, which you may or may not think to be a good thing. The same applies to the greater number of touch-sensitive buttons scattered around the dash. The fascia's also been redesigned, with surfacing in leather-like 'Sensafin'. Plus there's a re-styled gearstick and a freshly added X5-branded ambient light bar with a crystalline surface structure and LED backlighting integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area. Connectivity's improved as well; front passengers can watch video-on-demand services on the central screen; and the 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring is wireless. And the now-standard 'Digital Key' features allows you to unlock the car with your 'phone. Otherwise, things are much as before. You can just about fit three adults across the rear bench. And buyers can specify a panoramic glass roof that's 30% larger than and can be embellished with a 'Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge' option which provides LED light spread evenly across the glass surface to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. There's a two-section tailgate that can be power-operated and as before, there's a large boot - with 650-litres of space if you choose a conventional engine, extendable to 1,870-litres if you fold down the 40:20:40 split rear bench. It's 500-litres and 1,720-litres for the xDrive50e Plug-in variant. The xDrive30d can be specified with a third row of seats as an option

Market and Model

Prices have risen quite a bit, now starting at around £72,000 for the base diesel xDrive30d, rising to around £85,000 for the petrol xDrive50e Plug-in Hybrid and around £95,000 for the 530hp M60i. The X5 M Competition flagship variant cost from around £129,000 at the time of this Review in Autumn 2024. Inside, across the range you get standard 'Vernasca' leather upholstery, available in four colours and electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Options include an 'Ambient Air' package which provides air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and a 1,500-watt output will be tempting too, as will the optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system which comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player and two headphone jacks. The new Comfort Pack includes seat heating for the outer rear seats and a Heat Comfort package, which brings heating for the steering wheel, driver/front passenger door armrests and centre console. The 'thermo' function for the cup holders keeps drinks cool or warm as required. The optional Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof generates an exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. As you'd expect, there's all the latest camera-driven safety kit. And, to suit the mood of the moment, BMW has included its latest automated driving tech too - though to get it, you'll have to specify the optional 'Driving Assistant Professional package'. This gives you 'Active Cruise Control', a 'Steering and lane control assistant' and 'Traffic jam assist'.

Cost of Ownership

Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology comprising a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx absorption catalyst and an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection, the volume xDrive30d diesel variant continues to offer an efficient package. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 39.8mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of up to 186g/km. The V8 petrol M60i meanwhile is a very different proposition, posting a combined fuel consumption of up to 24.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 261g/km. The M Competiton manages 21.9mpg and 291g/km. The xDrive30e petrol Plug-in Hybrid is of course in another league here. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, its 25.7kWh battery allows the car to go up to 68 miles without troubling its engine. And there's the usual fantasy-land three-figure combined cycle fuel reading, in this case between 256.8 and 353.1mpg. Key though is the government believes BMW's quoted CO2 figure (now down to a best of just 18g/km), which will have very positive implications for your BiK tax rating. What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display and the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

What we have here is a more mature X5, this improved version of the fourth generation model having evolved into a smarter, more comfortable and more efficient proposition. It will probably never reclaim the dominant market share its MK1 predecessor originally enjoyed, but BMW once again has the hardware to remind its closer German rivals just who really developed the luxury SUV sector in the first place. True, this might not be as handsome a design as it used to be, but it's still imposing and classy. Better connected too and more relevant, not only in terms of its lower running costs but also its hi-tech infotainment ConnectedDrive cleverness. And all of this on top of a range of virtues that more than ever, offer as much motoring flexibility as you could ever need. We are, after all, looking here at a car with economy pretty close to that of an ordinary family estate, yet one that potentially can keep up with a hot hatch, scale the lower slopes of Ben Nevis and potentially even take up to seven folk to the theatre when all is done. It is, by any measure, a very complete vehicle - and now perhaps the most accomplished all-round choice in a very talented segment when all is said and done. A benchmark then. Just as X5s have always been.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated windscreen washer jets

Variable intermittent rear wash/wipe

Acoustic glazing

Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and windscreen wiper control

Sun protection glazing

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Integrated brake system

Brake drying

Braking pre-tensioning

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Brake fade compensation

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Hill start assistant

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

High-performance disc brake with compound structure

PC iBrake (Post crash approach control warning with light braking function)

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension pro

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspot

Enhanced bluetooth hands free facility with Telephony wireless charging

Storage for wireless charging

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

M servotronic

Attentiveness assist

Front/rear park distance control (PDC)

M drive buttons

Driver Convenience

Universal remote control

Stop/start button

BMW gesture control

Automatic tailgate with seperately opening top hinged section

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Run flat indicator

Brake force display

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW legal emergency call

On board computer inc. average speed, fuel consumption, liquid crystal Info display, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile

BMW Drive recorder

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Recovery braking system

32GB hard disc drive (HDD) memory

Infinity symbol with line graphic on reset of average consumption

Condition based service - BMW service history, electronic service booklet, integrated owner's handbook

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

Language version English

BMW Recovery system

BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head up display including 12.3" instrument display and 14.9" high resolution control display with navigation function

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

M Carbon mirror caps

Integrated direction indicators

M-specific Exterior mirrors

Exterior mirror base in black matt

Embellishment Trims

Leather dashboard

BMW Individual leather finished instrument panel

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

High precision injection

Safety battery terminal clamp

Double VANOS

Turbocharger with Valvetronic

M xDrive system

BMW M TwinPowerTurbo 8 cylinder petrol engine

Entertainment

Favourite buttons

USB connection, USB type A 1.5A in cupholder, USB Type C 3A in centre armrest

Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

BMW Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

M Sport exhaust system

Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof

Roller shutter

Front and rear bumper system

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line with extended contents

M carbon engine cover

Front and rear door sill strips

X5 M competition badging on tailgate high gloss black right finished

Rear side wing doors

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Door locking - after driving off to secure vehicle

M strake element with model designation, integrated in the Air Breather

Body color M rear spoiler

Exterior Lights

Third brake light in rear spoiler

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED fog lights

Welcome light carpet

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

Follow me home headlight function

BMW individual lights shadow line

LED Rear light with tail light, brake light and turn indicators

LED Reflectors, left and right, integrated in tailgate

Brake lights illuminate under normal braking

Under severe vehicle deceleration

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Luggage net

Front and rear door pockets

Storage bins on all doors

4 Lashing eyes in boot

Front and rear cupholders x 2

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Securing rings in luggage compartment

Lockable glove compartment

Compartment in front of cupholder

Heated and cooled cup holder

Light inside glove compartment

Luggage compartment floor panel with integral storage tray

Multifunctional hooks

Roller sunblind for rear side windows

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

12V - Power sockets with 2x centre console and 1x luggage compartment

Electrical steering column with adjustable height and length with activation and control on the steering column

Soft close function for doors

M sport leather steering wheel

Storage space underneath the floor insert in luggage compartment

BMW ID

Gear selector lever and operation

Left and right bag hooks in luggage compartment

M steering wheel with gearshift paddle switches made of CFC

Manual roller sunblind for rear side windows

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading lights

Rear centre interior light

Vanity mirror lights

Packs

Ambient air pack - X5/X6 M

M Driver pack - X5/X6 M

Driving Assistant Professional Pack - X5 M

Heated front comfort pack - X5/X6 M

Connected Package Professional - X5 M

Ambient light interior pack - X5 M/ X6M

Expanded exterior mirror pack - X5 M/X6 M

Travel and comfort system pack - X5M/X6M

Parking Assistant Professional Pack - X5M&X6M

Luggage compartment package - X5M / X6M

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front and rear head airbags

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Driver and front passenger side airbags

Child proof locking system in rear door

Three 3 point inertia reel seatbelts

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off, interior lighting + activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Deformation zones - front and rear with door reinforcements and bumpers up to 2.5 mph

Passive protection for pedestrians

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Tyre pressure indicator

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front and rear M seatbelts stopper, seatbelt tensioner for front and outer rear seats and belt force limiter

Black M sports seatbelts with coloured M seam for all seats

Seats

Driver + front passenger lumbar support

3 rear headrests

Front and rear seat heating

Active front seat ventilation

Massage function for front seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Seat back with flap pocket

M Electric front sport seats with memory function

Single front passenger seat

Electric adjustment of the upper section of the backrest with Illuminated M logo on the head restraint

Lumbar support with height and depth adjustment in backrest

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system

Vehicle key

Driver and front passenger door centre lock switch

Closing system with central locking

Comfort Access with Keyless access to the vehicle through all doors and tailgate, BMW Digital Key Plus for locking/unlocking

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

M Sport differential

8 speed automatic with steptronic transmission including launch control and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel

Active M differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 276

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 289

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 295

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 289

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 267

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 247

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 466

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: S68B44T0

Cylinders: 8

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 32

Cylinder Layout: V8

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

CC: 4395

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.9

WLTP - MPG - Low: 13.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 11.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 23.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 20.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 21.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 22.1

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Special Edition: 0

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Special Order: 0

Generation Mark: 4

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

Badge Engine CC: 4.4

Badge Power: 625

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Series: X5 M Comp [Ultimate]

Coin Description: xDrive

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Performance

Top Speed: 180

Engine Power - KW: 460

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 553

Engine Torque - NM: 750

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 625

Engine Torque - MKG: 76.5

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: STYLE 818M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 295/35 R21

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R22

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4948

Width: 2015

Wheelbase: 2972

Width (including mirrors): 2218

Height: 1762

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 650

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 640

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3000

Minimum Kerbweight: 2400

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 83

Max. Roof Load: 100

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3040

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1870

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.8

Brakes

M brakes with black calipers

Embellishment Trims

BMW Individual interior trim finishers piano finish black

Carbon fibre interior trim finishers

BMW individual Open-pored finewood ash interior trim

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Frozen paint

BMW Individual special request paint

Special metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Interior Features

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery

BMW Individual headliner alcantara

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Marina Bay blue

Metallic - Toronto Red

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Special metallic paint - Dravit grey

Frozen paint - Frozen Pure grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Towing

Electric folding towbar

Trim - Leather

BMW individual full Merino leather - Adelaide grey/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Taruma brown/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Sakhir orange/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Silverstone/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Black/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Ivory white/atlas grey

Trim - Part Leather

Individual alcantara/full merino leather - Midrand Beige/black

Wheels - Alloy

21" front / 22" rear 818M Black alloy wheels

21" front /22" rear M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 809 M Bicolour with mixed tyres