BMW revised its X5 large off-roader last year, altering the nose and, more importantly, upgrading the 3.0-litre diesel engine, making it the first large 4×4 apart from the hybrid Lexus RX450h to break the 200g/km barrier.
While the Mercedes ML and Range Rover Sport rivals both sit in the maximum 35% BIK tax band with CO2 of 230g/km and 243g/km respectively, the X5 is at 195g/km and 32%. It also returns 38.2mpg against the Merc ML350 CDI’s 32.5mpg.
The X5 also has the best RVs – 41.1% retained according to KwikCarcost, against 39.8% for the Range Rover Sport and 36.9% for the Mercedes ML. Although the ML starts around £1000 cheaper than the BMW, the efficiency and RV gains mean the BMW is a clear costs winner, as well as being better to drive and having the most enjoyable engine.
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