BMW X5 3.0d (2006) CAR review

Just what the world needs, another huge off-roader.

That’s it, jump on the SUV-hate bandwagon. But before you do you might want to know that X5 II is safer, more efficient and even better to drive. Why? Because BMW has finally called time on its strut suspension, replaced it with a set of double wishbones which provide better-camber-control and reduce lateral forces giving the dampers a hard time. Will double wishbones come to a 3-series in the future? “Only when such technology is required to keep our distance from the opposition”. Arrogance? No, confidence.

But what if I don’t want to crawl underneath to admire the engineering?

You’ll still like the X5, particulalrly if you’ve got scores of kids to shift because there’s now a seven-seat option. BMW even enlisted a ‘kid’s panel’ in its focus group research, who apparently requested a grab-handle to ease access, lower side windows and a central arm rest. If you’re less than 1.7m tall, you’ll be fine, if rather hemmed in by the backs of tall (but comfortable and very spacious) sliding middle seats. But there’s more room in a Mercedes R-class, a vehicle that BMW denies it’s to rival with a future crossover model The X5’s seats fold individually flat into the enlarged boot, whose split tailgate remains; according to the German designer, ‘Americans like to sit on it and have trunk parties’.