2021 BMW X5 review: The ultimate luxury SUV?

[@Nebs1]

Gotta love these reviews. It shows so many details of the car without getting bogged down in pointless information. I can’t stand when a car reviewer has a 20 minute review that misses showing basic parts of the car, yet somehow finds time for a 9 minute monologue discussing the emotions of driving a Corolla while thinking about the entire history of Toyota

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! We aim to make it as much about the car as possible - instead of the life story of the person reviewing!

[@aadiflux]

be sure to check out cars and bids :P

[@-TJ-]

My mum had her's for 2 years now, its gone by fast. Brilliant car, well refined in every aspect. They gave pretty strong discounts on the price before we even asked, so I wouldn't let it deter you just yet.

[@born2fish00]

The 20" and 21" tyres are runflats and tend to give a firmer ride in my experiences, but the optional 22" are standard non-runflats. I got the 22" tyres and the ride is nice with the optional adaptive 2-axle air suspension which is only about $1,700 but well worth the extra cost. I compared against the Merc GLE, and whilst the GLE was a quiet and comfortable ride, it felt lifeless and boring compared to the sporty X5. Beware also Merc GLE 300, as it is only a 2.5L 4 cylinder (misleading naming), and to get the comparable 3.0L 6 cylinder diesel, you have to pay an extra $18k for the GLE 400 that doesn't give any other extra options. Also, X5 was 3 months delivery for a new build (from South Carolina, USA), but Merc GLE was 6+ months wait and they wouldn't honour a trade in value (low mileage Range Rover Sport) for longer than 3 months, based on my experience ordering new build end of Jan 2021. The X5 just makes sense, and includes safety and other equipment that are cost options elsewhere.

[@s0516122]

Suggestion: use the durometer to quantify how soft the seat and seatback are. Car journalists often the seat is 'supportive', 'firm', etc. Now you have a way to quantify those adjectives.

[@6Ste]

Ive got a 2015 X5 30D and absolutely love it. Currently on 81000kms and the only problem that's come about is the airbag suspension needing to be replaced. For a 7 year old car it still looks modern, plenty of power and the ride is superb. I'd defiantly consider updating to the current model.

[@aussie8114]

That would have cost a lot to fix.

[@onetrickpony8618]

Great review. Love from Kenya 🇰🇪👍👌

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@fredbarnes1315]

The hot/cold wheel dial was initially available for front passengers in some BMW models as a way of marginally increasing or decreasing the temp of air blowing just out of vents pointing at faces. On a really cold day with the heating cranked you may not want super hot air blowing on your face, so you can cool that down a few degrees without changing the cabin temp dramatically. Vice versa for hot weather. I presume BMW popped one in the rear of the X5 as an alternative to having a separate zone in the rear, but still giving the ability to slightly increase or decrease the temp in the rear compared to main cabin temp setting. Strange that 3 zone air con isn't standard in X5 when it is in X3, X4 and 3 Series sedan.

[@rokeyakhatun1524]

Waiting for the X7 review from CarExpert

[@grant4837]

Sounds like we need a Comparison video? Not just the cars but realistic spec outs and review of servicing them. Merc servicing is a steep proposition, BMW seem to offer much better value there, not sure about Audi. Would love to know from someone with better access and experience across all the brands.

[@DPK12]

Great review. You just got a new subscriber ...I'm bored with others thinking they are auditioning for top gear

[@bennybpbj]

Really glad you’re spending some time with your new family Paul, but I can’t wait for you to return to delivering full time content!

[@Eath4306]

I might be completely off, but I remember being told it came from old French cars. When you run the heater, the face level vents can be set to cool to prevent your face looking flustered with heated air. The cabin would warmed by the other vents tho. I vaguely remember TJ Magnas having a similar roller switch.

[@Bacender]

Unsure about the history of it but you are absolutely right in terms of comfort. Often I turn on the heat only to start feeling stuffy uncomfortable so I end up having to crack the window open, which ends up making the cabin cold again. Having the ability to send a stream of cool air toward your face is while warming the cabin is infinitely more comfortable.

[@Nefstah]

Would love for you to do an X6

[@whendidiask5616]

Hi Paul, may you also do a review of the Audi Q8 please. Thanks

[@CarExpertAus]

Will see if we can track one down.

[@ibekbolot]

@@CarExpertAus Maybe BMW X7 too?

[@brahimelhindaoui4041]

I've been in love with this car from 2016 I hope i can buy it in the future

[@mikey380sx]

Haha was just looking for an X5 review on your channel the other day. Cheers Paul!

[@GabrielA-nf7vz]

So was I!!! So glad it is here!

[@technicalsaddmanofficial]

Thanks for the review

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrHumpo75]

Hey Paul when you getting your hands on the new 24 X5 to review? Would love a comparison video vs X3.

[@technicalsaddmanofficial]

Was waiting for this video

[@CarExpertAus]

Enjoy!

[@dolguldur4706]

Love the review...quick and simple,yet easy to understand...nice job paul..and congrats becoming a father now

[@JohanSchmidt]

Paul, can you do a video on towing - what do the different stats mean eg 3500kg braking - is that a caravan , boat etc and which cars can tow what - eg Rav4 AWD - thanks

[@paulbent1490]

Any chance you’ll review the X5 45e PHEV?

[@anthony2056]

I was really interested in one in 2019. I remember a demo 40i M Sport was $105k. I wish I purchased it seeing how they’re gone up in inflation. Hard to get a demo or new under $140k now

[@JohanSchmidt]

You asked about the colours on the air vents - been a while since I had a BMW, but it used to be a way to adjust the temp of the air coming out at head level versus the hot air at your feet - really nice way to prevent driver fatigue in a hot car

[@Chif_GT]

I'll have mine in white and with grey powder coated wheels. X5 30d has always been my favorite SUV.

[@thepriceofrice3563]

Please do the the X5M

[@noormuhd8215]

This channel deserve more subscribers!!!

[@Grvmps]

A great package but yeah that price, even before options, is a killer.

[@inderpreetsingh7823]

As usual, nice review, still waiting when you will do review for BMW X7.

[@dhiju]

Thanks Paul.. great review.. going to get one next weekend but was soo confused with the velar mainly for the looks factor.. this review nailed it for me I guess

[@tylerhaines2023]

Excellent Video once again Paul Mind you one question ive been edging to ask, do you use iPhone or Samsung? because in the smartphone mirroring tests I always see "Pauls Galaxy S20+" do you just have that on hand for the tests? Or do you just want to flex that you can have two phones 😆

[@Samfamson]

“Stratification “wheel.. Say you have the aircon on to cold like 15c But sometimes u may want the air vent to blow a little warmth towards u u can slide to the red side and it’ll warm up the air a little, but every other air vent will be cold except the one u turned.

[@benjaminkoranten-amoako7996]

The price is absurd 94 grand?

[@CarExpertAus]

About the same as the competitors with our taxes.

[@ryanhburke]

My F15 X5 30d is horrific on fuel. Currently averaging 11.7 (after 95,000km, mostly highway) and I don't drive it like a lunatic.

[@mrnicktoyou]

You should get it checked. Sounds way too high for a diesel. My Hyundai Santa Fe does literally half that on highways.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

DPF issues?

[@ryanhburke]

I'll get it checked. It could very well be a faulty DPF as it lived the first half its life in a city.

[@leslie7922]

Reversing into a park isn't that difficult so I find it amazing how much effort they put into it camera wise

[@animalscars3799]

I’ve seen it all. I honestly DO NOT know how so many people got their licenses 🤦‍♂️ Trust me I’ve seen people have trouble parking into wide open spaces and need 5 minutes to properly park it

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say over 90% of drivers (UK and USA anyway) couldn't give a crap about being good at driving. Frankly, they need all the help they can get.

[@Football_juvra12]

Nice review

[@mannysaini5171]

These car videos are really good

[@cezza468]

I would probably pick the Touareg over this due to mostly the cabin design/layout, probably better bang for your buck too! 👌

[@dsinghr]

touareg is a great car, but lacks in infotainment which is rather fancy but not functional. Plus the steering touch sensitive controls are horrible in VWs. They would be replaced in next generations.

[@idgaming9407]

I have this car! It is sick tbh!!!

[@kanthipitiyage9189]

Nice video

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks!

[@jaykazama9132]

Also think you should add a creak test to these new cars. Quite common with their interiors.

[@tubimilambo8981]

I love this current design plus interior is nice too...only thing what worries me about BMW is reliability 😬.they seem to be cheaply made with plastic components In the engine that break

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Lol

[@MRMV483]

New ones are really reliable

[@tubimilambo8981]

@@MRMV483 hope so

[@HughRussell06]

The 6 cylinder models are known to be pretty reliable, the v8s are where the issues are

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

I have a F15 X5, definitely doesn’t have the build quality of my old E92 m3. I think the SUVs feel a bit more built to a price point. That said it’s a great car. Drives really well for its size, tons of torque, goes well, comfortable, quiet. Not the funniest but hard to argue you need more car than a 30d X5!

[@danmurphy5889]

Paul in a beamer fan boy for sure

[@jordanscarreviews6164]

Can’t wait for the video on the blue BMW X5M and the newly updated Kia Cerato GT hatchback in runway red and the updated stinger GT in micro blue or red or dark blue or any other fancy colour please. From Jordan’s car reviews.

[@josephstalone6911]

Shit yeah!

[@conlomerate4841]

I am hearing you are saying Q7 is a better choice amongst X5 and GLE? If they were same price would you still choose Q7?

[@madhavamadhav6470]

7 seat option info missing

[@raghavshankara5601]

Nice review as usual Paul...if you are given a choice of X5 30d and X540i which one would you pick? And why. Tks

[@imraanmahomed13]

Hi Paul I think you should update your vehicle lights video as these 2021 one models of LEDS can go up to 800m compare to like a polo

[@EastWood2004]

The car is awesome but BMW has recently dropped the HK audio and the touchable screen option due to the semiconductor shortage. The HK audio quality is mediocre at best.

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you

[@al7al7al7al7]

Hi paul ,always great review,i am waiting your review for new kluger,any news soon?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! It's coming soon.

[@ricksingh7575]

Excellent review 👏

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

What a shame it doesn't have the beautiful buck teeth. What trims have headlights with active shadowing?

[@sarahnick8547]

Hey Paul, great review! Any plan to review new Ssangyong Rexton 2021?

[@t4runplayz98]

Can u do x6

[@madhavamadhav6470]

Hybrid model review plz

[@mitchie78]

Hi Paul, thanks for the review. According to BMW website the max tow capacity is 2700kg? Not 3500kg as stated in the review?

[@mrderfweldingcampingtourin4821]

Waiting for your review in kluger hybrid

[@AA-wp7yh]

Please make a review of the Toyota Corolla Cross 2022...

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Wow very nice 😍

[@scorpioM56]

Do dealers allow you take home a car for 24 hours?, i never knew that.

[@chillimocha]

I bought an X1 about 6 weeks ago. The dealer let me have the car for 48 hours for me to get a good feel for it over 2 days. By the end of the 1st day I was sold on it. Great car to drive.

[@larjkok1184]

They know you won’t want to give it back.

[@nishanrubera5968]

Amazing thank you for sharing

[@rayg1232]

How is the baby Paul? Good review when are you doing the new Mux?

[@vivv5402]

Loved your review. Only thing I don't like about this car is the price. Damn

[@ifeanyiikemefuna3706]

Your problem is that BMWs are far too sporty? Get a Corolla

[@stevem2323]

Exactly.

[@KP_Oz]

Should be good to compare with the Wolfsburg as well Paul?

[@CarExpertAus]

Potentially! Not sure which one I’d pick.

[@KP_Oz]

@@CarExpertAus don't be diplomatic 😃 You know the answer!

[@stefanvlasceanu6261]

Hello sir! Do you think that cars with petrol and diesel engines will disappear from their production in the future? I hope this never happens!😭😢😓

[@PastorK23]

very helpful. Thanks

[@gauravmangal1850]

Hi Paul..Can you please make a Video on BMW 320i. ..Please recommend me Between BMW 320i, Merc C200 & Jaguar XE.. Hope to get your reply soon... Thanks

[@CarExpertAus]

Shooting the 320i tomorrow :-D

[@lameve30]

Hi Paul, any chance you will review the haval h6? Love your videos tho!

[@kagishomashiloane2975]

If anyone knows this, how does one get a week long test drive? I tried this and no one was willing to grant me one. Please advise (Based in South Africa)

[@zacxuereb]

Could you do a review of the 2021 Mercedes CLA45s AMG?

[@shreenathan2144]

X5 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@rounakjadhav8553]

Hey Paul hi...I want to see the comparison between mahindra pik up top spec and landcruiser 70 series. I want to know why should I pay twice for LC. Something different than regular videos. And if possible drag race between the two just for fun.

[@williamdrijver4141]

Good looking SUV, much better ergonomics than an EV,. Run flats and a temporary spare, well done!

[@DennisChampz]

It best to buy it 2nd hand after it is 3 years old and you will not lose too much

[@ishmamchowdhury7134]

X7 review please?

[@pearljamrock]

Why are they still making diesels?

[@CarExpertAus]

Efficiency and towing.

[@samsharma9207]

This is a really low spec interior, options wise. I think you'd get a much better feel for the total package with a brighter interior, merino leather, the leather dashboard, the extra climate zones in the back, and some open pore wood instead of the aluminum trim.

[@HammerRocks]

I have a 2015 (F15) xDrive 30d M-Sport which I've had from new. Other than the expected high cost of servicing, there are two things I don't like about it; durability of its components (or lack thereof), and its terrible resale value. More items on my X5 have broken or failed compared to any of the cars I've owned. Things such as, faulty/failed windscreen washer motor, e-brake lever/switch snapping off, the rubberised coating of the steering wheel started to peel, A/C & sunroof issues (plus a few minor intermittent electronic issues). As for resale value, if I bought a new 2015 LandCruiser 200 Sahara instead for around the same price as my X5 (or for less than half the price, a new 2015 FJ Cruiser), the LC200 is worth nearly twice as much (the FJ Cruiser around the same price) as what the value of my X5 is right now.

[@kahuna1247]

All this headache for $120k+. I can't see how it's worth it, unless it's to piss off the neighbours!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for that feedback!

[@HammerRocks]

@@kahuna1247 yeah. Tell me about it. While under warranty it was ok - just a lot of inconvenience of my time bringing it to the dealer for repairs/fix. But outside it, it’s a different ballgame.

[@stevem2323]

@@HammerRocks Isn't that the same in all premium brands?

[@stevem2323]

To be fair most of those sounds minor.

[@gamunuwickramasinghe1096]

I am from sri lanka please do the bmw , X7

[@d.k.1394]

another grrreat vid

[@fazza84]

I want one and I do not normally like SUVs

[@FefeOnQuest_]

Can you please do a bmw x7 if you have not already

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming soon!

[@dileepkumarreddym5490]

Quality review of a quality brand. 👍🏻

[@whodiedlee]

So what your saying this is a rebadged haval h6 with bmw tax

[@richieduck67]

Another great review Paul this or Genesis GV80?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! Definitely this.

[@vladsta3833]

tf is a genesis

[@Norwoodg00ner]

@@vladsta3833 it’s hyandai luxury company. Like what Lexus is to Toyota

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Does any BMW have ventilated seats?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes definitely. Can get as an option.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

@@CarExpertAus cheers. Never seen it on any I've looked at. Everything seems to be an option ...

[@jaykazama9132]

What dual cab did you get?

[@thorngchan8033]

Yeah Paul😊i like your video 😅

[@mixalis6168]

Where do you get your prices from? They are always way under what cars actually sell for~! Great looking car, would love one, if only !

[@CarExpertAus]

All prices are exclusive of on-road costs. They vary by state and dealer.

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Couldn't agree more the prices they indicated is ridiculous, why would you not add dealer fees and etc.

[@HughRussell06]

@@sleepyjoescumbag1663 and luxury car tax too, the unfortunate scam that is

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

@@HughRussell06 totally true... according to cars guide Audi q3 starts from $39,000 lol the best deal I was able to get was $58 000. It makes no sense whatsoever to advertise manufacturers cost only

[@HughRussell06]

@@sleepyjoescumbag1663 yeah John Howard claimed it was to benefit Australian made cars but obviously they don’t make cars here anymore #abolishluxurycartax

[@thomasashley-smith245]

I really wanted an X5 but despite being able to afford it I could not justify the additional spend over what I ended up with…. I grabbed a Skoda Kodiaq RS, which is still decent power and every option is already ticked as default. Most of the stuff that BMW adopted as features are now available on most SUVs so it is just the slight lift I luxury and cache of the brand… but I will take my RS and the AUD 50k difference thanks. Great review btw!

[@CarExpertAus]

Good choice!

[@sethuramancbi]

Can you option 7 seats in X5 plug in hybrid engine?

[@CarExpertAus]

Good question - I'm almost certain 7 seats isn't available in the PHEV.

[@bjornark]

No, they only configures up to 5 seats. Due to the battery taking space.

[@sethuramancbi]

@@bjornark thanks for the information.

[@KP_Oz]

Do we have four wheel steering and adaptive air suspension?

[@larjkok1184]

If you want.

[@KP_Oz]

@@larjkok1184 how much $$ for?

[@joshuaoverton3309]

@@KP_Oz roughy $2k AUD each ($1800 precisely I think)

[@Team-wq3bw]

How is BMW still surviving with the same interior in all its cars for so many years, I can't understand?!?

[@isserdigan2835]

Kinda answered your own question. Because there is commonality in their line up with some subtle differences. BMW saves money in manufacturing, R&D.

[@islandknight6105]

If it ain’t broke why fix it?

[@douglasyong6939]

Wasn't there a time when there was no android auto in BMW, which was indeed a deal breaker for some..

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes!

[@emmanuelthomas6107]

Gke 63 amg

[@taylorjay5918]

When will you review the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series😩😩

[@jameshinchy7758]

It hasn't gone on sale yet lol

[@CarExpertAus]

As soon as it’s on sale 😁

[@lordcaptain73]

The question hast to be asked re: this or the little SQ5 that Mr Crawford himself would pick over the Maccan? They’re both 5 seaters and one definitely has the sports brief nailed

[@stevem2323]

Come on, X5 all day every day.

[@PicardZ4]

X3 M40i for the win

[@aussie8114]

I can’t afford this.