BMW X5

Our verdict

It’s hard to argue with the new BMW X5 – it’s imposing to look at, amazing to drive and now has a seven-seat option. SUVs don’t come much better.

Comfort

The X5 is firm but well sorted, so it's really very comfy, especially over long distances. BMW has also installed some lovely seats which seem to suit the bigger driver and the car is quiet at all speeds.

Performance

All the bigger BMW engines are wonderful and the X5 boasts three of the best. You can go for a ‘base' 3.0i petrol(268bhp, 0-62mph in 8.1 and 130mph), the diesel version of the 3.0litre (232bhp, but because of the extra torque 0-62mph in the same 8.1 and the same 130mph top end), or go for the range-topping 4.8-litre V8 with 350bhp, 150mph and 0-62 in 6.5.

Cool

It's a big SUV, so it's genetically incapable of coolness. Might want to respect it though.

Quality

Build quality on the new X5 is exemplary. And the new gear selector is weird but brilliant.

Handling

Only the Porsche Cayenne comes close to the X5 in terms of on-road handling; the X5 can really shift. Swivel motors mounted on the anti-roll bars mean that at slow speed the X5 can ride well, and then when the going gets faster it can tighten itself up to feel more sporting. Feels a bit weird actually.

Practicality

For an extra grand you can have seven seats, which should stop bigger families drifting to the Land Rover Discovery, even though those rear seats are for kids really (even BMW makes that point). The car is huge, but visibility is good.

Running costs

Petrol isn't the way to go if you're worried about running costs; the V8 gets low twenties and the 3.0-litre six high twenties. The diesel fares batter with nearly 35mpg, but this is an expensive car to own and run - they start at Group 17 insurance.