Used BMW X5 cars for sale

There’s just one version of the BMW X5 and it’s a large five-door SUV with a hatchback boot. X5s come as standard with five seats but seven seats are optionally available. If you’re looking for a premium SUV but think the X5 is a little too large or too pricey, BMW makes the slightly smaller X3, which packs most of the X5’s all-round appeal into a more affordable and compact package.

Buyers looking at X5 models might want to cross-shop them against cars including the Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, Lexus RX and the Range Rover. There’s also the sportier BMW X6, which uses most of the same parts and engines as the X5 but features a swoopy, coupe-like roofline to help it stand out.

The X5 is a large car, measuring in at more than 4.9 metres long and more than two metres wide not including its door mirrors. That puts it in line with other cars in this class, coming up a few millimetres shorter than the Mercedes GLE, Range Rover and Audi Q7, and very slightly longer than the five-seat Lexus RX.

That bulk does at least mean the X5’s interior is pretty massive. For standard five-seat models, every seat has enough head, elbow and legroom for adults to get comfortable, even in the centre-rear seat. Seven-seat models add even more practicality, but the two third-row seats are fairly small so are best suited for kids or occasional use.

All X5 models come with powerful turbocharged engines so there isn’t really a weak link in the lineup, with more powerful versions simply offering more acceleration for keen drivers to enjoy. A smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system come as standard across the range and suit this car’s fuss-free driving experience.

Most X5 models come with five seats – two in the front and three across the rear bench. On all but the plug-in hybrid versions, you can specify a seven-seater option. This adds pair of seats in the third row, which fold away into the boot floor when not in use.

BMW, along with other premium German brands, has struggled to score well in reliability surveys. This is common for upmarket manufacturers that equip their cars with many more features than you'll find on more affordable models. As a result, there are more things that can potentially fail, leading to less-than-stellar scores.

Nevertheless, most of the engines and lots of additional parts are shared with other BMW models, so replacement items should be readily available if needed.

Adding an extended warranty to your BMW X5 is an easy way to cover yourself in the event you're hit with an unexpected repair bill.