BMW X5 xDrive25d 2020 Review

There’s little doubting the popularity of the BMW X5 SUV in Australia. Over the years it has cemented itself as the dynamic pick of the high-riding crop, with redeeming luxury and comfort features.

But unless you’ve had a lazy circa-$120,000 (before on-road costs and luxury car tax) at your disposal, the X5 has remained firmly out of reach. However, it is now slightly more attainable.

Enter the BMW X5 xDrive25d. This is the new entry version of BMW’s evergreen large SUV, priced at $99,900 (plus on-road costs) – matching the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLE and costing $2100 more than the soon-to-be updated Audi Q7, which costs $97,800 in entry 3.0 TDI form.

Significant for the new entry-level BMW X5 is the fact that, unlike the previous sub-$100,000 variant (the $93,900 rear-drive sDrive25d) the xDrive25d matches its Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7 rivals with an AWD drivetrain.

It also undercuts the existing six-cylinder xDrive30d – until now, the entry point in the X5 line-up – by a handsome $18,000, albeit with two less cylinders.

The BMW X5 xDrive25d employs a 170kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo-diesel engine driving through BMW’s eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission and is claimed to accomplish the zero to 100km/h sprint in 7.5sec.

And the base X5’s specification levels defy price-point expectations by including as standard BMW’s Comfort Access and Travel and Comfort systems, Driving Assistant Professional sat-nav, ambient lighting, wood “Fineline Stripe” high-gloss interior trim, leatherette upholstery and 20-inch star-spoke alloy wheels.

As the cheapest of two diesel X5 options, the xDrive25d joins petrol X5 models in the 3.0-litre turbo-petrol 40d ($120,900), the 290kW xDrive45e ($129,900), the twin-turbo petrol V8 M50i (from $136,900) and the upcoming 460kW, $200K-plus X5 M Competition flagship with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.8sec.

As with some of those models it is offered with a space-saver wheel, a factory-backed three year/unlimited kilometre warranty and the option of a $2150 service package covering the first five years/80,000km of ownership.

Looking at it pragmatically, the new X5 xDrive25d deserves closer inspection for anyone not interesting in frequent towing or interstate trips. Not that either of those buyer groups should totally discount it either.

The diesel engine does day-to-day driving quite well, with a smooth and largely linear power curve. The four-cylinder is made to work a little harder than an equivalent six-cylinder diesel on account of its smaller capacity and the car’s 2100kg weight, meaning it will also make more noise in the process.

Loading up the engine aggressively from a standstill brings a slight hesitation and turbo lag, but in 99 per cent of scenarios, generating around-town speed remains a cinch and the X5 feels solid and surefooted on the open road.

The oiler is also efficient, netting a 7.4L/100km average over the space of 500km (just above the official 6.7L/100km claim).

Overtaking manoeuvres are likewise facilitated with minimum fuss thanks in part to the quick-thinking eight-speed automatic, which drops gears accordingly to keep the engine at its sweet spot (peak torque materialises between 1500-3000rpm, while peak power arrives at 4400rpm).

We can’t speak for how the BMW X5 xDrive25d feels loaded to the hilt with five passengers and their luggage, but three-up and with about 100kg in the boot it is well up to the task.

A towing pack was not fitted to our test car, meaning we’ll have to leave it load-lugging assessment for another time.

Handling? It’s vintage X5, which is to say it’s endowed with precise and accurate steering, excellent body control and a surprising degree of athleticism given the 2.1-tonne kerb weight.

The chassis and underlying electronics are key facilitators here, working in tandem to deliver a pleasant and reassuring driving experience at faster speeds.

The same strengths carry over to where comfort and refinement are concerned. Our test car, fitted with adaptive M suspension and 20-inch wheels, reflected inconsistencies in the road without any crashing or jarring inside the cabin.

Our test car didn’t exactly feel like it was built to a price – though it should be said it was dripping in $20,000 worth of options including a $10,000 M Sport package.

A large digital instrument cluster bristles from behind the steering wheel, mated to an intuitive centre screen paired with BMW’s iDrive controller and available with wireless Apple CarPlay. Importantly, the displays (including the cameras) are crisp and legible.

Design is first-rate with the X5; functional and clever in one. We love the split tailgate design, which enables you to pull items from the boot without potentially losing loose items. Elsewhere, large bottle-friendly door pockets and incidental storage really underline day-to-day practicality.

Rear seat space is not as good as others in the segment including the Q7, but that said, there is still adequate room for six-foot passengers.

As with other X5 models, families are the target audience here, and this one covers all bases nicely, with strong interior proportions, excellent safety features and a high-riding position.

The five-seat cabin is well considered when it comes to occupant accommodation, with comfortable seats and soft contact points, though we cannot vouch for the look and feel of the standard leatherette upholstery – our test car was fitted with an optional $3200 Vernasca leather upholstery package.

Families will appreciate the 770-litre boot, which extends to as much as 1955 litres with the second row stowed (possible via quick-release seat levers in the boot, plus levers in the second-row).

It’s not quite as cavernous as rivals including the Q7 and Touareg, but will easily swallow a designer pram or a few full-size suitcases.

Unfortunately for those with boats and caravans, the xDrive25d’s towing capacity suffers as a result of its four-cylinder engine. The official braked towing capacity rating is 2700kg – that compares with 3500kg for other X5 variants fitted with a special tow pack.

And as with the rest of the X5 range, a five-seat layout is standard; those after seating for seven will have to opt for – wait for it! – another optional package… this time $3200.

The four-cylinder diesel is a fitting entry point to the X5 line-up, especially with all-wheel drive.

For those interested in towing or frequent interstate trips loaded to the hilt, we’d suggest the more powerful xDrive30d is a better proposition.

Alternatively, the Volkswagen Touareg offers six-pot power for as little as $80,000 – and is a genuine luxury contender with a more generous five-year warranty.

For everyone else mostly confined to commuting and school drop-offs, the BMW xDrive25d is an appealing device – so long as you’re willing to forego a bit of grunt.

How much does the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive25d cost?
Price: $99,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 170kW/450Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 176g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)