The BMW X5 has long been a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment, and in Australia, it continues to attract families, professionals, and driving enthusiasts who want a premium blend of performance, technology, and practicality. Whether you’re drawn to its elegant design, its commanding presence on the road, or its sophisticated driving dynamics, the BMW X5 holds a strong appeal in a market increasingly filled with both European and homegrown competition.
In this comprehensive review, we explore every detail that matters to Australian buyers: from design and interior craftsmanship to driving performance, technology, safety, pricing, and long-term ownership considerations.
Design and Road Presence
The BMW X5 has always managed to balance sleek European luxury with a muscular SUV stance. The latest generation continues this tradition with bold proportions, a wide kidney grille, sharp LED lighting, and an aerodynamic silhouette that blends elegance with strength.
On Australian roads, where large SUVs are often judged for their commanding presence, the X5 delivers confidence. The long wheelbase and short overhangs give it a planted stance, while design touches such as chrome detailing and available M Sport styling packages add a more athletic look.
Paint options range from subtle metallics like Mineral White and Carbon Black to eye-catching hues such as Phytonic Blue and Dravit Grey. For buyers seeking exclusivity, BMW’s Individual program allows more bespoke finishes.
Interior Luxury and Comfort
Step inside the BMW X5, and the first impression is unmistakably premium. Soft leather upholstery, finely crafted trims, and ambient lighting create a cabin that feels both inviting and technologically advanced.
Seating and Space
The X5 offers seating for five as standard, with an optional third row available for those needing seven seats. The front seats are wide, supportive, and offer multiple power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options. In the rear, passengers enjoy generous legroom and reclining seatbacks, making long drives across Australia’s highways a comfortable affair.
Cargo space is equally practical. With the rear seats upright, there’s ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Fold the second row down, and the X5 transforms into a capable hauler for bigger items.
Craftsmanship
High-quality materials like Vernasca leather, brushed aluminium, and fine wood trims add richness to the interior. Details such as contrast stitching, crystal gear shifters in higher trims, and customisable ambient lighting elevate the sense of luxury.
Technology and Infotainment
Technology is at the heart of the modern BMW X5. The cabin is dominated by BMW’s curved display, which integrates a 12.3-inch driver information screen with a 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
BMW iDrive 8
The iDrive 8 system is intuitive, offering touch, voice, and gesture controls. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with real-time traffic updates, and over-the-air software updates that future-proof the SUV.
Audio and Connectivity
Audiophiles can opt for the Harman Kardon surround sound system or the premium Bowers & Wilkins Diamond system, ensuring crystal-clear music playback. Multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging keep all devices powered on long journeys.
Driver Assistance Tech
BMW’s suite of advanced driver assistance includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. These features not only make daily driving easier but also enhance safety on Australian highways and city streets.
Driving Experience
One of the BMW X5’s strongest selling points is its driving dynamics. Unlike many luxury SUVs that focus solely on comfort, the X5 combines refinement with agility, making it enjoyable whether you’re cruising through the suburbs or tackling winding coastal roads.
Engine Options
Australian buyers can choose from a range of engines depending on their preference for performance, efficiency, or a blend of both:
- xDrive30d (diesel): A 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel delivering strong torque, ideal for towing and long-distance touring.
- xDrive40i (petrol): A smooth and powerful inline-six petrol, perfect for those who enjoy spirited driving.
- xDrive45e (plug-in hybrid): Combines petrol power with an electric motor, offering lower emissions and the ability to drive short distances purely on electric power.
- M50i: A twin-turbocharged V8 delivering thrilling performance, catering to enthusiasts who want sports-car acceleration in an SUV body.
Ride and Handling
The adaptive air suspension balances comfort and sportiness, automatically adjusting to road conditions. In Comfort mode, the ride soaks up bumps with ease, while in Sport mode, it sharpens steering response and reduces body roll.
For Australian drivers who may need off-road capability, the X5 also offers xOffroad packages with selectable driving modes for sand, gravel, rocks, and snow. Combined with all-wheel drive, the X5 can handle more rugged terrain than many expect from a luxury SUV.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is paramount for family SUV buyers in Australia. The BMW X5 has achieved top marks in crash testing, including a five-star ANCAP rating.
Key safety features include:
- Multiple airbags covering all three rows
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane departure warning and correction
- Cross-traffic alert
- Emergency steering assist
- Head-up display to keep eyes on the road
With these systems working seamlessly, the BMW X5 provides reassurance for families and long-distance travellers alike.
Ownership, Running Costs, and Insurance
Luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 aren’t just about the purchase price – running costs and ownership experience matter just as much.
Servicing
BMW offers capped-price servicing packages in Australia, which cover regular maintenance for a set period or kilometres. This adds predictability to ownership costs.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency depends on the engine choice. The diesel xDrive30d averages around 7.2L/100km, while the petrol xDrive40i uses about 9.5L/100km. The plug-in hybrid 45e can achieve even lower numbers for short commutes if regularly charged.
Insurance
As a luxury SUV, insurance premiums can be higher compared to mainstream models. However, buyers benefit from strong resale values and BMW’s extensive dealer support across Australia.
Pricing in Australia
The BMW X5 is positioned firmly in the premium SUV space, competing against rivals like the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX.
Indicative pricing (before on-road costs) in Australia:
- xDrive30d: From around $127,000
- xDrive40i: From around $130,000
- xDrive45e PHEV: From around $145,000
- M50i: From around $170,000
Optional extras, luxury packages, and customisation can push prices significantly higher, but they allow buyers to tailor the SUV to their lifestyle and preferences.
BMW X5 vs Rivals
When compared with its main competitors, the BMW X5 stands out for its dynamic driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz GLE focuses more on luxury comfort, while the Audi Q7 offers slightly more interior space. The Volvo XC90 appeals with its Scandinavian design and advanced safety, but for those who enjoy driving as much as riding in luxury, the BMW X5 often tops the list.
Who Should Buy the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is ideal for buyers who want:
- A versatile family SUV with seating for five or seven
- Premium interior comfort with advanced technology
- Strong towing capacity for caravans or boats
- A luxury SUV that is genuinely fun to drive
Whether you’re a professional looking for an executive vehicle, a family wanting space and safety, or an enthusiast who refuses to compromise on performance, the BMW X5 ticks the boxes.
Final Verdict
The BMW X5 continues to define what a luxury SUV should be in Australia: stylish, technologically advanced, safe, and rewarding to drive. With a wide range of engines, high-end features, and strong resale value, it makes a compelling case in a competitive market.
For those ready to step into a premium SUV, the BMW X5 is more than just a vehicle—it’s an experience that blends driving pleasure with everyday practicality.
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