2025 BMW X5 xDrive 3.0d Sport Collection Review

The X5 has withstood the test of time, debuting back in 1999. For 17 years it has been the best selling BMW in New Zealand. And that’s kind of surprising given it is far from the least expensive model in the line-up, currently kicking off at $152k for the base variant you see here. But it just seems to fit nicely for well-to-do families. It has the look, the badge, AWD, the tow capacity (3500kg braked), the refinement and a monocoque body so it rides and handles nicely. And yes, it will go offroad if you need it to, though we imagine most won’t. The big wheels, decent ground clearance and AWD functionality help to make turnarounds (12.6m) easier, without causing wheel or underbody damage.

And the entry X5 now comes as a Sport Collection variant, with a range of smart extras and costs $155,900.

Popular powertrain 

The diesel has always been a popular pick because of its combination of thumping torque and hard-to-believe fuel efficiency. In this fourth generation, BMW has added 48v mild hybrid functionality when it was facelifted. And that gave the diesel engine, popular for towing and long distance travel, even more civility. It starts in creamy fashion, and adds extra low down urge for getting off the line more easily. The electric aspect adds 9kW and 200Nm to the 210kW/650Nm of the diesel. 

With 219kW of power and 670Nm of torque, the eight-speed auto helps it rock to 100km/h in a claimed 6.3sec (actual 6.21sec), pretty decent for something weighing in at just under 2.3 tonnes. 

The mild hybrid is as much about economy as anything. A claimed combined figure is 7.4L/100km (rightcar says 8.1L/100km). And that was pretty much what the computer’s long term average reported (8.2/100km). Range when full isn’t far off the 1000km mark.

What else is new then?

The fourth-generation BMW X5 launched in November 2018, introducing BMW OS 7 and a camera-based driver assistance system. The look is great with slimline headlights, and arrow shaped DRLs. Inside, at the facelift, BMW debuted a massive curved display incorporating a 12.3 inch instrument readout and 14.9-inch IFT display.

Now BMW New Zealand has enhanced its Sport Collection line-up with the addition of this X5. It includes $8000 of added features, including 22-inch black alloys, metallic paint and sun protection glazing. An M Sport Pro package includes shadowline finishes to the exterior, and M Sport brakes, seatbelts and exhaust. 

How did we find it? 

Great, on the whole, despite a minor electrical gremlin. It still feels substantial because it is, both in size and weight. And it’s hard to hear the diesel engine on the go, at least over chipseal. That’s because of tyre noise, with in-cabin levels around 75dB. But then enormous PZeros (315/30R22s) will do that. The upside is unstickable grip. And with a real-wheel drive bias it gently oversteers under power through turns. Push too much and it will understeer. But easing along, this is an impressive form of long distance family of five conveyance, road noise aside. There’s reasonable economy with performance aplenty. Gearing in top, eighth, is autobahn long, 2000rpm a theoretical 150km/h. That in part explains the modest fuel use. 

Easy to operate

Like all modern vehicles with oodles of safety kit, this takes some acclimating. It took forever to nix the overspeed bongs, found eventually under notifications. That’s key too because this makes an absolute mockery of our 80 and 100km/h speed limits. It’s doing 1300rpm at the latter. So this is a speedy machine without being an obvious performance blaster. And in everyday use you seldom extend the engine beyond 2000rpm, because the mild hybrid chimes in with its additional 200Nm. With 670Nm on tap, the X5 is stealthy quick. Helping is a clearly favourable weight split, the 0.96kWh battery at the rear contributing to axle loads that are roughly even. It’s not a wildly exciting drive – few SUVs are if we’re generalising – but it is an effective one. And it is almost peerless as a long distance family device.

Other key aspects? The X5 has great all-round visibility, thanks to low profile headrests, and loads of glass area. There’s plenty to see skyward too with its vast panoramic roof. And mention of plenty, luggage space ranges from 650-1870L.

Sport mode firms up the steering which is rather tactile for this class of vehicle. It also fires up the powertrain but you can do that just as easily by selecting S mode for the transmission which has much the same effect.

As to competition, there are piles really, mostly from the usual European suspects, along with Lexus RX and Volvo XC90 models. But big smooth modern diesels like this with a mild hybrid assistant sure do perform admirably without having such an affinity for the pump as their petrol sibs or rivals.  

BMW X5 xDrive 3.0d Sport Collection
$155,900 / 7.4L/100km / 193g/km
0-100 km/h 6.21s
Engine 2993cc / IL6 / T/ DI
Max power 219kW@4000rpm
Max torque 670Nm@1500-2500rpm
Transmission 8-speed auto / AWD
Weight (claimed) 2295kg