BMW X5 (2013-2018) review - bulky but very capable - BMW X5 performance and 0-60 time
Good to drive and practical, but the X5's ever-increasing size counts against it in a few areas
Performance and 0-60mph time
The entry-level 25d promises reasonable performance levels on paper, dispatching 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds and reaching 137mph at the top-end. The bulk of the X5 is apparent though, and the engine struggles at higher speeds, feeling breathless and making overtaking a bit of a problem.
We recommend opting for the straight-six 30d, it will deliver a marked step up in liveliness. Performance also isn't too bad either - 0-60mph takes 6.8 seconds and top speed is 143mph. What’s more, the extra performance has little impact economy and emissions.
Adding another turbo to the 30d makes it even quicker. The 40d manages to be almost a second faster to 60mph (5.9) and reaches a top speed of 147mph. At the top of the diesel range is the tri-turbo M50d, managing 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
If performance is what you desire then the X5M twin-turbo petrol V8 can hit 60mph in just 4.2 seconds. The only other petrol offering is the xDrive50i which is slightly slower, completing the 0-60mph dash in 4.9 seconds. Both models are limited to 155mph.
The recently launched xDrive40e hybrid does 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and can reach 130mph or 75mph in all-electric mode. As you'd expect, it's as quiet and smooth in the latter mode as any electric car.
