BMW X5 has gone up a size and now offers the option of seven seats.
However, the rearmost pair of seats is really only intended for children, as is common in vehicles of this size, and with all seats in use luggage space does become scarce.
The X5's second row of three seats slides backwards and forwards to juggle legroom with those in the rear seats. Tilt them a few degrees, set them right back and they give spacious comfort that exceeds that of most large sedans. The back seats can be folded completely flat into the floor individually.
Engine and chassis performance blend with refinement, interior comfort and the ability to carry occupants safely and swiftly over long distances.
It has the security of all-wheel traction to enable owners to explore interesting back roads that carry little traffic and offer potential seclusion for a quiet picnic, bushwalking and so on, even though this BMW is principally intended for on-road use. Despite the increased size by keeping its weight close to that of the original, they have avoided increases in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
There's an obvious similarity in styling to that of the first-generation X5, but with a bolder look than before.
Off-road the ride is firmer in its suspension than anticipated, however that can be forgiven to gain the on-road composure.
