BMW X5 3.0d

The X5's magical mix of driving pleasure and seven-seat practicality give it the edge

Published on Sep 06, 2009 07:00:00 AM

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The BMW’s cabin quality is fantastic. The dash is of high quality and there are genuinely no cheap plastic bits, the brushed metal, wood and leather are all of top quality and everything is solidly built. Of course, you do have a choice of customizing the interior trim and colours. The chunky steering wheel, the central console and the power controls all function superbly.

The 5-series-like ‘tap-for-shift’ gear selector is almost a work of art and the iDrive knob that controls the screen is superbly finished too. Front seat has proper bolstering and comfort is good. The X5’s rear seat is reasonably comfortable and is nice and supportive, but you feel a touch hemmed in and there is a relative lack of space. And the backrest is devoid of lateral support, so the seat is not supportive when the car is being cornered, but is great three abreast. It’s also got a third row of seats, which fold into the boot floor – they are quite spacious, but you sit knees up, which can get uncomfortable.

The X5's got a massive sunroof, but the solid cover keeps the heat out.