Mat’s Car of the Day: the BMW X5 is my favourite SUV, and there are some crazy discounts available
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson explains why the BMW X5 is one of the best premium SUVs you can buy, as well as how to save yourself over £12,000 on one.
If I had to buy one car to do absolutely everything, money no object, I’d be hard pushed to find anything better than the BMW X5. It’s luxurious, practical, comfortable and fun to drive, and there are loads of great engines on offer.
The only fly in the ointment is the price, because at over £75,000 it’s rather expensive. Carwow can help you with that, though, with average savings of over £12,000 available at the time of writing.
Here are three things I love about the BMW X5, as well as three annoying features to consider before buying one.
Three things I love about the BMW X5
1. It feels super-luxurious inside
I reckon the X5 has one of the best interiors of any modern BMW. Everything you see and touch feels solid, plush and expensive, and there are loads of customisation options to make it your own. The massive curved infotainment screen is also brilliant, with loads of features and logical menus.
2. It’s brilliant to drive
The BMW X5 nails the balance between comfort and handling. In Comfort mode, it wafts over bumps and imperfections like they’re not even there, and it’s whisper-quiet on the motorway. However, in Sport mode on a country road it’s genuinely good fun to chuck about. It’s way more agile than an SUV this big should be.
3. The engines are great
There’s an engine to suit every need in the BMW X5, from a powerful diesel which is great for towing to the V8 petrol in the M60i model with a whopping 530hp. Company car drivers can also choose the plug-in hybrid for the lowest BIK rates, and it’ll do up to 64 miles on electric power alone.
BMW X5 prices and deals: save an average of over £12,000*
There’s no denying that the BMW X5 is an expensive car. Prices start from just over £75,000, and higher-spec models with options can push well north of £100,000. That’s why you need to check out Carwow before you buy to see how much you can save.
Average savings across the X5 range are £12,600 at the time of writing. The biggest discount is available on the M60i model, with up to £17,000 off this V8-powered performance SUV. That brings the price down from £101,000 to £84,000.
But which X5 would I actually choose? Well, I reckon the M Sport plug-in hybrid is the best all-rounder. It usually starts from £82,000, but it’s available through Carwow for as little as £72,000.
Three annoying things about the BMW X5
As good as it is, the BMW X5 isn’t perfect. Here are three annoying things to consider before parting with your cash.
1. Firm on larger alloy wheels
The BMW X5 really looks the part on the larger 22-inch alloy wheels, but they do make it a bit firm over bumps. I reckon it’s worth it for the aesthetic, but if you want maximum comfort then go for the 19- or 20-inch rims.
2. Touchscreen controls
As part of a mid-life update in 2023, BMW moved all of the climate controls into the touchscreen instead of having proper buttons. That feels like a downgrade to me.
3. Dirty reversing camera
A £75,000 car really should have a washer for the rear-view camera. It’s always exposed and gets covered in road grime, and the only way to restore your visibility is to get out and wipe it with your finger. How very undignified.
Small gripes aside, the BMW X5 is still one of the best premium SUVs you can buy. Just make sure to check out the savings available through Carwow before you fork out too much cash.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.