The X5 will easily sell best in 3.0d guise. The variant is predicted to claim more than 90 per cent of sales – so it’s fortunate the 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit is one of the world’s finest. Tweaked to produce 235bhp and 520Nm of torque, it’s far from slow, despite the X5’s hefty kerbweight. It’s eager and responsive, yet muffled, and is linked to a smooth and fast six-speed auto box.
And even though the X5 has always traded on its performance, it’s good to know that the power is backed up by strong brakes and crisp, involving handling. With a stiff bodyshell and double wishbone front suspension, the BMW feels stable in corners and has great poise and traction. It’s nimble and wieldy. The ride is just as impressive. It has absorbent damping, despite the standard run-flat tyres, though it doesn’t steamroller bumps as well as it might. Stiff suspension settings mean you’re much more aware of what’s going on underneath the car – good for driver confidence, but not for comfort.
