BMW X5 review - MPG, running costs & CO2

Across the X5 line-up, only the 30d and 40d diesel engines can achieve nearly 40mpg, which is somewhat disappointing, though the plug-in model – if you remember to plug it in – has a claimed economy figure of more than 300mpg. When we tested the X5 PHEV it achieved around 43.5mpg, but 180 miles of that was in EV mode – running solely on petrol we recorded fuel economy of just 25.9mpg, which highlights the importance of using both fuel sources for the best efficiency.

BMW X5 MPG & CO2

After the plug-in hybrid model, the cheapest conventionally-powered X5 to run is the entry-level xDrive30d. This utilises a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel engine and is capable of returning around 38.7mpg. Its CO2 emissions start at 191g/km, however, placing it in the higher Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for company-car drivers. The Mercedes GLE 250d returns a similar mpg figure, but it's also quite a bit slower.

The mid-range xDrive40d also features mild-hybrid assistance and offers improved performance over the entry-level 30d model, with only a slight hit on fuel economy at 37.7mpg. On the other hand, the range-topping petrol-powered M60i will only be able to manage up to 24.4mpg, with emissions upwards of 262g/km, placing it firmly in the most expensive BiK band for fleet drivers.

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There is another option though, which is to go for the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, which replaced the xDrive45e when the X5 was facelifted in 2023. With a claimed EV range of around 60 miles (we’ve found about 50 miles is realistic), it should be able to cover most commutes, and is much more impressive than the 22 miles possible in the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The plug-in also has the lowest emissions of the X5 range, claiming an official CO2 emissions figure of 20g/km.

The flagship BMW X5 M is more on a par with a supercar, returning up to 21.1mpg if driven carefully, with CO2 emissions of 304g/km – roughly three times that of a supermini.

Every conventional petrol and diesel BMW X5 is liable for the regular VED (road tax) each year, with the mild-hybrid and PHEV eligible for the discounted rate. Because the list price of every X5 exceeds £40,000, owners will also have to pay the additional surcharge amount in years two to six.

Insurance groups

The BMW X5's price, performance and advanced technology means it sits at the top end of the one to 50 scale. As a guide, the Mercedes GLE sits in groups 35 to 50. Even the X5 xDrive30d xLine is in group 45, while the BMW X5 M is in group 50.

Warranty

BMW offers a similar warranty to rivals, covering the X5 for the first three years. It's slightly more generous than you'll get with a Volkswagen Touareg or Audi Q7, though, because BMW doesn't cap mileage during this period.

Servicing

All BMW models are offered with the choice of fixed-price servicing plans that can be paid upfront when you purchase the car, or spread over monthly instalments to make maintenance costs more manageable.