You might not expect to see a large, premium 4×4 in BusinessCar’s green edition but this BMW X5 is as clean and economical as the German manufacturer’s original SUV has ever been.
As well as the usual suite of plush four-wheel drive versions, the latest generation is available with two-wheel drive – a first for the X5 – which brings the emissions down to a range low of 149g/km and official fuel economy up to 50.4mpg. That might not sound earth-shattering by modern efficiency standards, but it’s very good going for a car of this size, shape and weight.
BusinessCar tested the M-sport version, which isn’t quite as economical with 151g/km and 49.6mpg, rendering it one benefit-in-kind band higher, but it looks the part and drives as well as you’d expect a big, posh BMW to. Crucially, the sDrive rear-wheel drive model doesn’t feel at all underpowered courtesy of its 218hp and 8.2-second 0-62mph time, so fans of the marque won’t be disappointed with the driving experience. Most X5 drivers aren’t likely to venture off-road to any great degree either, so trading a heavy 4×4 system for superior economy is arguably a no-braine
