BMW X5 – luxury used car of the decade

The BMW X5 - luxury used car of the decade

The motor trade bible – CAP – has declared the BMW X5 to be the luxury used car of the decade.

The X5 has been a big hit in the UK since its launch a decade ago. More than 65,000 X5s have been sold here in that time, and it was the first BMW to get the now widely used xDrive 4×4 system.

And we really can’t argue that the BMW X5 is a bad car. It’s very far from that. But, despite claims from BMW that the X5 is able and capable off-road, it really isn’t. But that doesn’t matter a jot if you’re in the market for a high-riding luxury car that will also get you out of trouble if you happen to stray a little off the beaten path.

On-road the X5 is superb. The high-end models drive very like an M5 on stilts and the more economical diesels offer remarkably good economy and more than credible performance. So much so that a friend who has both a new Mercedes S Class and a diesel X5 (admittedly a top-end diesel X5 with all the toys) decided the S Class could go as he hardly ever drove it – so nice to drive did he find the X5.

So it’s no big surprise that CAP – the trade value bible – has declared the BMW X5 to be the used luxury car of the decade. Mike Hind of CAP said:

“For the used car buyer who does need a workhorse, with towing power and room for the whole family’s holiday load, the 2000 – 2006 BMW X5 provides it. But it also offers the opportunity to leave the green wellingtons and the horse box at home and enjoy driving as a pleasure in itself.”

And we agree. The BMW X5 is a great buy – particularly second-hand. It offers owners all the advantages off a 4×4 on-road but with the driving dynamics of a well-sorted saloon car. The X5 also holds its value pretty well and – as long as you spec it up a bit – is a nice place to spend some time.

We still prefer the Porsche Cayenne, though.