BMW X5 xDrive 30d 2019 Review

Looking at the 2019 BMW X5 I can’t help but wonder whether the BMW X5 was the tipping point for a nation that, 18 years later, is wholly obsessed with SUVs – prestige SUVs? Even better.

It was 2001 when the BMW X5 hit Australiana roads, appeasing the markets need for more space, a jacked-up ride height and decent street cred, too.

After a week of sliding my hips into the soft leather seats of the 2019 BMW X5 I concede that the X5 is, well, everything it’s cracked up to be.

When BMW speaks of its target market for the X5, I suspect there’s a photo of me (probably in my active wear). There’s a long list of compelling reasons why the 2019 BMW X5 is so popular with families and yet I remain an outcast in Bayside suburbia.

I don’t own an X5… or a Cavoodle, for that matter. But I digress… Let’s take a closer look at the car so many of my lot choose to drive.

I can safely say I now truly understand. It’s only taken me four generations of BMW X5 to get completely on board, but I’m thoroughly convinced by this SUV (but not yet converted).

First, however, a week in the X5 xDrive 30d and I’m left wondering why you’d need more than what this vehicle has to offer (yes, I’m throwing shade at the M50d).

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel (195kW/620Nm) is a powerful unit that bears no resemblance to the diesel clangers of yesteryear. It’s actually got a nice growly soundtrack. Plant your foot and the X5 30d moves with an urgency that belies its 2110kg weigh in.

So how does the eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system feel? In a word: planted. A seamless rush through the gears means you’re always ‘on’, while the big SUVs balance remains unflappable.

The X5 30d will move from 0-100km/h in 6.5sec and has a claimed 7.2L/100km average fuel consumption. Like it matters… The moral of the story here is that the credentials you can’t see are well sorted.

The new dual 12.3-inch digital display screens share the load of infotainment, navigation, communications and in-car assistance and safety technology. It’s a lot of screen to digest quite frankly. And you’ve got head up display to shadow many of these features, too.

And yet the eight favourites buttons remain for those who really can’t be bothered with anything more than the push of just one button. Which I totally understand – time is precious.

Seated behind the wheel I’m pretty excited by the space to be honest. Cup holders, a wireless phone charging pad, great oddment storage, big in-door storage and a large dual-lidded centre console. And ample charge points: two USB and a 12-volt.

The customisable interior lighting is not as good as you’ll find in a Mercedes-Benz, but who really needs 60+ colour choices, anyway?
I love the use of piano black gloss, but its hard work (like linen clothes) – and still many will option this just because it looks great.

Trust me, they’ll be happy. It’s probably easier to tell you what the second row of the X5 doesn’t have. Retractable window shades are about the only thing this second row is missing (worth noting).

You’ll find large leather seats sized for three adults with plenty of knee, leg and head room.

Equipment is excellent. Four-zone climate control with four dedicated air vents: including two in the b-pillar (which I love). There are two USB points, one 12-volt two iPad/device holders built into the seat backs.

While it’s super plush, the back of seats feel robust enough for kids dirty feet. In-door storage is large enough full size drink bottles and more. Visibility is great and with just two on board you’ll make use of the large armrest with storage and two sturdy cup holders.

ISOFIX child seat anchors and top-tether points have your car seat needs covered, too.

There’s much cleverness to speak of in the BMW X5, but one thing that I loved was the visual that shows you if (what) you’re gong to hit if (when) you fully open the doors. Without fail I tell the kids every single day ‘watch the doors’.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) works well (as I found out when a cyclist made an unexpected move while perched on the median strip). Boasting lightning fast reflexes I could only wish for, the AEB system hit hard and fast leaving me and the cyclist gasping. But more importantly, unharmed.

Likewise, the 360 degree cameras are of crystal clear resolution and the rear-cross traffic alert is a God-send.

The 2019 BMW X5 scores a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The X5s ride height is great but it can be a bit of a hike for kids to get in and out – the adaptive air suspension ($2300) optioned on our vehicle helps in this regard.

Our 21-inch alloys ($2600) look the business, but if the tortured rims of the vast majority of BMW X5 in my neighbourhood are anything to go by, this will not end well.

Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity make my heart sing, but in this instance their unpredictable behaviour and regular drop of connection was tedious at best.

The M Sport Package ($4000) is a nice differentiator, adding high-gloss shadow line, individual rooflining, M leather steering wheel, M aerodynamics and M sport brakes.

The X5’s boot is big. 645 litres big – and growing to 1850 with the seat flipped flat.
The split tailgate proves its worth when you’ve got a boot filled with scooters and basketballs, and I love that the both sections close up with the push of the top button. Clever and thoughtful stuff that you don’t miss if you never knew it existed.

You can even change the ride height from the lower gate. And, the boot floor even has a gas strut. It’s ideal for drivers who have zero effort to give.
You can easily engage the split-fold seats from the back. There are good sturdy bag holders, four anchor points, a 12-volt outlet, two boot lights, and two lights positioned in the top tail gate too.

The more time I spent in the X5 the more evident it became that this vehicle is pretty close to perfection where family-friendly SUVs are concerned.
Prestige family-friendly SUVs, that is.

With a starting price of $112,990 (plus ORCs), our fully optioned vehicle will set you back $126,860 (plus ORCs). But now I truly understand how so many willingly fork out this kind of coin on the BMW X5.

It’s a winner in my eyes.

How much does the 2019 BMW X5 xDrive30d cost?
Price: $112,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 195kW/620Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 189g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP