[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-x5-2018-reviews\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-x5-2018-reviews\/","headline":"BMW X5 reviews: what the critics think","name":"BMW X5 reviews: what the critics think","description":"When it comes to premium mid-size SUVs, the BMW X5 is one of the leading names. It first emerged in 1999 and it has quietly yet confidently ploughed through to its fourth-generation model, racking up more than 2.2 million sales in the process. But is this latest iteration good enough to keep it ahead of the ever-expanding pack of rivals that includes strong competition like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90? \u2018A fantastically capable all-rounder\u2019 Auto Express awarded […]","datePublished":"2018-10-23","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/BMW-X5-2018-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/BMW-X5-2018-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-x5-2018-reviews\/","about":["4x4 Cars","BMW","Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":527,"keywords":["bmw","BMW X5","BMW X5 REVIEW"],"articleBody":"When it comes to premium mid-size SUVs, the BMW X5 is one of the leading names.It first emerged in 1999 and it has quietly yet confidently ploughed through to its fourth-generation model, racking up more than 2.2 million sales in the process.But is this latest iteration good enough to keep it ahead of the ever-expanding pack of rivals that includes strong competition like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90?\u2018A fantastically capable all-rounder\u2019Auto Express awarded it four out of five stars, hailing it as \u2018a fantastically capable all-rounder\u2019. However, despite its strong points, the weekly car mag struggled to find anything about the X5 that elevated it above its rivals.In the plus column though, AE said the X5 was \u2018big, comfortable and quiet\u2019, going on to compliment how the diesel engines combine decent performance with reasonable running costs.Autocar matched AE\u2019s four-star score, describing the new X5 as \u2018capable, convenient, refined and classy\u2019 despite its \u2018occasionally crashy ride\u2019.Similarly, the Telegraph viewed the X5 mk4 as \u2018an evolution of what’s gone before\u2019, but the most luxurious and efficient version yet.How does it drive?Autocar\u2019s tester felt a bit deflated by the X5\u2019s pace, saying that it doesn\u2019t feel as fast as the 6.5 seconds claimed by BMW, with some sub-2000rpm lag uncovered when switching over to manual.This is no sportscar though and Autocar acknowledged that few buyers will push the big SUV to its limit and considered this version to be \u2018more of a driver\u2019s X5\u2019 than what has come before it.They went on to praise its off-road ability and mix of high torque and versatile suspension that will keep drivers moving along most tracks.WhatCar? found the three-litre six-cylinder diesel, badged 30d, to be gutsy if a touch slow to respond when the accelerator pedal is floored from a standstill. Despite this, they considered it to be responsive and punchy whilst on the move.Top Gear raised caution on the X5\u2019s four-wheel steering system, which proved \u2018a little unpredictable and ornery\u2019.They explained: \u2018It\u2019ll turn into a 50mph bend with a twitch, so you stop winding on the lock, then mid-bend it wants some more. It\u2019s tricky to be smooth.\u2019Top Gear went on to question whether this system was even necessary in the UK where motorways aren\u2019t fast or windy enough to warrant that extra stability.What\u2019s the X5\u2019s interior like?Spacious enough to keep four large adults happy, so says the Telegraph, which preferred it to the comparatively squishy Porsche Cayenne.Comfort depends on which suspension setting you opt for though, with the adaptive comfort suspension being the preferred option. While the seats are supportive, their manual seat controls are \u2018horribly fiddly\u2019, which would be a problem if more than one person drives the car regularly.The Telegraph found the X5\u2019s dashboard layout to be \u2018classy and simple to use\u2019, thanks largely to BMW\u2019s brilliant iDrive control system.Should I buy one?\ufeffYes. There\u2019s not much that the X5 does badly and going off reviews, the X5 remains one of the best-in-class."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"BMW X5 reviews: what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-x5-2018-reviews\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]