BMW X5 2020 review: 25d

BMW retains its status as a maker of classic looking cars, even when swelled to this X5 size.

The front grille is large, and the bonnet quite extended, but that’s what happens when you beef up a car: everything featured is on a much bigger scale.

BMW retains its status as a maker of classic looking cars, even when swelled to this X5 size.

It’s also worth noting this car has been fitted with the 'M Sport Package' for an extra $9900 and includes things like 20-inch alloy wheels, which does make a difference to the overall exterior look. 

Inside the car and you’d never guess this was the base model, because you can add things if you really want them. On this car, the seats have been upgraded with Extended Leather Trim' in black with brown contrast stitching for an extra $3200, and it has a panoramic sunroof for an extra $4000.

This car has been fitted with the 'M Sport Package' for an extra $9900 and includes things like 20-inch alloy wheels.

The leather steering wheel comes standard and feels great under the hands, and it’s been styled with a metallic trim along the dash and centre console. You can choose which trims you’d prefer and they are customisable if you are willing to pay for them.

There is plenty of space up the front, with loads of head and legroom. I normally jack the driver’s seat right up because I like to be high, and usually my husband puts it right down when he’s driving, but in this car he didn’t even need to which means the head space is generous. 

There is plenty of space up the front, with loads of head and legroom.

The children were also comfortable in the back seat and there was loads of room for them to bring all the things they needed* for the road trip (*such a subjective term when it comes to children packing their own bags).

I’m 161cm and there was so much room between the seat in front and my knees that other adults and taller teenagers will be fine back there on long journeys.

There was loads of room in the back.

The spacious boot swallowed two medium suitcases, about seven bags full of food, a puppy crate, pool inflatables and various other bits and pieces for the weekend away.

At 640L it’s not the biggest in its class, but that volume more than sufficed for a family of four and that is the most we’d ever need to fit in.

It’s got a split tailgate system, which means the bottom of the tailgate comes up about 20cm and things don’t fall out of the boot when you open it. It goes down with the touch of a button.

The front seats are power adjustable, there is keyless entry and you get a configurable head-up display in the windscreen which shows your speed, the speed limit (thankfully, it doesn’t beep when you go over the speed limit, it just flashes), and navigation directions.

You get a configurable head-up display in the windscreen which shows your speed, the speed limit, and navigation directions.

The tailgate is power operated and there is heating for the front seats. 

For storage, there are two cupholders in the front that suit large and small cups (a bonus  when you’re an espresso drinker), there’s a a wireless phone charger, and a spot for keys. You’ll also get a decent centre storage bin and bottle holders in each door. 

Rear passengers are provided with two cupholders in the centre armrest plus a flat storage bit that will hold a tablet and/or games console. There are two charging points on the back of the front seats which are good for plugging in kids’ devices.

There's a 12.3-inch screen which is very wide but quite short. It's kitted out with BMW's own multimedia system which includes Bluetooth connectivity, sat nav and voice control.

There's a 12.3-inch screen which is very wide but quite short.

It has Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto yet - that is coming. The CarPlay connects via Bluetooth but it didn't connect to my phone, however it easily connected to my husband's so just check that yours connects before you leave the dealer.