Opinions on buying a new X5

wersal gummage

Hi folks,

Very grateful for any views on the X5.

Am considering the s drive 25d se. It's 66k.

So that means a real wheel drive, entry level model with a 2.0 litre diesel engine.

I currently have a petrol 5 series m-sport with the 6 cylinders so don't really need that debate! Yes I would much rather a 4 wheel drive 3.0 m sport version of the x5 but that is just over 89k.

I would add a few options, including the 7 seats. I don't need four wheel drive and I don't really need diesel either as mileage is incredibly low.

Just wondering what running costs might be on something like this? Would it be considerably worse than a 5 series? Brakes, suspension etc?

Would any major problems due to lack of mileage in a diesel car be covered by warranty? After the 3 year warranty is up I understand that you can pay to extend the warranty.

Anyone have any experience of using a 7 seat x5 with a few kids in the back? I can't buy a picasso or the likes.

Any comments or opinions generally would he welcome, but just to say that I'll quite satisfied that I don't need four wheel drive and I absolutely am not in the kind of price range for a 6 cylinder version.

Thanks!

CIP4

Unless you are doing the odd long drive in it a few times a month minimum you could well have DPF issues where it will block up I doubt the warranty will cover this if it's obvious that you are only doing short trips.

So ultimately it's the type of driving you do rather than the quantity to an extent, you could do 10k km per year of all motorway driving and be fine or you could do 20k km per year of all town driving / shortish stop/start trips and be in big trouble with the DPF.

wersal gummage

Thanks. I would probably do 5k miles a year! Would be over and back through m50 a bit but that is probably 30km in each direction. There just doesn't seem to be anything like the x5 available in petrol. OK, there's a hybrid yoke but it is very expensive and you can't have the 7 seats because of the batteries in the boot.

carsfan2

With your mileage being so low have you considered a Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid.
Money wise would be similar enough I guess to the BMW.
We have the 25d se x5 as our family car and find it great but our mileage would be much higher(60k km since Jan 2015) much of that longer trips so hopefully no dpf probs. Long term average is 40 mpg as my wife drives it 90 per cent of the time. The third row of seats are small and for kids only. My kids give out that the middle of the second row bench is not comfortable and I think the xc90 is a better 7 seater if you are going to use them a lot. Otherwise the car has been faultless.its very comfortable on a journey and while not fast its quick enough. I drove a 30d on test and it is nicer but way more expensive and couldn't justify it for a family loader.

wersal gummage

Thanks, that's great information.

I prefer the Volvo but it's not an option unfortunately - need the full self parking option that is available on the x5 (not for me but other person driving the car).

Do you know if it's 2 isofix in the second row and none in the third row??

Any optional extra that you got that you recommend, or recommend to avoid? Or any that you regret not getting?

wersal gummage

Ps, the T8 starts at around 76k as far as I know.


Pps, your kids are old enough to speak to you so I guess you are beyond the buggy stage? Just wondering how the boot (with third row folded flat) might cope with a few buggies /prams and a few suitcases? Eg the family holiday...

R.O.R

T8 XC90 is around €76k before options or delivery, but imagine the fuel you'd save (and 400 combined horses) - if most journeys are around 30km, the battery should just about cover those.

Parallel and 90 degree Park Assist is an option at around €1,000.

The D4 FWD model starts at €65k and has a better level of standard kit than the 5 Series, but probably won't be worth as much come resale time (but I don't think there will be much in it).

Haven't driven a new X5 25d and the couple we've had in have been 5 seat so I can't comment on the interior space of those, but a 6ft tall person can comfortably sit behind a 6ft tall person, sitting behind a 6ft tall person, in the XC90, and it still leaves a decent enough load area for buggies etc.

ISOFIX on the XC90 is 2nd Row Outer seats only

wersal gummage

^
Thank you very much for that. Very helpful.

I'm not sure spending an extra ten grand would really balance out on fuel savings. I've done 20k kms in the last three years on my current car. How long would I be driving the Volvo before I'd even break even on the extra 10k?

Might be worth it though if it avoids horrific repair costs on a diesel that isn't doing a lot of mileage.....

I had a look at the Volvo parking options but didn't think they were as advanced as the BMW, but will have another look, thanks again.

carsfan2

Isofix on the BMW is just the two outer seats in middle row too.
Options wise you could go to town but sun protection glass is handy as stops people seeing what's in the back/boot and looks well. Third row seating obviously but car is well specified and it all comes down to personal preference.
You will easily be spending low 70's on the BMW when you add delivery, service,pack third row seats and whatever parking aid you want.
I would at least get a quote and try a xc90 if I was you. The Volvo was due after we bought and I considered waiting and would look at one if I was in the market again. I have read however of lots of electronic glitches happening in the Volvo and the spec is funny in that metallic, heated seats , front parking sensors are all options yet standard on BMW. The dealer told me to budget 400 a year for servicing on the Volvo too where it's covered in the service pack for 3 years for 600 in the BMW.
Why not buy a people carrier? Much better value

wersal gummage

^
Thanks again.

We've been and had a look at the Volvo. With the parking demonstration we received it just wasn't a runner. Whereas the the bmw will find a space and parallel park completely by itself (ok, you have to sit in it). Also had a quote on the Volvo and it was quite expensive with a few options added.

The people carrier is probably the sensible option alright but I just couldn't buy one. It would make me sad every time I opened the front door and saw it.

The only alternative to the X5 that I'd consider is some kind of estate, but most don't have any decent third row of seats.

wersal gummage

^
Thanks again.

We've been and had a look at the Volvo. With the parking demonstration we received it just wasn't a runner. Whereas the the bmw will find a space and parallel park completely by itself (ok, you have to sit in it). Also had a quote on the Volvo and it was quite expensive with a few options added.

The people carrier is probably the sensible option alright but I just couldn't buy one. It would make me sad every time I opened the front door and saw it.

The only alternative to the X5 that I'd consider is some kind of estate, but most don't have any decent third row of seats.

SmithySeller

I could be wrong, but according to an article in the Indo they are trying to get a launch price of sub 60K for the disco 5, 7 seats and 2ltr diesel engine. I have no idea when it launches or what that includes. Might be an option for you.

carsfan2

The land rover for that money comes with cloth seats and manual gearbox as far as I know. Also I wouldn't want to buy one if the first ones if the history of Land Rover quality continues. You could be a surrogate development tester for Land Rover.
The new Mercedes e class estate should have 7 seats but wouldn't have as much room as x5.
There is a new skoda SUV with 7 seats coming too that I'm sure will have self parking in the higher specs.

Bigus

Is there not a plug in X5 petrol in the pipeline like the 330e and plug in 5 series that's very vrt efficient ?

Henry Ford III

Is one of the drivers unable to park? Am I reading that correctly?

wersal gummage

Bigus wrote: »

Is there not a plug in X5 petrol in the pipeline like the 330e and plug in 5 series that's very vrt efficient ?

Yeah, and it starts at 75k and doesn't come with 7 seats.

wersal gummage

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Is one of the drivers unable to park? Am I reading that correctly?

One of the drivers has only previously driven small cars and is not confident to parallel park an X5 sized vehicle.

R.O.R

7 Seats are a €2,085 option on the X5 sDrive25d SE, bringing the ex. Works price to €68,595 (€69,460 on the road).

Discount levels on the X5 and XC90 would be similar - possibly get a bit more off the BMW.

I'm surprised the self park system in the Volvo didn't work as well as you hoped. Haven't tried in on the XC90 (don't bother on anything we get in now, as that type of system is generally hard to figure out how to set up, slow and doesn't do a great parking job), but the XC90 is loaded with tech as standard, but is mainly optional on the X5.

At a rough guess of 7.5L/100km for fuel consumption on the X5, at 6,666km per year, you'd only spend €615 a year on diesel at today's rate (€1.229).

If you use purely battery power on the XC90 T8, and disregard the charging costs (haven't a clue how much that would cost), then it would only take a little over 12 years before the Volvo pays for itself, based on retail price difference of a 7 Seat X5 in standard trim, and and XC90 PHEV Momentum with the parking pack.

If you take the current road tax difference in to account (€280 on the X5, €170 on the XC90) that comes down to a mere 10.5 years.

Surely, such comprehensive Man Maths as those are enough to justify 400 combined horses?

carsfan2

The x5 is surprisingly easy to park as the high seating position combined with a square body mean it is easy to see its extremities as well as having all round parking sensors. The turning circle is fairly good and I have seen my wife park it much quicker than I would as she is used to it.
R.O.R. Makes a compelling case for the Volvo 😀

freddieot

I've had an x25d since Jan 2015. 5 seat. A very good car.

As some have said already, not fast but no slouch either for a vehicle this size. The 2016 ones are a bit quicker (0-60 about 7.8 ish) but still not the option at this price point if you want to go really fast.

Overall it has a good standard spec but the added options can be expensive.
Privacy glass very good at hiding what is in the back. Reversing camera is first class. It's very comfortable as I regularly go long journeys, Dublin to Cork, Newry etc.

Had a 65inch TV in the back the other day (still in the box) no bother so lots of space.

I'm planning ahead for a change at the end of next year and so have spent plenty of time looking at the main players on the various configurators. XC90 I found actually more expensive when you add options and the main contender for what I want is the Q7.

I bought the service pack so no real mechanical running costs until I sell apart from a few Adblu top-ups. Tax is very reasonable for a vehicle like this.

Tyres are a consideration as run flats are far from cheap but there has to be a downside to everything.

Understand where you are coming from on the parking as my other half loves driving it (forwards ).

I have a heavy foot and it's hard to drive this at 100/120 so I average about 36mpg and that includes 80% motorway driving.

Idbatterim

no interest in the Q7?

if you prefer a 6 pot, why not just get a year or two old one here, or import from uk?

carsfan2

None of these cars are particularly attractive to look at but the Q7 is the most ugly in my opinion. It is huge and all engines are 6 cylinder alright.
OP have you got any of these cars priced up yet?
Any interest in Kia sorrento or Hyundai Santa Fe?

bazz26

What about the Skoda Kodiaq if your looking at non premium brands? It's a 7 seater and similar in size to the Santa Fe and Sorento. Being launched next March and I'd imagine a top spec model would come in well below your budget.

Oafley Jones

carsfan2 wrote: »

None of these cars are particularly attractive to look at but the Q7 is the most ugly in my opinion. It is huge and all engines are 6 cylinder alright.
OP have you got any of these cars priced up yet?
Any interest in Kia sorrento or Hyundai Santa Fe?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder etc but I Think the XC90 is a stunning looking car, but ya The X5 and Q7 have been beaten with an ugly stick.

carsfan2

VW are going to be launching a 7 seat Tiguan based on the same wheelbase as the kodiaq which would be premium enough too
X5,xc90,Q7 all would be a step up in fairness but you're paying 20k+ more for the privilege

wersal gummage

Thanks again.

I don't like the Q7 at all so haven't even really considered it.

Yeah I'd consider a skoda alright but I gather it is more x trail sized?

Also if you spec a skoda to high levels it quickly gets very expensive, I remem getting a superb combi to around 55/60k once just messing on the website! You'd need to be mad to buy a top spec skoda, I presume most of the value is straight down the drain. Don't people who buy skoda mostly value the price of it and the size of the boot?! Not much second hand demand for one with 20k spent on it over the bog standard car I'd imagine?

wersal gummage

Ps, no I have no interest in a kia or a hyundai at all, thanks.

bazz26

The same goes with any car, you never get your money back on extras. Skoda and VW prices are very similar these days too. For example resale values of the current Superb and Passat are very close, Skoda aren't a bargain basement brand anymore.

carsfan2

Sound like you have your mind made up on the X5 at this stage.
I agree re speccing up a skoda etc to ridiculous levels and went through similar thinking before buying our x5.
Anyway they're a good solid car and you should be happy if you buy one.
Re spec remember that extras on the x5 won't add any great value at resale either.The BMW dealer honestly said to me that the more you spend the more you lose and only add what you want and will use/ get enjoyment from.
Happy shopping.

harr

Would it be an option to get the other person a block of driving lessons in a bigger car..if not used to to the much larger car they will more than likely will have other issues as well as the parking issues..
Your options seem very limited because of the parking issue ...

wersal gummage

My comments on the Skoda were in response to other comments saying that a fully speced skoda kodiaq would he 20k less than an x5. I don't think that is true. The bmw comes with leather seats, automatic gearbox and xenon as standard. These are all extras on a skoda. When you spec a skoda up to standard bmw equipment, the Skoda is no longer anywhere near the base price.

I agree re extras, would not put much on a BMW, a few small things, maybe comfort seats and definitely this parking option!!


Is driving lessons an option - sure, do you know anywhere that gives lessons in an X5 or an xc90?!

Other driver is full licenced for over a decade, never an accident etc, just not used to a huge car. Which, in my opinion, is not unreasonable. I think the confidence will quickly come, but parking in a tight spot for the first few weeks will certainly be difficult and if the car assists, why not use it.

carsfan2

Are comfort seats not like 2/3 grand?

daRobot

wersal gummage wrote: »

My comments on the Skoda were in response to other comments saying that a fully speced skoda kodiaq would he 20k less than an x5. I don't think that is true. The bmw comes with leather seats, automatic gearbox and xenon as standard. These are all extras on a skoda. When you spec a skoda up to standard bmw equipment, the Skoda is no longer anywhere near the base price.

I agree re extras, would not put much on a BMW, a few small things, maybe comfort seats and definitely this parking option!!


Is driving lessons an option - sure, do you know anywhere that gives lessons in an X5 or an xc90?!

Other driver is full licenced for over a decade, never an accident etc, just not used to a huge car. Which, in my opinion, is not unreasonable. I think the confidence will quickly come, but parking in a tight spot for the first few weeks will certainly be difficult and if the car assists, why not use it.

Honestly, my wife went from driving a small a class merc to driving a ls430 and had no problems. Parking sensors and reverse camera are all you need for the most incompetent of drivers not to screw up.

I was under the impression that there was a medical issue! Don't base your choice on that.

Casati

wersal gummage wrote: »

My comments on the Skoda were in response to other comments saying that a fully speced skoda kodiaq would he 20k less than an x5. I don't think that is true. The bmw comes with leather seats, automatic gearbox and xenon as standard. These are all extras on a skoda. When you spec a skoda up to standard bmw equipment, the Skoda is no longer anywhere near the base price.

I agree re extras, would not put much on a BMW, a few small things, maybe comfort seats and definitely this parking option!!


Is driving lessons an option - sure, do you know anywhere that gives lessons in an X5 or an xc90?!

Other driver is full licenced for over a decade, never an accident etc, just not used to a huge car. Which, in my opinion, is not unreasonable. I think the confidence will quickly come, but parking in a tight spot for the first few weeks will certainly be difficult and if the car assists, why not use it.

Im a Skoda Superb driver and although I really appreciate the cars benefits (space being the main one) but you've hit the nail on the head in that spec'ing them up is a waste of money - most drivers would much prefer a basic premium brand car to a loaded Skoda. I'm waiting to see the Kodiaq pricing and i guess that the lower spec models will be the sweet spot of the range and hold their value, but spending close to 60k on one would be madness.

A 7 seat s25d is a fine car and really nicely finished, fairly quick & cheap to run - not cheap but would be in big demand secondhand and should hold its value.

BenAndJerry

I'm in a very very similar situation to the OP. I want to upgrade the wife's car (s-max) to something safer and nicer as with a new arrival we will now need to use the rear row of seats all the time, previously it was just for occasional play dates etc.

I've been going through the options and I'm really favoring the XC90, my only concern is that it appears the issues the previous version had with electrical faults might still be around. I'm not sure if that's enough to put me off.

It seems to win out in a lot of online comparisons reviews of SUVs.

The car looks fantastic in my view. Again, my wife is nervous driving a car that size but she rarely needs to parralel park, so I think sensors and a rear camera would do the job.

I personally think the Q7 is one of the worst looking Audi vechicles.

I'd be interested to hear what others see as worthwhile upgrades, it's certainly personal preference (and you won't get the money back) but it's fascinating to hear different views.

sword1

Xenium package seems value on paper but i have no experience how the park assist works

Oafley Jones

Meant to say this earlier in the thread. But I'd check the waiting times on the XC90 T8. Last march they were quoting a 12 month lead time for them. Things should have improved since then, but it should narrow down the choices for people.

Touchscreen interface has **** the bed at least three times for the father in law, requiring the car to restart before sorting itself out.

carsfan2

I've read of lots of niggles with the xc90 but they should have sorted that by now as it's out a while at this stage.
Has any one driven the d4 190bhp version? I'd wonder if there is enough power considering the size and weight.
If you're going to regularly use the third row the Volvo is superior to the BMW I would think.

Jentle Grenade

Just on the lead time, I was told it would be an 8 month lead time for an XC90 in September. Fantastic machine though.

carsfan2

Is that lead time for the T8 or all models?

kirving

BenAndJerry wrote: »

....I want to upgrade the wife's car (s-max) to something safer......

... Again, my wife is nervous driving a car that size...

Not to be pedantic, but she and your kids (and everyone elses) will only be safe as long as she is confident in control of a car that size.

Not directed at you, but I see plenty of people who struggle to even keep a larger vehicle even centered in lane on the motorway because they have limited visibility out, and it's further from the road markings. A few driving lessons in it is probably a worthwhile investment too.

Jentle Grenade

carsfan2 wrote: »

Is that lead time for the T8 or all models?

This was a T8, not sure about other models. I wanted a few options.

grogi

CIP4 wrote: »

Unless you are doing the odd long drive in it a few times a month minimum you could well have DPF issues where it will block up I doubt the warranty will cover this if it's obvious that you are only doing short trips.

So ultimately it's the type of driving you do rather than the quantity to an extent, you could do 10k km per year of all motorway driving and be fine or you could do 20k km per year of all town driving / shortish stop/start trips and be in big trouble with the DPF.

I started ignoring the "to short trips for diesel" mantra, but you've reached the new heights with the warranty not covering DPF?! You must be smoking something...

Does the manual or warranty conditions mention how much miles you must do to be covered? Don't think so...

grogi

wersal gummage wrote: »

Hi folks,

Very grateful for any views on the X5.

I'd wait for a Kodiaq... It is bigger than Atteca and comes with 7-seater option too - so might work for you.

In Czech Republic the prices are comparable to those of a Superb, so for an entry level X5 you should get a L&K Kodiaq...

carsfan2

Op
Don't know if you bought/ordered one of these yet or still interested but apparently standard spec of x5 is being improved on cars built from Jan 2017 on so might be worth seeing if you can get one of these.
Reversing camera, electric memory seats and improved hifi speakers as standard is what I heard.

digiman

carsfan2 wrote: »

Op
Don't know if you bought/ordered one of these yet or still interested but apparently standard spec of x5 is being improved on cars built from Jan 2017 on so might be worth seeing if you can get one of these.
Reversing camera, electric memory seats and improved hifi speakers as standard is what I heard.

Any other series getting the same treatment? .i.e 4 series?

bazz26

4 Series is getting a facelift in the new year similar to the 3 Series got a while back.

carsfan2

I think 4 series facelift will be minor enough as a lot of the small changes they did in the 3 are introduced at the same time already such as cup holder cover climate screen etc.
Will be led lights front and rear and minor trim changes most likely.

digiman

carsfan2 wrote: »

I think 4 series facelift will be minor enough as a lot of the small changes they did in the 3 are introduced at the same time already such as cup holder cover climate screen etc.
Will be led lights front and rear and minor trim changes most likely.

Possibly and kind of hoping for a 430e and 440e would be a nice way to subside a high powered petrol!!

wersal gummage

Pulled the trigger on the xc90 D5 in the end. Thanks for the comments and opinions.

carsfan2

Why the change of mind and why D5 over D4?
I'm seriously tempted by one of these for when we change our X5 in the future so appreciate your insight.