SUV Reviews

Is the new-generation BMW X5 luxury SUV still the king of the segment? We attended the local launch of the fourth-gen iteration of the X5, and here's what we thought.

The fourth generation version of the BMW X5 will aim to retain its spot at the top of the large luxury SUV sales charts.

The BMW X5 was the first model to labour under the monicker "Sports Activity Vehicle" or SAV, and is now in its fourth generation. Bigger in every direction it's also loaded with a whole load of new features, new interior and, of course, new looks.The X5 xDrive40i is currently the only petrol model available until the arrival of a four-cylinder petrol, plug-in hybrid and, presumably, the 4.4-litre V8 X5 M.The 40i arrives with BMW's effortlessly smooth 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six which delivers 250kW and 450Nm. Available a little later than the diesels, it will set you back $115,990 (plus on-road costs) and the specification mirrors the slightly cheaper 30d.Standard inclusions consist of 20-inch alloys, panoramic glass sunroof, dynamic dampers, head-up display, active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, auto parking, auto LED headlights, auto high beam, auto wipers, heated and auto dipping rear vision mirrors, configurable interior lighting, leather trim, electric split tailgate, "2.5-zone" climate control, electric front seats, keyless entry and start and run-flat tyres.Entertainment comes via BMW's iDrive system, with a huge 12.3-inch screen, DAB digital radio, 10 speakers and the usual Bluetooth and USB. Apple CarPlay is standard, but you can't get Android Auto. A third-row seating setup is optional, but expensive.You can choose from xLine, Indulgence and M Sport packages, shifting the focus to off-road shenanigans, luxury and on-road fun respectively.On the safety front you've got the usual stability and traction controls, seven airbags, ABS, steering, rear-cross traffic alert, lane keeping warning and lane keep assist, speed limit information and three top-tether and two ISOFIX points.

The BMW X5 was the first model to labour under the monicker "Sports Activity Vehicle" or SAV, and it is now in its fourth generation. Bigger in every direction it's also loaded with a whole load of new features, new interior and, of course, new looks.As before, the X5 is available in M Performance guise, again called the X5 M50d. The 3.0-litre diesel has four turbos strapped to it - that's two times two - for 294kW and 760Nm. For those playing along at home, that torque figure is the same as a Ferrari 488 GTB's. To help tame that grunt, you get an active rear differential, active steering and adaptive suspension.For your $149,900 (plus on-road costs) you get 22-inch alloys, panoramic glass sunroof, dynamic dampers, head-up display, active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, auto parking, auto laser headlights, auto high-beam, auto wipers, heated and auto dipping rear vision mirrors, configurable interior lighting, leather trim, electric split tailgate, four-zone climate control, heated electric front seats, keyless entry and start, M aero package, and a space-saver spare.Entertainment comes via BMW's iDrive system, now up to version 7.0. With a huge 12.3-inch screen - the same as the digital dashboard's - DAB digital radio, 16 speakers and the usual Bluetooth and USB, the new system is slick and powerful. Apple CarPlay is standard (there is no Android Auto, however), but a third row of seats is optional.On the safety front you've got the usual stability and traction controls, seven airbags, ABS, steering, reverse cross traffic alert, various lane keeping warnings and steering assists and lane keep assist, speed limit information and three top-tether and two ISOFIX points.

The new entry grade Maserati Levante is not only the most affordable model in the SUV range, it's the most affordable Maserati of all. But what's missing?

The Kluger stands tall in the seven-seat SUV field, attracting buyers like bees to Toyota-badged honey.

Honda's own research said it needed a CR-V costing under $30k. But have they stripped out too much to make it a good buy?

Nissan's X-Trail ST-L N-Sport has been given a tough-guy makeover, but does that make it any less suitable for family duties? We put it to the test to find out.

The competition is plenty tough in the mid-sized SUV segment. Will the changes to the Kia Sportage be enough to put it on the shopping lists of family buyers?

The MU-X is a vital vehicle for the small Japanese truck brand's passenger-focused Isuzu Ute range.