2018 BMW X5 vs 2020
What's the difference?

BMW X5

$16,979 - $66,880

2018 price

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BMW X5

$34,990 - $114,000

2020 price

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Summary

2018 BMW X5

2020 BMW X5

By Laura Berry

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Turbo V8, 4.4L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

12.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Powerful diesel engine
Spacious
Quick

Aggressive styling
Genuine practicality
Ferocious performance

Dislikes

Falling behind in safety tech
Run flat tyres add harshness to ride
Lack of steering feel

Half-baked exhaust system
Far from fuel-efficient
Substandard warranty

2018 BMW X5 Summary

Favoured by everyone from governments requiring bullet-proof security vehicles to parents doing the school drop-off run, BMW's X5 is the limo of the German maker's now extensive SUV range, and the xDrive40d sits close to the top of the line-up.

As if that's not enough pressure, the X5 is up against fierce rivals in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.

You'd expect an X5 to be luxurious, come loaded with advanced technology, and be dynamic, because it's a BMW, and that's the brand's shtick. But it's an SUV, so it should also be practical.

That's a lot to ask, but after living with the X5 xDrive40d for two weeks, it gave me the answers.

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2020 BMW X5 Summary

Way back in 2009, the X5 was the first SUV to get the go-fast treatment from BMW’s high-performance M division. At the time, it was a crazy thought, but in 2020, it’s easy to see why Munich went down the (then) road less travelled.

Now in its third generation, the X5 M is better than ever, partly thanks to BMW Australia’s insistence on forgoing its ‘regular’ variant for the piping-hot Competition version.

But just exactly how good is the X5 M Competition? We had the unenviable task of putting it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 BMW X5 2020 BMW X5

Verdict

Big, powerful, practical and prestigious, the xDrive40d is just what a flagship SUV should be, and that M Sport package doesn't just provide tougher looks but better performance in the handling department, too.

If you're in need of something larger then the X7 is coming soon, and so is a new-generation X5, which will arrive with more advanced safety equipment, more modern technology, a different platform and new looks.

If it was me, I'd wait for that new-gen X5 and harass my BMW dealer about when I can put my order in: Storm Trooper White or Russian Oil Oligarch Black? That's the question. M Sport package for sure.

Verdict

After spending a day with the BMW X5 M Competition, we can’t help but wonder if it’s the ultimate vehicle for families.

On one hand, it nails the practicality brief and is loaded with standard equipment, including the key advanced driver-assist systems. On the other, its performance in a straight line and around corners is otherworldly. Oh, and it looks sporty and feels luxurious, too.

That said, we could absolutely live with the high fuel bill if this was our daily driver, but there’s only one problem: does anyone have a spare $250,000?

Is the new BMW X5 M Competition the ultimate family vehicle? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

2018 BMW X5 vs 2020 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2018 BMW X5 vs 2020
What's the difference?