In almost all departments the BMW X5 loses out to the competition. As an off-road vehicle it’s no match for the Range Rover, and if you need a huge space you’re better off with a Toyota Land Cruiser. To make matters worse, second-hand BMW X5s hold their worth so well, used ones don’t even look like good value.

Despite this, for many people the BMW X5 remains the best luxury off-road 4x4 on the market. Because on the road, nothing else sits this high, looks as good or drives so well. Launched in October 2000 the car was initially available only with the 286bhp, 4.4 litre V8. The following spring BMW added 3 litre petrol and diesel units producing 231bhp and 184bhp respectively. Later that year the line-up was completed with the mighty 4.6 litre V8. With 347bhp on tap the car will hit 149mph and reach 60mph in a shade over six seconds.

But even the less powerful derivatives are unlikely to disappoint. The 3 litre six cylinder petrol is smooth, if thirsty, and the diesel pulls strongly and can nudge 30mpg if driven kindly. The unsung hero is the 4.4 V8. Almost matching the 3 litre petrol on fuel economy and still indecently quick, the 4.4 is also the only X5 that currently suffers any noticeable depreciation, making it the best value used buy.

Equipment on all models is good, with electric seats, climate control, alloys, parking distance control and multifunction steering wheel with cruise control as standard. And while leather upholstery is an option on all but the V8s, I’ve yet to come across a car that left the factory without it.

Both 3 litre petrol and diesel models come with five-speed manual gearbox, but most owners spend the extra £1,200 on the excellent five-speed Steptronic auto box.

BMW also offers a huge range of options. Most desirable is the communications pack, which includes satellite navigation, television, telephone and Trafficmaster. Costing £2,400 new, expect to pay an extra £1,500 for a used car that has it.

Three-quarters of customers choose Sport trim, which comes with larger 19in alloy wheels, sport suspension and revised bumpers. But standard, smaller-tyred models do offer slightly sharper turn-in and less road noise.

Off the tarmac the electronics make the BMW X5 more than capable of dealing with light off-road use, the hill descent control (HDC) proving eerily effective on slippery slopes. Fit a towbar and the X5 will dispatch most towing jobs with ease, although the maximum towing weight of 2,300kg means its potential is closer to a Freelander than a Range Rover.

Inside, everything is reassuringly BMW, and there isn’t the dreadful iDrive system found in the new 7-series. Comfort levels are high, the cabin is wide, the front armrest is perfect and the electrically adjustable front seats are extremely comfortable. Front and rear headroom is good, and rear passengers have good legroom.

Three years after its introduction, demand for the BMW X5 remains strong and many private sellers are charging close to forecourt prices. So a BMW dealer may prove just as economic a way of buying one and will guarantee the car’s history and give at least 12 months’ warranty.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: BMW X5 4.4i Sport auto
Engine: V8, 4398cc
Power: 286bhp
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 20.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 7.4sec
Top speed: 143mph

Boot: Luggage cover standard

Towbar: Optional BMW towbar is detachable

Exhaust pipes: 4.4 is distinguished by four rear pipes

Wheels: 17in on standard models, 19in on Sport, 20in on 4.6iS

Tyres: Check condition carefully: 19in tyres on Sport models will set you back £240 each

CD: Multiplay stacker optional on most cars, standard on the 4.6

Stereo: Upgraded DSP (Digital Sound Processing) system of very high quality

Headlamps: Power wash system is standard

Servicing: Variable interval but usually every 12-14,000 miles

Gearbox: Manual gearbox is rare and undesirable

Fuel consumption: Only 3 litre diesel could be considered economical

Bumpers: Park distance control standard on all models

THE ONE TO BUY

BMW X5 4.4i Sport automatic, 2000 W-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £32,500 at a dealer or £31,500 privately.<!-- Beginfunction Start(page) {OpenWin = this.open(page, "CtrlWindow", "toolbar=yes,menubar=yes,location=yes,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes");}// End -->



OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2002 51-reg Range Rover 4.6 Vogue
2002 51-reg Mercedes-Benz ML500e
2002 51-reg Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon 4.
Brand new VW Touareg 3.2 V6
Brand new Lexus RX 300 3.0SE

VALUES



3.0d worth £2,500 less than 4.4i petrol. 3.0i worth £5,000 less than 4.4i. Sport models worth £1,200-£1,500 more than standard models. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer