New BMW X5 review, road test

It’s the best X5 yet and local assembly has made it better value too.

Published on Oct 08, 2014 12:38:00 PM

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New BMW X5

Optional wheels look stunning but the low pro tyres make the ride rock-hard.

Harman Kardon audio system comes as standard; sounds great.

Navigation is capable of rendering 3D images of surrounding buildings.

Fantastic straightline performance but engine lacks a bit of refinement.

The 3.0-litre diesel motor has fantastic grunt as ever, shoving you back in the seat from as little as 1700rpm. Flick the stubby gear selector to manual mode and the motor spins to an incredible petrol-like 5,500rpm redline and holds it there too. If you prefer taking full control of the reins, the quick-shifting ZF ’box isn’t shy to downshift even from higher revs when you tug at the paddle-shifters. The only grouse with this otherwise fantastic engine is a mild drone at moderate revs on the highway. And at idle, you can feel the vibes creeping in through the floorboard. This is not a particularly quiet diesel.