BMW X5

There aren’t many cars that can do what the BMW  X5 can do: it’s like a roomy, comfortable hot hatch on stilts. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, much more so than alternatives such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE.

If you want to get something closer, you’ll need to head to a Porsche Cayenne, but that’s a bit like a 100-metre sprinter at a marathon – it isn’t quite as comfortable or practical for families over long distances.

The BMW X5 has them very much licked on the luxury front, though. Everywhere you prod there’s leather or soft-touch plastic, from the top of the dashboard to the door tops. Sure, the overall design is slightly more conservative than that of a Mercedes GLE, but for some, that’ll be a good thing.

And in the center of the dashboard sits one of the best infotainment systems available in any car. BMW’s i Drive continues to be a doddle to navigate and is still comprises a rotary controller with menu shortcut buttons between the front seats and a 12.3-inch screen, which can be controlled using the controller, via touch or by voice.

But BMW isn’t done there – also standard is another 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel acting at the driver’s instruments. It’s clear, crisp and easily configurable. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are now available too.

Another important factor in a large luxury SUV is space and the BMW X5 offers plenty of it. Those in the front will have no complaints and the driver gets a supportive seat with full electric adjustment and a memory function.

There’s plenty of space in the back seats, as well – two tall adults will sit comfortably behind those in the front, while a third won’t be sounding off on a long journey either.

xLine

Entry-level xLine models come with things like 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and auto wipers, climate control, leather seats and iDrive infotainment system. It’s our pick of the range.

3 engines available with the xLine trim 3L deisel & 3L hybrid 

M Sport

Most people will be seduced by the M Sport X5, with its more aggressive body kit, larger 20-inch alloy wheels and various sporty trim touches inside. That’s on top of the xLine’s 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and auto wipers, climate control, leather seats and iDrive infotainment system

4 engines available with the M Sport trim 3L deisel & 3L hybrid 

M50i

The sporty M50i X5 comes with 22 -inch alloy wheels, Adaptive LED headlights, Adaptive M suspension, Door sill finishers with illuminated M50i/d designation, front and rear, Exhaust tailpipes in Cerium Grey, Exterior mirror housing, Kidney grille and side gill finished in Cerium Grey, Exterior trim, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline, Headlining in Anthracite, harman/kardon sound system, M seat belts, M Sport exhaust system and an M Sport differential.

One engine available with the M50i trim 4.4L Petrol