This Luxury SUV Is Actually Worth It (BMW X5 xDrive30d 2023 Review)

Chasing Cars tests the BMW X5 xDrive30d diesel SUV – is this BMW actually worth the cash? Thanks to its quality and dynamics, we think it is.

The BMW X5 is a mainstay of the large luxury SUV space in Australia, offered in petrol, diesel and hybrid varieties. This is the crowd-pleaser six-cylinder xDrive30d AWD diesel variant with an eight-speed auto and 195kW of power.

The X5 competes with the Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Sport and other luxury SUVs.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the BMW X5.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[billybob]

145k as tested drive away? The world has gone mad.

[casey]

BMW should be praised for keeping the iDrive control wheel
When driving, it's so much easier to use then trying to stab at a touch screen and hoping you land on the icon you're aiming for.

[blakewilson]

Great review! I love my X5 30d. I added air suspension and four wheel steering to enhance the comfort and dynamics. The best car in the market

[IAmCruz]

Anyone saw that @ exactly 5:24 the wheel deflates and inflates while turning-in 🤔

[Australiano]

Tom still my fav reviewer, but this Kiwi bloke is super great too!

[MrAshar]

I dont understand why car makers are going for touchscreen rather than control wheels and physical buttons . They are so much more intuitive and safer to use whike driving

[johngoulding]

This is a great SUV that doesn’t disappoint. I love my X5 and it is the best car I’ve ever owned bar none!

[stardustmusic]

Car reviewers love complaining about buttons, then later complain about everything being on the touchscreen on long term reviews

[fl.sal.]

Hope they keep commands on the console: touch screens are very difficult to use while driving, unless you can rest your wrist somewhere.

[jhref]

Lovely to see new presenters. Although, I will just offer some feedback as a (long time) viewer. A few of them are coming across as a bit too much of an infomercial and not quite as thorough or trustworthy as your previous reviews.

I know you're independent, but the tone of the newer presenters (especially the script reading) could fit that a bit better.

[gihanwijetunga]

Unless I’m mishearing the kiwi accent, at 0:49 he says “CX-5”. Freudian slip? Have one of those as well as a modern BMW. Sadly the former offers a far better ownership experience.

[acs]

I wouldn't call the original X5 questionable in looks, it looks great for its age in my opinion, particularly the facelift model.

[mandlamthembu]

I know we are just meant to accept new car prices

But we shouldn’t

They are utter BS

Especially since you just still pay extra for things luxury cars should have standard

Vehicle inflation has been running high for two decades but standard features keep declining

Imagine BMW in the 1990s selling a new luxury model and expecting you to pay extra still for basic luxury amenities that are standard on Korean brands

[emilrajd]

time to do a review of the new 2024 x5 30d

[aldoileanumeliber]

Wonderful video! What camera gear did you use for this recording?
Thanks from Transylvania!

[rbd]

Good informative review as usual from cc. I was amused to see from 5 minutes in that the new reviewer only occasionally drives with 2 hands on the wheel (whilst going around bends at speed talking about safety kit). I know we all do it but let’s hope the gendarmes don’t watch this video!

[warrenkinnear]

I am surprised you guys bothered testing this, with the LCI imminent.

[willwonka]

Let’s be clear - it’s as talented in the utility aspect as a 1 series - it’s an SUV for tarmac only

[rajTrondhjem]

Forget the car.. Is that a Daytona on your wrist?

[aj]

It is getting a mid cycle refresh next year