Should you buy one?

Overall, for a performance SUV, the X5 not really that fun to drive. It’s not very athletic at speed, and the engine doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm either. Which then makes the fact that it’s not a comfortable car over long drives that much more disappointing. Cars like the Porsche Cayenne and Aston Martin DBX 707 are far more fun to drive, and can tread the thin line between being a performance car and a long-distance cruiser much better.

What we like

Many of the X5 M’s good parts come from the standard X5. It’s impeccably well built, with supportive seats and a logically laid-out interior. Space inside is great, with adults being able to sit in the rear seats easily and a large boot being useful for all sorts of things. There’s no denying the X5 M is fast, too – you’re not left wanting for power.

What we don’t like

It simply boils down to the fact that this is designed to be a performance car, and yet doesn’t feel like one that’s very exciting or athletic. The X5 M is heavy which dulls the car’s steering – normally a positive trait of all BMWs – and the efforts to make the car handle on the road have left with a far too firm ride for daily driving.