Ive owned the new 2014 X5 for several months now and love it! I love the new updated styling inside and out. It has the top grade materials and impeccable fit and finish youd expect from BMW. I loaded it up with options, which made it pricey, and its a technological masterpiece full of cool toys that are not just whiz bang but are really functional. The navigation system, internet/Pandora/email capabilities are great, love the LED lights, 4 zone climate, Harmon Kardon surround system 16 speaker 650 watts with satellite radio sounds excellent. I don't really care for the start stop and lane departure, both are a little intrusive, but blind spot and convenience entry/locking are very useful. Ive owned several BMWs over the years and this one does not disappoint. It runs very smooth and silent, takes the bumps easy but you feel the road nicely. Control, power, steering responsiveness is precise and runs almost like a sedan. I couldn't be more happy with it so far!
I just purchased the x5d and love it. This was a trade up from my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Wouldn't look back. Drive is fantastic. Those that worry about maintenance, I added in 5 years full maintenance and tire protection.
70k is normal price for that car - I'm not sure what the sticker shock is about. If you want one of the best all around SUVs with almost all the options, you can't do better for much less. Im not sure what competitors he was talking about...
Really? I prefer the look of the previous model. I'm not digging the character lines of this model. Also, these things are getting to damn big. Now the X3 is almost the size of the older model X5's, now this one is 2 inches longer. To me, its too big.
chigasaki06 Yeah, I don't mind the looks of this new generation, but it drives so much better than last generation. It's not actually any larger than the E70 either, 2 inches stretched wheelbase but no overall length increase.
The F15 and E70 is nearly mechanically identical. But the F15 is obviously a step ahead with the drivetrain, comfort & safety features and the iDrive. I have a '13 X5 35i so I know my stuff rather well!
Im getting this one next week. I REALLY wonder if its gonna handle winter (no , not that funny LA winter , but real Norway winter). The first generation x5 that I had was a really reliable thing. One complaint I have about BMWs : no fucking locking differential.
Great review, thanks. Very helpful and some great camera shots to be able to make up one's mind. Kudos to your crew. Keep up the great job and I am glad you were not afraid to tell the truth about how you felt re: the price and the AWD system. +1000
Nice refresh they made to the styling, I would take everything has except I think the diesel is one to get. Also a little disappointing the heated steering wheel already packed it in. That's one thing I still fear with German vehicles. My Lexus is 7 years old and (knock on wood) every one of it's electronics still work today. I fear this may not be true of the Bimmer.
My bro got a 2012 5-series, and it already has electrical quirks. For exp, the windows have opened while the car was parked all by themselves. The sunroof has also decided when it wants to open/close. He was going to get the Lexus GS, but opted for the bimmer.
chigasaki06 you guys are crazy. This is a standard option on all BMWs. When you press to open a car and hold it it opens the car rolls down the windows and opens sunroof. It's good for a summer when you want the to be open before you get to it. You might have pushed it by accident
I didn't know that. It is very possible that my brother accidentally pressed it. I don't think the windows were rolled down, with the sunroof open as well. The way he described it, was that one day the sunroof was open, then another day the windows were down without the sunroof being open. So, I'm not sure.
chigasaki06 I've come to realize the BMW key works at much larger distances than I'm used to from other cars, or it's much more sensitive. So I had it pressed when it was in my hand or played with it before getting near the car. I've tested the range just to be sure so I know at what range I should be careful. It resulted in the trunk open warning started to sound a few times and I realized I did not even notice which end of the key I was pressing, specially when I was in a hurry. So first I pressed the trunk open and when the door locks did not open I turned the key around and pressed again, not noticing I already had opened the trunk. The all windows open also happened a few times (I don't have sunroof) and when I finally went to ask for help they told me to be careful with the key since they had others making the same mistake. After that the all window open has not happened again but I've opened the trunk a few times more.
So the start-stop functionality doesn't work in the winter (cold countries are out of luck then) and the steer-heating simply failed? Wow, that was a bad bad call by BMW then. Might as well try the new QX60 for 10K less, for example.
Sebastian Aavik I can tell by watching this review that this jeep share many parts with my VW golf and I totally believe there are malfunctions cause its many times the case with "German quality"
Sebastian Aavik BMW offers a ride and driving quality you won't experience in an Infiniti but it sure as hell does not offer reliability. Why do you think 80% of BMWs in North America are leased for 3 years and then given back? Even the owners know better not to keep a Bimmer past 3 to 5 years. I like German cars but I will always lease them.
Djonkie Bonk Yes, I remember leaked statistics from a magazine (I think 'Autoweek') which exposed the lack of reliability of BMW's and Audi's. The online magazine in my country was then self-censored because Autoweek is mainly sponsored by Audi. But it sure was an eye opener. Especially the Japanese engines were more reliable.
$70,000! NO WAY! Even if you can afford it. If you must, buy it AFTER it's turned in on a 3 or 4 year lease for half price. And then you're STILL going to get killed on the service visits.
I have no idea why BMW call it 3rd generation - The mechanic is just uprated slightly the bodyshape is the same there are no changes at interior as well. A pair of new headlamps doesn't make a new generation this is just a big marketing lie!!
Wade H Yeah... but and the body is the same - just slight changes ant bumpers and headlights. It's kind a say "I have new wife" after she get facelifting ;)
А резину летнию не пробовал поменять на зимнюю. Из за таких машину и хают. Посмотрите на следы на снегу сколько полос отпечатано от резины. Тупо ездить по снегу на летней резине. Глупо. А машина хорошая если есть в ней тракцион контроле.
Ive owned the new 2014 X5 for several months now and love it! I love the new updated styling inside and out. It has the top grade materials and impeccable fit and finish youd expect from BMW. I loaded it up with options, which made it pricey, and its a technological masterpiece full of cool toys that are not just whiz bang but are really functional. The navigation system, internet/Pandora/email capabilities are great, love the LED lights, 4 zone climate, Harmon Kardon surround system 16 speaker 650 watts with satellite radio sounds excellent. I don't really care for the start stop and lane departure, both are a little intrusive, but blind spot and convenience entry/locking are very useful. Ive owned several BMWs over the years and this one does not disappoint. It runs very smooth and silent, takes the bumps easy but you feel the road nicely. Control, power, steering responsiveness is precise and runs almost like a sedan. I couldn't be more happy with it so far!
Could you clarify which SUV with the same technical characteristics with the same level of performance and the same set of options costs much less ?
I just purchased the x5d and love it. This was a trade up from my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Wouldn't look back. Drive is fantastic. Those that worry about maintenance, I added in 5 years full maintenance and tire protection.
Quibbly do u mean if i bought a maintennce package it will be better
It felt like I was listening to the news the entire time.
I love the evolution of the X5 and I think BMW was smart in focusing on a better ride, since that was the biggest gripe about past generations.
Keep up the good work. Your reviews are always so informative and well presented.
the start stop mode does is not active, before the engine has reached a specific temperature
the start stop system won't engage when the engine is too cold
X5 is a best of an SUV!
Does the 'Cold Weather Package' include the beanie?
great review Steve, I drove this vehicle - and yes, it is a measure above similarly equipped SUVs - only in price!
70k is normal price for that car - I'm not sure what the sticker shock is about. If you want one of the best all around SUVs with almost all the options, you can't do better for much less. Im not sure what competitors he was talking about...
Agree... what competitors is he talking about?
Thomas y
Hd ecc ae
Seems like a great car for those cold winters in LA. Not so much for winters in Maine, Massachusetts or Minnesota
I've had both generations of the X5 in Vermont winters with not a single issue, and that is with the run flats on all year round.
I love the styling of the exterior and interior!
Awesome vehicle! No complaints here.
I was hoping you would actually get to the test drive part.
in response to the comment at 1:49 -- the automatic stop system never kicks in at that temperature and that's not X5 specific
Great SAV but when will we not see the same interior in nearly all the models?
Love it. Such a step forward in design as compared to the E70
Really? I prefer the look of the previous model. I'm not digging the character lines of this model. Also, these things are getting to damn big. Now the X3 is almost the size of the older model X5's, now this one is 2 inches longer. To me, its too big.
chigasaki06 Yeah, I don't mind the looks of this new generation, but it drives so much better than last generation. It's not actually any larger than the E70 either, 2 inches stretched wheelbase but no overall length increase.
Scott Villeneuve You've got the backwards, my friend. This X5 is 2" longer with no change in wheelbase, according to specs provided by BMW.
TestDriveNow.com
You're right, haha. I did say that backwards.
The F15 and E70 is nearly mechanically identical. But the F15 is obviously a step ahead with the drivetrain, comfort & safety features and the iDrive. I have a '13 X5 35i so I know my stuff rather well!
Great review as usual.
You say there are options out there that would do the same as the X5 for less money. Alright, like who!?
Im getting this one next week. I REALLY wonder if its gonna handle winter (no , not that funny LA winter , but real Norway winter). The first generation x5 that I had was a really reliable thing. One complaint I have about BMWs : no fucking locking differential.
So both wheels would just spin out?
Do Kauturn (Sauturn)outback
Great review, thanks. Very helpful and some great camera shots to be able to make up one's mind. Kudos to your crew. Keep up the great job and I am glad you were not afraid to tell the truth about how you felt re: the price and the AWD system. +1000
the rear reminds me of the 2013 Ssanyong Stavic...
Nice refresh they made to the styling, I would take everything has except I think the diesel is one to get. Also a little disappointing the heated steering wheel already packed it in. That's one thing I still fear with German vehicles. My Lexus is 7 years old and (knock on wood) every one of it's electronics still work today. I fear this may not be true of the Bimmer.
My bro got a 2012 5-series, and it already has electrical quirks. For exp, the windows have opened while the car was parked all by themselves. The sunroof has also decided when it wants to open/close. He was going to get the Lexus GS, but opted for the bimmer.
chigasaki06 my 328i does that sometimes too. i will come outside in the morning and every window will be open
chigasaki06 you guys are crazy. This is a standard option on all BMWs. When you press to open a car and hold it it opens the car rolls down the windows and opens sunroof. It's good for a summer when you want the to be open before you get to it. You might have pushed it by accident
I didn't know that. It is very possible that my brother accidentally pressed it. I don't think the windows were rolled down, with the sunroof open as well. The way he described it, was that one day the sunroof was open, then another day the windows were down without the sunroof being open. So, I'm not sure.
chigasaki06 I've come to realize the BMW key works at much larger distances than I'm used to from other cars, or it's much more sensitive. So I had it pressed when it was in my hand or played with it before getting near the car. I've tested the range just to be sure so I know at what range I should be careful. It resulted in the trunk open warning started to sound a few times and I realized I did not even notice which end of the key I was pressing, specially when I was in a hurry. So first I pressed the trunk open and when the door locks did not open I turned the key around and pressed again, not noticing I already had opened the trunk. The all windows open also happened a few times (I don't have sunroof) and when I finally went to ask for help they told me to be careful with the key since they had others making the same mistake. After that the all window open has not happened again but I've opened the trunk a few times more.
He did not get the M sports Package in this X5 but the cheap Luxury Package! M Sports has a different steering wheel and front grill design.
I liked the most Security advantages. Thank You for this video. Thank You for your presentation.
My dads getting one next week and when the guy asked us do we want rwd we thought wtf rwd on a suc its like fwd nissan gtr
So the start-stop functionality doesn't work in the winter (cold countries are out of luck then) and the steer-heating simply failed? Wow, that was a bad bad call by BMW then. Might as well try the new QX60 for 10K less, for example.
Haha you really can't compare a German bestseller brand against japanese plastic cars, BMW offers quality Infiniti will never reach
Sebastian Aavik The differences are getting smaller and smaller.
Sebastian Aavik I can tell by watching this review that this jeep share many parts with my VW golf and I totally believe there are malfunctions cause its many times the case with "German quality"
Sebastian Aavik BMW offers a ride and driving quality you won't experience in an Infiniti but it sure as hell does not offer reliability. Why do you think 80% of BMWs in North America are leased for 3 years and then given back? Even the owners know better not to keep a Bimmer past 3 to 5 years. I like German cars but I will always lease them.
Djonkie Bonk Yes, I remember leaked statistics from a magazine (I think 'Autoweek') which exposed the lack of reliability of BMW's and Audi's. The online magazine in my country was then self-censored because Autoweek is mainly sponsored by Audi. But it sure was an eye opener. Especially the Japanese engines were more reliable.
$70,000! NO WAY! Even if you can afford it. If you must, buy it AFTER it's turned in on a 3 or 4 year lease for half price. And then you're STILL going to get killed on the service visits.
slabsides1 that's why you WOULDN'T buy it after 3 or 4 years when it's turned in for half price. Service visits are free for 4 years.
now you can buy it for 35 000euro, and next year 30 000euro will be normal price
for the amount of views they deserve more subscribers
Hi Steve ,I love you & your great indepth review .I subscribed you. Thanks for you being a great friend
I have no idea why BMW call it 3rd generation - The mechanic is just uprated slightly the bodyshape is the same there are no changes at interior as well.
A pair of new headlamps doesn't make a new generation this is just a big marketing lie!!
Oh really? From that point of view some Audi's models have been on the market for decades now...
mftgdeserteagle Fair point but that doesn't change anythig for the X5
Thats the trend right now. New body style, same drivetrain and engine.
Wade H Yeah... but and the body is the same - just slight changes ant bumpers and headlights.
It's kind a say "I have new wife" after she get facelifting ;)
Porsche, VW, Audi...
I like the big nav screen.. but when is BMW gonna change their interior design its been basically the same for years now.
Why would you have a straight 6 petrol in snow? Really you should have the Diesel engine..
standart bir otomobile kar lastiği taksak da aynı sürüşü yaşatır bize.bu aracın ne artısı var suv olarak
this same car cost 140k AUD in australia you americans have it good
Best suv
We bought an X5 in 2001. We beat the crap out of it. It died last month
Why ya hating on bmw
$73,000.00...you can have it
I LOVE BMW
feel the cold from sport
i'd buy a mercedes GL instead.......
***** no, because its better. BTW i've never heard rappers sing about a Mercedes GL they always sing about 750Li's and s class' lol
you compare x5 with ML..;)
Petrit Nikçi What's wrong with that? I mean they are direct competitors, and comparing the X5 to the GL is just wrong!
That box looking boat rather take the x5
Get out of here you
19.000$ extra for the base model in the UK. You guys have cheap cars over there.
BMW German Technology Build in US :D
Ill keep my infiniti jx35 thanks. the heated steering wheel works every time just like everything else.
A brand new car is handed to this reviewer and the heated power steering failed already. Typical BMW quality l
А резину летнию не пробовал поменять на зимнюю.
Из за таких машину и хают.
Посмотрите на следы на снегу сколько полос отпечатано от резины.
Тупо ездить по снегу на летней резине.
Глупо.
А машина хорошая если есть в ней тракцион контроле.
English is not my first language. What kind of an accent does the man in vid have?
+ycnexu Northeastern American English
+TestDriveNow.com thanks
buy a Honda pilot and be happy
overpriced and prentious, wish they still made xterras
Great review as usual.
You say there are options out there that would do the same as the X5 for less money. Alright, like who!?