2018 BMW X5 Review

Detailed Review

The BMW X5 debuted in 1999 as the E53 model. It had an all-wheel drive and was available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The first generation X5 shares numerous components with the Range Rover (L322) model, especially the hill descent control and off-road engine management systems. The second generation, designated E70, was introduced in 2006. It included important enhancements such as BMW’s iDrive technology as standard across variants and an optional third row of seats for improved seven-passenger capacity. The F15, which debuted in 2013, was the X5’s third generation. Three engine options were added, as well as a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle variant (the xDrive40e) powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The G05 X5 is the X5’s fourth (and current) generation. It was first shown to the public in 2018.  It is built on the new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) chassis from the BMW Group.

The 2018 BMW X5 comes with an option of four engines; 3.0 L (petrol), 3.0 L (diesel), 4.4 L (petrol), and 2.0 L (hybrid) whose transmission is 8-speed automatic.

2018 BMW X5 Grades

1.  Sdrive35i- This entry grade comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, 1 LCD monitor on the front, a real-time traffic display, enhanced USB & Bluetooth connectivity, roof rack rails, a lip spoiler, and LED brake lights.
2. Xdrive35i- This variant boasts of a leather dashboard, chrome-line exterior, 19-inch alloy wheels, a double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension type at the rear, rack-pinion steering type, HI-FI sound system, and Satelite radio preparation
3. Xdrive35d- This trim comes with a four-zone automatic climate control, comfort access keyless entry, WIFI hotspot, heated steering wheel, and seats, Retractable headlight washers, and Aluminum bumper insert.
4. Xdrive50i- This entry-level has an M footrest and M door sills, ceramic controls, WIFI hotspot, 19-inch alloy wheels, 16 speakers, an automatic equalizer, SiriusXM radio satellite, Harman/Kardon sound system, and 1 LCD monitor in the front.
5. Xdrive40e- This variant comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brake type, body-colored door handles, lip spoiler, power liftgate, HI-FI sound system, Satelite radio preparation, enhanced USB & Bluetooth connectivity, and Real-Time traffic display.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 BMW X5 is a roomy vehicle that can easily seat 7 people in a three-row arrangement. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather that is soft and comfy to sit on.

The seats in the first row are electrically adjustable, and the legroom is superb. Similarly, there is plenty of room in the second row. Legroom in the third row is limited, making it uncomfortable for adults but ideal for children.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 BMW X5 has a glove box compartment, a deep center console, two cup holders, and bottle storage for accessories such as mobile phones, beverages, keys, and other items.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2018 BMW X5 is 35.8 cubic feet with the third row of seats in place and 76.7 cubic feet with the back seats folded. Its tailgate is electronically activated, which is particularly convenient when you have your hands full.

Exterior

The front split grille of the 2018 BMW X5 is massive, with a little X5 emblem on the kidney grille. It has optional adaptive LED headlights that swivel with steering wheel inputs to illuminate the road around curves. Its side profile features a BMW characteristic air breather, which allows turbulent airflow to escape from the wheel and pass down the side of the car, resulting in a lower drag coefficient.

The rear boasts a powerful appearance with a magnificent quad-tip exhaust that adds to the X5’s demeanor. It also comes with an electronically actuated split tailgate.

2018 BMW X5 Safety Features

The 2018 BMW X5 features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, Electronic Damping Control

2018 BMW X5 Fuel Consumption

2018 BMW X5 3.0 L petrol engine consumption- 11.3 km/l on average

2018 BMW X5 3.0 L diesel engine consumption- 13.3 km/l on average

2018 BMW X5 4.4 L petrol engine consumption- 7.2 km/l on average

2018 BMW X5 2.0 L hybrid consumption- 12.3 km/l on average

2018 BMW X5 Acceleration

2018 BMW X5 3.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.7 secs

2018 BMW X5 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 secs

2018 BMW X5 4.4 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.8 secs

2018 BMW X5 2.0 L hybrid accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.4 secs

2018 BMW X5 Fuel Tank Capacity: 83 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 BMW X5 has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are readily available and reasonably priced in Kenya. Body components, on the other hand, are pricey and not widely available.

Stability And Handling

The 2018 BMW X5 is a fantastic SUV that is highly stable and has exceptional handling.  The steering is precise and maintains great balance across the speed range. The transmission works in tandem with the engine, delivering power on time.

This vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS), which detects when any of the wheels lose traction on the road and automatically corrects the problem to ensure the vehicle’s stability. The BMW X5 has Active Roll Stabilization, which is an active suspension technology meant to reduce body roll when cornering.

When traveling off-road, the front wheels feature a double wishbone suspension, while the rear wheels have a multi-link suspension that helps to absorb road imperfections.

Reliability

BMW has been making automobiles for many decades, and as a result of that time, numerous developments and improvements have been made, with the X5 being one of the benefactors.

Because of its high ground clearance, this SUV is quite adaptable and can handle moderate off-road terrain. Individuals with limited financial resources may find car maintenance and repair tough because it consumes a lot of fuel and its replacement parts are fairly pricey when compared to other autos such as Toyota.

Some of the most prevalent problems reported by consumers are cooling system failures and sound system faults.

For a detailed reliability report, refer to the BMW X5 buyer guide. We also recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

BMW X5 Competitors: Mercedes Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90.

What we like about the 2018 BMW X5

• Roomy cabin
• Superb interior finishes

What we don’t

• Cramped third row
• Expensive spare parts

Conclusion

Few vehicles can compete with the 2018 BMW X5. It is an ideal family car for folks who value safety, comfort, and dependability. It is not a cheap automobile to purchase and maintain, but the long-term utility is infinite.