BMW X5 2019 Review - A Surprisingly Sporty Luxury SUV

[@chasingcars]

First video featuring our format changes for 2019 - hope you enjoy it! We are going to be building the quality of our videos further this year, so now's a great time to subscribe. Also, thoughts on the new X5?

[@RatimirRS]

The X5 has always been the best looking X model in BMW lineup, and it's still true. All other X models were actually quite ugly, although the latest X3 is now quite alright in my opinion.

[@Matt-vq8jz]

I’m pretty sure the X5 has always had a split tailgate. Excellent review as always! My only issue is audio seemed too low (quiet) compared to other YT videos. Love your work!

[@chasingcars]

Right you are Matt - slip of the tongue there, forgive me! Will look at audio levels for the next one, too.

[@chasingcars]

Right you are Matt - slip of the tongue there, forgive me! Will look at audio levels for the next one, too.

[@stubones]

Matt correct. The difference in the new X5 is that the lower part is powered, not manually operated 👍

[@Matt-vq8jz]

Chasing Cars Appreciate the reply! Love your work.

[@steveprice638]

No, it didn't. The first X5 had a single tailgate, I'm sure. The drop-down tailgate is a pain in the ass because it's no good for smaller dogs to jump in, as it's lined with slippery plastic that dog-claws can't grip. The first X5 had a much lower floor and for that reason was better for dogs. In fact, I've just looked it up on google. The E53 first generation X5 had no split tailgate. I should become a car reviewer!

[@NeillyVille]

Stunning interior and exterior! Has the best infotaiment in the class, very practical and probably the best one to drive too! This new X5 is the best luxury SUV in my opinion

[@chasingcars]

The Q7 also drives very well, especially if you’re after something further down the comfort end of the spectrum.

[@RainThefoxOfficial]

One of the best car review channel in Australia, keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelroberts4599]

Why was there a skate board under the car when reviewing the boot?

[@chasingcars]

Why not? Actually, just needed to stash it while filming that shot and failed to push it far enough. Kind of amusing.

[@jeffreywong6842]

@@chasingcars It's an optional accessory :)

[@MaZEEZaM]

it also has under floor storage in the boot if you don't carry a spare wheel and at least will carry the boot cover under the floor.

[@farrownicholas]

That’s the best colour combination (phytonic blue with cognac). Just needed the 742m wheels and air suspension and the spec would have been near perfect.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed, Phytonic/Cognac is where it’s at!

[@luizmkv6963]

741M > 742M by far... 746i, 747M, 749M much better

[@GauravChristopherDCosta]

Excellent review! Loved the detail. Feedback: The audio level on the video at 1080p seems too low. Had my laptop speakers turned all the way up and still struggled to hear what you were saying. Other videos on KZbin sound fine. Thank you!

[@jdsvic156]

Love the grill and such a great car to drive

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review Tom - love the looks and interior very luxurious. Kidney grills at limit - any bigger :( I think all X5’s have had a split tailgate which is very practical but my favourite BMW has always been the 5 series in Touring form.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Malcolm. I reckon this kidney is even too big for me, but just wait until you see the X7. I saw it in person at the LA show last year and the grille is massive. I’m with you on the 5er Touring front - great car.

[@malcolmscott4150]

X7 just looks awful as agree grille OTT :)

[@chasingcars]

Not to mention the facelift 7er...

[@MaZEEZaM]

I'm not particularly keen on the external design and to me that grill looks painted on, not a fan. Otherwise I think its a pretty great vehicle, particularly the infotainment, comfort and storage in the boot. The hugely adjustable seats would also suit me too.

[@MrMrp69]

5:15 Apparently the new X5 has a split tailgate for the first time? Funny that cause my 2018 X5 (old shape) has a split tailgate too.😂

[@joshuaoverton3309]

I think he might of meant an electric split tailgate

[@VanguardX]

The x5 has always had a split tailgate bud :)

[@sanaulhaque4820]

I just dont get it why doesn't this channel get the recognition it deserves great review mate could you review the Q7

[@chasingcars]

Thanks mate, well, hoping to make 2019 the year things get quite a bit bigger. Will do my best on the Q7 front - the issue is they’re currently suspended from sale in Australia due to ongoing WLTP emissions testing delays.

[@elektras6325]

I can’t deal with a brown interior, makes me feel like I’m in a mud bath.🤷🏻‍♀️ I liked the beige one the best. Wonderful review.❤️

[@midnightbazaar]

Great review. I also prefer not to have black leather seats😊 However I'm really quite confused about the rear seats..if one opts for extra 3rd row of seats the rear seats (to me) appear more comfortable as they are shaped into 2 seats with a slightly smaller middle bit, rather than a flat bench straight across like a bench. I prefer the rear seats that aren't like a flat bench at rear but I don't need extra seats. The rear seats are more comfortable with the 3rd row option. Though 3rd row itself is too small probably obky small kids could sit in it. I'm looking at 30D. Thanks

[@tedqian8707]

Gotta love split tailgates 👍 great photography as always!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Ted! Yep, great work by Alek on the glass for this one.

[@WarwickJaensch]

Great review, thanks!! Just a minor correction however, wireless charging isn't standard, its a $900 extra (@3:20 in video).

[@d20207]

I love those kidney grills. It looks so aggressive . The ones that the X7 has are too much. this ones are incredible. The tail is also amazing. In my opinion, this Bmw looks cooler than the new GLE. (the tail looks like a kia cerato) and the front is not impressive.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed that X7 is too much grille... the X5 is right on the borderline for me! And yeah, not yet sold on the new GLE. I’ve only seen it briefly in the flesh, though.

[@kcc567]

Hi Tom, What color is this car - Phytonic or Tanzanite Blue? Thanks.

[@niemduong6235]

Look great in & out

[@jaig2528]

As usual, Great review Tom!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks a lot Jai!

[@raghavshankara5601]

Nice review mate

[@chasingcars]

Thanks mate!

[@Hi-pt2nq]

X5 is a Stunner

[@RTR_RRoomes73]

To Me, it is the BEST SAV

[@steveprice638]

The tan interior is popular in the US and Australia but is very rare in the UK! I have to say it does nothing for me at all! I've ordered in Artic Grey and Ivory interior. Arrives July.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough - that is the beauty of choice!

[@Sean-me4fv]

I have the Oyster colour leather, here in Australia. Love it and it’s been surprisingly durable even with young kids.

[@bashes1]

LIVING for the video quality on this one. Solid review guys, even if BMW are going a bit OTT with their ballooned nostrils these days.

[@chasingcars]

Same here, Ash - Alek’s killed it with this shoot! Can’t help but feel the same about the kidney progression though.

[@stubones]

Great review, I'd definitely have a fully loaded M50D with air suspension if I could afford one. Just FYI, the 30D is not twin turbo. It's a single twin power turbo. As for the larger kidney grills, well they're smaller than Audi grills, but it does give the new gen of BMW a slightly buck toothed or beaverish look.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for mentioning that. Not sure how I got that in my head... I was sure the 30d engine was twin-turbo but you're quite right, it's not. It's remarkably lag-free for a big single turbo.

[@TheRorymcloughlin]

Tom, please, no more shorts and T-shirts, it's freezing over here in Europe :-). Great review

[@chasingcars]

Haha! On the day we filmed this, it was 40° C, no joke. Too hot.

[@MrThepilvi2]

which one would you choose? 2020 gle or this new x5?

[@vladsaghin7644]

With you on this one! Black interiors are the worst! Dark and boring... take the new Mazda3 for example, why wouldn't you pick the white or red leather interior over the black? Sure it's more maintenance but it shouldn't be too bad if you wipe the seats once a month at least. However, the cognac/saddle brown sure is my favorite overall since there is a lot less maintenance necessary over white/beige seats

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, that's my way of thinking about it. Lots of people love black leather (totally fine of course) but I'd rather do something interesting, even if it involves a bit of extra maintenance!

[@jeremyhill3837]

Nice review but waaaay too quiet audio mate. Had the headphones 🎧 on max and was hard work.

[@chasingcars]

Noted, thanks Jeremy. Will be fixed for the next upload.

[@RatimirRS]

Having driven a Mercedes E class right before the X5, I have to say that the center 12.3" screen in Mercedes is higher resolution than the 12.3" in BMW. I am aware of the fact that E class and X5 are not direct competitors, but I assume that the upcoming GLE will be equipped with even better screens, which doesn't look too good for a brand new BMW model.

[@sandtak0828]

Yes it’s pretty

[@billybob1511]

How is the road noise, is it super quiet on the motorway or coarse chip bitumen? Wonder how much those rear tyres are?! The 285/45R21 on the new Audi Q8 are about $900 per tyre :-) (crazy)

[@chasingcars]

It’s pretty well-insulated and quiet, yep. I’ve had a look at the tyres and replacements for the rears are currently running at about $700 AUD! Big money.

[@cac3343]

I have the 2014 X5 and it has a split tailgate...just saying.

[@vishaltiwari5272]

In ❤️with the X5

[@thepixelated]

Split gate for the first time !!?

[@jonathanchinappen9100]

Please consider doing 0-100 times?

[@aidenp5768]

The first original X5 was pretty large if you ask me

[@chasingcars]

Kind of, but to put in perspective, the new shape is 26cm longer and 13cm wider than the first X5. Substantial increases.

[@nql9430]

X6 M sport package or X5 fully loaded??? I was there to pick up my X6 then I saw this X5. Love the X6 outside look but X5 has so many cool features. Not sure which one to get. What do you think?

[@chasingcars]

Hmm, perhaps you could wait for the new X6? If you wanted to buy now, though, I’d grab the X5 M50d

[@nql9430]

Chasing Cars new X6 is coming? Do you know when? I’m looking at 2019 X6 for over $80k. Everyone tried to talk us out of getting it. Everyone said to get X5. Looking at 2019 X5 fully loaded for $75K. Just don’t know which one to get.

[@chasingcars]

Well mate the short answer is, buy what YOU like. Don't let yourself get talked out of anything, if you've decided the X6 is what you really want! We're expecting to see the new X6 sometime later this year, and if you're in Australia, it probably won't hit the road until around Christmas at the earliest, I believe.

[@steveprice638]

The X6 looks like an X5 that melted....

[@farrownicholas]

Would you pick the 30d or wait a month and go with the 40i? What’s the smarter choice?

[@chasingcars]

Good question. I’d have to say 30d. While the petrol sixes are nice engines, BMW diesel sixes are sweeties too, and I found this thing surprisingly economical: it did 9L/100km or so in town, and 7L/100km highway. The 40i will blow out those numbers by 40-50% in reality. For something of this size and weight diesel still makes plenty of sense.

[@farrownicholas]

Chasing Cars thanks for the response :)

[@bluecent]

If only all car makers offered some interior colour choices rather than charcoal black.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed. And the X5 has a lot more than just this cognac brown. Good on BMW for embracing choice.

[@JimboJones99]

That screen is bigger than my TV in my lounge room.

[@chasingcars]

It’s big alright. And because it’s close to you, it feels even bigger

[@rayleeaustralia]

Why is it surprising? Isn't it expected to be a luxury SUV?

[@chasingcars]

“Surprisingly sporty”

[@ogieogilthorpe6717]

Would you choose x5 or the audi q8?

[@chasingcars]

X5 on 19-inch wheels and adaptive dampers, but that’s because I prefer these sorts of SUVs to be more tuned for comfort than sport. I’d test drive both - pick what you like better!

[@mirzaidrizovic6242]

Please look at your facts. Split gate first time wrong. Boot space same as the predecessor.

[@chasingcars]

Come on. You try doing it in a one take without a minor error. What I meant was that the lower portion of the split tailgate is electrified for the first time.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

I don't like the swollen kidney 😀😀😀...Is the new X5 superior in terms of handling when compared to STELVIO? is the trans still ZF 8 spd auto with no updates

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, that big grille... hmm. In terms of handling, I reckon it’s just about on par with the Stelvio, so very good. But like that Alfa, the ride on sports suspension is too firm! Yeah, 8 sp ZF but it’s been updated for the new generation. Still a lovely automatic as far as they go.

[@shaneisaacs666]

I’d rather a 5 series estate

[@chasingcars]

Same. Wish they did the 530d as a wagon in Australia - you can only get four cylinders, but that straight six diesel is epic. I did take a 530i Touring to Italy once, though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4fbl3p9bN-joaM

[@dashzevegtsogtjargal6694]

Hairtai shyyy

[@alanfrayser9941]

Shorts a little too tight

[@chasingcars]

I hope you recover.

[@InteriorDesignAnderson]

Nice review but ware socks 😂

[@chasingcars]

Ankle socks!

[@hansels13b13rnn14]

Is this a rebadged Kia? What happened? BMW used to make top of the line vehicles.

[@chasingcars]

That’s the second comment like that. I’m afraid I don’t see it .. what’s Kia-ish about this car? Genuine question.

[@yourtube7666]

I heard this car was co-developed with BMW Shanghai. Chinese influence maybe?

[@chasingcars]

Almost definitely some catering to the Chinese market in this design. The going belief is that the Chinese luxury consumer wants the brand displayed very prominently. Kidney grilles are BMW's brand - so they've made them a lot bigger. See the facelifted 7 Series for example. Looks like a caricature.

[@Sean-me4fv]

This is a damn top of the line vehicle you fool

[@Sean-me4fv]

Chasing Cars Yes there are videos of Chinese people being asked about bigger BMW grilles at car shows, and they love them. They want them big as possible.

[@goran2009]

🐷 nose looks hilarious, rear reminds me of kia... But I would not mind upgrading my ‘14 X3 for this ... BTW, you remind me of my friend David, check out his instagram account... davo_dw

[@chasingcars]

Haha, strained praise at best Goran! And yes, I think your mate might be my brother from another mother...