Devon test drives a BMW X5 (Used)

It's no exaggeration to say that the BMW X5 was a bit of a revolution when it was first launched. Many have questioned and even tried to duplicate it. The BMW X5 the logic defying 4x4 that is hard to ignore even with its heavy price tag.

Top of the range xDrive50i comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder pumping out a hearty 445hp. It's insanely fast and is the perfect alternate for those who want an X5M but can't justify the higher price tag. Our pick however goes to the xDrive35d which comes with a silky smooth 3-liter turbo-diesel pumping out 255hp. The price tag isn't too much more than the xDrive35i trim and is perfect for those who do tons of highway driving.

On the road the X5 is actually very entertaining to drive. You'll forget that you're in a heavy 4x4 vehicle. Those who want an edgier driving experience may want to consider a lighter more agile M car or the M performance version of the X5. The ride comfort can get a little firm on some surfaces but it's far from uncomfortable or a deal breaker; too bad you'll have to pay the premium for the adaptive M suspension system to get the X5 to drive and handle the way it should. Wind and road noise are well suppressed and all engines sound smooth and refined at all speeds. The engine stop start system isn't all that refined and is rather disappointing because you'd expect a X5 with such a hefty price tag to have a smoother system.

Driver's will find their ideal driving position quite easily behind the wheel of the X5. You'll be very happy that all the controls and dials are within easy reach of the driver's hand. The new iDrive system is much easier to navigate through, however we aren't huge fans of the large infotainment screen that pops out the dash. It doesn't raise and lower into the dash like Audi's but it still is classy in its own right. Passengers in the second row won't even complain about space because it is in the bucket loads. Headroom is good and legroom is good, however if you option for the third row seat you'll only want to have kids back there. They won't have much fun either because it really is tight for space and the boot space will suffer with the third row seat in place. Fold that seat down and the space opens up dramatically. Fold the second row seat down and you've got yourself a cargo van.

You get what you pay for really does define BMW well. Xenon headlamps with LED day time running lamps come standard on all trims as well as, heated front seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and Bluetooth audio streaming. However, keyless, leather upholstery and rear view camera aren't even standard. We can think of quite a few rivals that offer these features standard and are similarly priced. Your investments will be well secured with the X5 however because it does enjoy high resale value even if the purchase price is step to downright insanely high.

Build quality is good thanks to many soft touch materials that feel sturdy and long lasting but BMW reliability becomes questionable after warranty expires. If you are planning to keep your X5 after standard warranty we strongly suggest opting for the extended warranty because the previous generation X5 was woeful in reliability and the newer generation we still hold that same concern. Safety is still on the top priority list of BMW and you get electronic stability program, brake assist, adaptive brake lamps and emergency brake assist. Side curtain airbags for both rows are standard and you can option for automatic high beam headlights to keep from dazzling oncoming traffic when high beams are activated.

The X5 really does defy logic. It handles well and can do some off-road trails as well. It can seat seven somewhat and is a classy well desirable option in the luxury 4x4 segment. However, the X5 doesn't go without its flaws. The engine stop start system isn't all that refined. Some options make the X5 more expensive than it already is, and the Volvo XC90 can carry seven people and is much classier inside out. It's hard ignoring the rivals for the X5 when some are cheaper and offer more kit that BMW puts as an option but for those seeking that BMW badge and won't settle for anything else, this is the car for you.

Likes: Logic defying on-road dynamics. Diesel engine option is quite good. It's classy image with excellent resale value.

Dislikes: Options and packages will sky rocket the price. Running costs won't be cheap either. No standard rear view camera and at this price point is disappointing. We loathe the stop start system.

Xdrive35d is our pick of the range; that diesel engine is silky smooth and refined. If you do tons of highway driving this is the best way to go. Everyone else may want to consider the xDrive35i trim because it is slightly cheaper but most importantly it may find more appeal for those who won't be able to find a diesel refilling station in their area.

We try to make sense of the BMW X6

Unless you really want the X6 and don’t mind paying the premium for it, the X5 is cheaper and much more practical. Here’s why:

The standard 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 300hp already provides enough kick in your pants acceleration. So we question if the 4.4-liter turbocharged eight-cylinder producing 445hp is really worth paying the premium for. What separates the X6 from the X5 is the sweet handling and sharp steering. You’ll have to pay for the option to get the X6 to drive the way it should and at this price point it shouldn’t be an option. At least the engines are smooth in operation and are quite lovely to hear when under hard acceleration. Wind and road noise are very well hushed in the cabin.

BMW has a minimalistic approach to their interior designs, and the X6 is no exception. Everything is very easy to locate and everything is within easy reach of the driver’s hand. The new iDrive system is much more user-friendly. Drivers in the front will find comfort very easily while rear passengers may struggle for headroom and legroom. Plus the boot space is just down right disappointing. This is all due to the slopping roofline.

The X6 does come well equipped for the money. Keyless entry is standard, as well as iDrive infotainment system and Xenon Headlamps. Climate control and leather seats are also standard. One annoying thing about BMW is that you’ll have to pay for extra that should be standard. Such as heated front seats, keyless start and rearview parking camera, which you will need because rearward visibility is appalling!

 Buying an X6 isn’t a cheap proposition. But your investments should be well secured as BMW resale value is strong thanks to the badge. Running costs will be high unless you stick with the standard turbocharged six-cylinder which should be somewhat decent. Quality of the interior feels high class and well put together. Reliability should be good as with all BMW vehicles.

The X6 is aimed for those who seek something different. It’s quirky and odd way to be different too. It’s expensive too and you don’t get some premium features that should be standard. Plus you’ll have to pay the money to make it drive and handle the way that it should. Unless you really just have to have an X6 the X5 is cheaper and much more practical than the X6.

Likes: Handles and drives with the right options. It’s different and quirky yet holds its value well. Turbo engines both are powerful. iDrive system has been vastly improved.

Dislikes: Why does being different cost so much? You’ll pay an arm and leg to make the X6 drive the way it should, and some options at this price point shouldn’t be optional. You're better off with an X5.

Devon’s Choice: The standard 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder is all the engine you will ever need. It’s still expensive but running costs won’t be too bad.

Devon test drives a BMW X3 (Used)

The BMW X3 was considered pointless when it was first released in 2006. Now it has created a whole new segment that includes rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Volvo. This new segment is proving to be popular with American buyers, but does it prove it's worth considering over a conventional well purposed wagon? 

Performance: There are two engines available for the X3. The familiar 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 240hp and a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 300hp. Picking between the two depends on your tastes. Our favorite is the 2-liter turbo which is the cheapest of the two and is the more sensible choice. It blends fuel economy and performance well without having to pay the premium of the six-cylinder. 

On the road: The X3 we've had came equipped with dynamic handling package. This sharpened the steering and handling. It's an optional package that is well worth the premium. This seems to be a common trait with BMWs however, we have yet to test drive one with standard suspension. Ride comfort is firm but not uncomfortable with excellent body control. The engines are quiet and smooth even when pushed hard. There's no manual gearbox like the previous generation. This may not seem like a bad thing because the manual gearbox wasn't impressive in the previous generation. 

Behind the wheel: The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The dashboard has a minimalistic approach in design. It's easy to navigate and all the controls are clearly labeled and easy to read. The iDrive controller has been vastly improved with much simple and easy to use menus. Rear passenger space is comfortable for two, a third person may not feel as comfortable due to the large transmission tunnel. Boot space is generous as well with the rear seat in place. Fold them down and the space increases considerably for added versatility. 

Equipment: The Standard X3 comes with stop/start technology, leatherette upholstery and automatic climate control. Top of the range X3 comes with Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. 18-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate system. You'll have to pay a rear view camera, heated front seats and variable sport steering with performance control. 

Buying & owning: The X3 is competitively priced among its rivals. You'll have to stay clear of the options list if you want your X3 to be within reasonable price levels. The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 are both able to cater to drivers in the same levels as the X3 but both don't offer the fun to drive factors as the X3. Then again we have yet to test drive the X3 or any BMW with standard suspension. 

Reliability & Safety: The X3 cabin materials feel upscale and long lasting. Much attention was put into the fit and finish. It may not be as classy as the Audi Q5, but it is a vast improvement over the previous generation. Reliability should be good as BMW has been vastly improving their reliability over the years. Front and side curtain airbags come standard across the range. ESP, anti-lock-brakes come standard as well as X-drive all-wheel-drive system. Deadlocks and anti-theft deterrent system comes standard to keep theft away. 

The BMW X3 is a great choice among it's keen rivals Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5. It's quite fun to drive and vastly improved over previous generation. Both engines offer plenty of oomph and the refinement is improved as well. We have yet to test drive a BMW with standard suspension and the options send the price to X5 levels. If you can ignore these few downsides the X3 is a great vehicle that's worth considering if its rivals don't tickle your fancy. 

Devon's Pick: The X3 xDrive28i is the pick of the range. The 2-liter turbo engine is all the engine you'll really need. There is plenty of pace for both city and highway driving. It may seem like the watered down version of the X3 but it makes the most sense financially. If you stay clear of the options list you'll get a decently priced X3 that's worth an extra look. 

Likes: Optional variable damper control makes the X3 more fun to drive. Quality and cabin materials are vastly improved. 

Dislikes: Options send price to X5 entry level. Large rear tunnel limits space for three. We've yet to test drive any BMW with standard suspension.