Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X5 review - how does it compare to the Porsche Cayenne? - MPG and running costs

BMW’s original SUV is still its best, still handling like a big 5-series. It’s just a shame it means so much less today…

Evo rating
RRP
from £57,495
  • Exceptional drivetrains, build quality and refinement. M50d stonking, yet more sensible than most fast SUVs
  • Overall handling is capable, but benign. Anything but subtle, but then an X5 never really was

MPG and running costs 

BMW claims 47.1mpg for the 30d, an impressive number considering its more than two-ton weight figure. The M50d still cracks 41.5mpg over the same combined route, although we managed mid-30s in the 30d and high 20s in the M50d on test. This might have something to do with constantly flooring it in a high gear just to feel the surge of torque, but if you’re interested in buying an M50d chances are you’ll feel inclined to do the same. Petrol 40i models are rated at 33.2mpg, a number you’ll never reach anyway.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026
The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally
Defender D7XR
Features

The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally

The Defender D7X-R is tackling the world’s most gruelling off-road race, and unlike many competition cars, this one has strong ties to a car we know w…
24 Mar 2026
We need a reset: Dickie Meaden on why the modern supercar has finally gone too far
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance – details
Opinion

We need a reset: Dickie Meaden on why the modern supercar has finally gone too far

Revisiting the ‘80s has Meaden grappling with the mind-boggling evolution of fast cars
27 Mar 2026