2019-04-01 BMW Car

APRIL 2019 63

BMW BUYER

BMW’s X5 has always provided the
driving pleasure that rival SUVs have
lacked, and the recently superseded
F15 is no exception. Prestigious,
capacious and claiming potent road
presence, the most popular model
in the range – the 30d M Sport –
also handles well, off ers decent fuel
economy and performance, and is
exceptionally comfortable.
So, what’s not to like? Very little at
all, to be honest, with the possible
exception that its size can make
manoeuvring in smaller, multi-storey
car parks a bit of a challenge. Some
fi nd the standard suspension a touch
soft so, if you like a more focused

drive, then choose an X5 30d with the

Adaptive Dynamic suspension package.

Nobody will feel disappointed by the

impressive build quality though, nor the

performance. With 258hp and 413 lb

ft of torque, the car can hit 62mph in

under seven seconds. Yet, despite its size

and weight, the combined fuel economy

fi gure is 45.6mpg. Production ended in

2018, when the F15 was replaced by

latest G05 model.

Stick to one of the two-owner examples,

like this Space Grey metallic 2013 model

I spotted at Nottinghamshire specialists,

Alan Tully Cars (alantullycars.co.uk),

and you won’t go far wrong. Having

covered a very reasonable 54,000 miles,

SUV

F15 X5 30d M Sport

(2013-2018)

BUYING ADVICE

Don’t try holding BMW to the offi cial

fuel economy fi gure, but you should still

see over 40mpg on motorway journeys and,

as main dealer servicing can be quite costly,

you might prefer a well-known BMW specialist to

fettle your X5 in the future. Parts prices won’t be any

cheaper, but labour rates will be.

If you can, I recommend you buy a car with either

the original or an extended BMW warranty, as owners

have reported some electronic and suspension

glitches. Also, make sure that any offi cial recall

work has been carried out – especially to the

EGR cooler. Look out for rattling tailgates,

grinding sunroofs, or any juddering

from the brakes or wheel bearings

during the test drive.

ENGINE: 2,993cc, 6-cylinder

POWER: 258hp at 4,000rpm

TORQUE: 413lb ft at 3,000rpm

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto

0-62MPH: 6.5 seconds

TOP SPEED: 143mph

Fuel consumption: 45.6mpg (combined)

£25,000 buys you: 54,000-mile, 2013 X5 30d

M Sport

F15 X5 30d M Sport spec

Left: It’s standard

BMW inside this

X5, but people

fall in love with

the lofty driving

position and

refi nement levels.

The X5 has always

boasted great

road presence,

and the F15

version is no

exception.

Splendid to drive, the

F15 X5 30d delivers an

impeccable combination

of performance, comfort

and practicality.

it’s advertised at £24,950, packs a

luxurious spec including black Dakota

leather upholstery and carries that all-

important full BMW service history.