DRIVEN: Does BMW's All-new X5 Actually Stand A Chance In A Mudslinging Fight Between Luxury SUVs?

Easily one of the most competitive auto segments right now, it's a tough time to be selling luxury sport-utility vehicles. That's because you have to be on your "A" game.

Anything less is likely to get trounced.

So, when we saw that the BMW X5 was rolled out in its all-new form, we were a bit disappointed. It looked like more of the same 'ol, same 'ol. And in this market that's enough to kill a vehicle's sales. This is now the third consecutive generation X5 that has not been a revolution.

Now that the all-new X5 has been rolled out to the media, the very first reviews have come in via CAR. What's the all-new X5 really like, you ask?

See the magazine's verdict below and click through for the FULL story.

New BMW X5: verdict

Whether or not you buy into the lifestyle image that comes with a large SUV like a BMW X5 is entirely up to you – we reckon a 5 Series Touring is a more satisfying drive most of the time and just as practical.

Thing is, as soon as you add any kind of rural hobby into the equation, or the desire to sit in a fashionably high-up driving position, the X5 starts to make more sense.

It’s heartening then that this car closes the gap to its lower-flying stablemates in the driving stakes, and now offers even more tech and luxury.

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MDarringer - 9/30/2018 9:29:10 AM

+1 Boost

BMW has become a German Buick, but that OK given Audi doing its duller Buick oops Oldsmobile routine. Mercedes is Cadillac. Soccer moms with RBF will love this.

MDarringer - 9/30/2018 12:11:47 PM

+2 Boost

Soccer moms sling mud all the time. Have you never been to soccer practice?

MDarringer - 9/30/2018 4:13:43 PM

+1 Boost

And when they sling the mud I wonder how often they say "Not tonight, I have a headache" and I feel sorry for the poor slob that has to try to make the moment happen for her. All those #CBF types drive German crossovers.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/30/2018 7:10:38 PM

+1 Boost

Why question is why are the front seats up so high in luxury SUV's? I can reach the pedals in my 4Runner no problem. But it seems the seats in any luxury SUV are another 3-4 inches off the floor pan. It is even shaped that way. Are luxury buyers are 6ft plus? 34-36" inseams? I can't drive one. I am 5'5" BTW. An X5 is pretty much $80k-150k CAD and no adjustable pedal option is available either.

MDarringer - 9/30/2018 7:49:19 PM

+1 Boost

I hate the low seating position that Toyota seems to think is so comfortable, but when your human model is only 5 feet tall... No wonder you're comfortable in one 5'5" is short.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/30/2018 9:02:00 PM

+2 Boost

Indeed. I have a friend who has one and is 6'5". He feels like he is sitting on the floor. With the seat well back. I doubt I could ever have an interesting car as with any deep bucket seat I don't have much leg length left for driving. I will just have to get a Viper one day with its adjustable pedals.

MDarringer - 9/30/2018 9:06:29 PM

-1 Boost

I'm 6'2" and of my brothers I'm the shortest. My wife is just a hair under 6 feet tall.

quizz - 10/1/2018 1:59:33 PM

+1 Boost

American trucks have adjustable pedals, not expensive to include standard. Wondering why luxury SUVs don't offer this simple solution.

TomM - 9/30/2018 11:10:23 PM

+2 Boost

At some point - which has not really happened in a great while - one manufacturers is going to come out with a really really great Advertising campaign - fully equivalent to the fine Corinthian Leather of the Chrysler Cordoba - and convert an otherwise average vehicle into a huge sales success. There was a time when this happened on a far more regular basis - and Ford - with the Granada - and Chrysler and the Cordoba - and Several GM products took their market.

BTW - Canadian Comments - FOR a while - the Ford Taurus/MercurySable had adjustable pedals as well - There is a Ford 500 in the family that has them as well - and I always thought that was a great idea - I guess I was wrong about them though.