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.
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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.
