BMW X5: Why Do We Love SUVs So Much? - Carfection 

in a world where everyone is trying to get a more efficient car, these are the top sellers...

From the comments below it seems like most people hate the X5. So why do I always get glances of jealousy and evil eye when I drive down the road in it?

BMW, in 1999 started the sporty and dynamic SUV market with their X5. They still make one of the best cars in the segment.

My wife has a 2009 X5d and we have a lot of fire roads through the forest here in Oregon. It is so much fun for ripping around out there! It's quick with more luxury than I'd ever need.

I have 2005 X5 that was $4k. Runs great and has all wheel drive for the snow. I pass Toyota and Chevy 4x4s that are stuck in the snow and ice all the time in my X

For me personally an SUV/SAV or perhaps a raised wagon (like a volvo v60 XC) is almost a must. the X5 especially fits perfectly into my liking. - Ride height, Helps get over most things since i live in an area where i spend most my time on good roads, but do weekly end up on roads that are just dirt and usually dont boast a smooth surface. - Step-in and Step-out height, This is such a big thing for me. I'm 193cm (or 6foot 4) tall so a lower car really isn't pleasent getting in and out of, making me generally less happy with the car. - Loading height and cargo, Again, back to height. on smaller cars i ALWAYS hit my head on the trunk door. SUV's open high enough where i can under it standing straigh and i also love the higher floor in the rear, making moving things in and out or around MUCH easier and less straining on my back - Favorable seating position, From personal experience, finding the upright seating position is hard to get in smaller cars and this is another reason why getting out is harder in a smaller car. Generally speaking there are lots of pros i see in an SUV and for me personally a larger SUV will always fit right as a daily driver. - Kids, for anyone that has kids, SUV's cant be overlooked. bending down to do/undo the seat belt, getting them in and out and many other things just make sense. Another benifit is also the feeling of safety you get from driving a bigger, beefier car, even though in some cases it probably hurts more than it does good now that so many large cars are on the road anyways (rollover chance being higher, less stability, possibly a longer stopping distance (though this has more to do with weight and not ONLY size)) there are of course drawbacks, an SUV will burn more fuel due to more wind resistance and usually higher weight. They will also not feel as sporty as a smaller or just lower car in most cases. They are (obviously) bigger and if you dont feel comfortable with a larger car you will probably end up scraping and hitting more things. Newer SUV's are so damn stable that when driving, and with a higher seating position, you dont feel the speed as well and it is almost scaringly easy to drift over the speed limit. An X5 is a really good mix of all the pros, plus you get some performance and even a bit of fun from this brilliant family car. Gets most things done extremely well and is the best compromise for me. if i want to have more fun in a car, i'd just grab a sports car of some sort where i don't have to care so much about reliability, practicality and safety. Obviously for those who can't afford multiple cars for different uses and want to have a blast in their car more than just a little bit here and there, an SUV is rarely the right answer and different types of cars sure do have their place

Two reasons why I bought one: space and ground clearance. I live in a 3rd world country where the roads are horrendous. UK roads are nothing compared to the one here. There are potholes even on the motorway. Speedbumps are everywhere and they are a different breed than the ones in the UK. Driving an SUV gives me more confidence when driving, knowing that those potholes and speedbumps would do a lot less damage (hardly any) than if I use a hatchback, saloon or estate cars.

Just bought a new Msport 2018 X5 and absolutely love it, what a car, would never go back to any other car other than a BMW. They really do have a driving experience every time you get into it..

Let me explain why some of us need SUVs. Two reasons for me: 1. My grandfather drove them 2. More importantly, I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and getting in and out of a lower car is VERY much harder for me.

When I first saw the BMW X5 back in 2010 I was instantly attracted to the car, especially in dark metallic grey color, like the one on this review.

Why so much hate on the x5. I think it looks slick and I sure would love to own one.

-ride height -step in height -performance in snow/ice -decent cargo space that's it, really. that's all people want. that's why we transitioned from big SUVs to smaller crossovers rather quickly, the forms followed market demand and people really only want the above 4 categories filled

Your reviews are great. Liking the style

I'm completely with you Alex. People hated to be seen in station wagons (at least here in North America). So what do they do? Lets raise it further off the ground and call it a "Sport Utility Vehicle". You see, it's not a station wagon anymore. It's got the word Sport in it! Now it's cool to have a station wagon. I sometimes wonder how people even survived school. They teach us so many things and then we don't bother to apply them in real life. Really sad.

X5 isn't actually an "SUV" according to BMW it's an "SAV"- sports activity vehicle

"There's a 'Sport' mode and a 'Sport+' mode which mean you can really drive it in Anger!" Love it!

People love them because it does virtually everything well. You may not take it rock crawling in Moab, but as a Canadian who spends a lot of time outdoors, my X5 takes me almost anywhere I want to go in style and comfort.

I do like sitting in a back of an SUV compared to a saloon, because I usually have more headroom and I do not feel like my knees are touching my ears. On the other hand, I drive the previous gen. X5 on a regular basis, but I have to admit - a saloon, or a wagon for that matter, is much more enjoyable in terms of driving experience IMO.

Such a well produced video. Great job. Subscribed.

Key to success in European car market: 1. Build an SUV, which doesn't actually has to be an SUV, can be an MPV disguised as an SUV, can be FWD. Add manual gearbox, cloth interior, 1.6-litre diesel engine, cupholders and folding seats. 2. Sell for under £20k. 3. Profit

people buy X5 just for the fact u have more space in the cab you can fit more stuff in the trunk and still drive comfortably but when Schumacher mode kicks in X5 can outperform some sports cars and when it snows you don't have to worry so ur getting a bit of everything all in one package cars are getting smaller cause of fuel efficiency so the next step from that would be an SUV or a van and no one likes vans

For me it’s less of a “look at me” car and more of a “I like the way this looks” car. I just think it looks good

Remember when everyone was complaining about the CarFection name? Well yeah, you're still here and the content is only getting better.

Your one of the best car reviewers on the Web,keep up the great work

Even if you get say an X5 M50d with THREE turbos, almost 400 hp and enough torque to invert the rotation of the earth, it'll never corner like the equivalent 5 Series Touring. I had an X5 E53 3.0d (2006) because I used to have a big boat to tow around. It was a fantastic car and I loved it but recently I bought an E91 320d and I have to say I'm impressed. It's just better in every way. Even if it has a smaller engine, it weighs around 600 kg less and it's faster, quicker and corners soooo much better. There's virtually no body roll and the trunk is the exact same volume as the old X5. Besides, the fuel consumption is half that of the old Beemer. I'm loving the RWD 3 Series and I wouldn't go back to an SUV.

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Great review Alex, thanks. I'm considering one for my next car. I'm wondering if its as comfortable as my 7 series as I love the air suspension I currently have?

I must admit I own one ,and I think the reason people buy them is for having more space and felling more safe driving with kids. The X5 is a pleasure to drive ,powerful and well build. By far the sportier 4x4 I have ever driven..

I think this video answered it's own question, people love SUV's because they can be great cars! For me I need a car that has space for the weekly shop, space for suitcases when travelling, space for 4 adults in relative comfort and space to attach the bikes to. It has to be fun and engaging to drive and I also like having nice visibility over other cars on the road. I really don't think anything other than an SUV/SAV/S... whatever acronym you want to call it can really tick ALL of those boxes. Yes you can get some and/or most of those requirements in a non SUV but not really all of them and why compromise just to have a non-SUV when the SUV does them all? I don't need a 4x4 to go off-road in, but I like the fact that 4 wheel drive gives me extra confidence in bad conditions but really I guess that is the most non-essential part of it! So for me, my current car, a Porsche Macan ticks all the boxes in my requirement list!

Great video and great presenter

Great job!

Great video, as always. I am one of those who desperately wants an X5. I just can't afford the damn thing!

But, but.... i hate these things, why are you saying all of us wanted one?!?! (it's being ironical, by the way, for those less intelligent and taking this first part of the comment seriously). On a more personal serious note, i always thought these were bought more because of "size and self confidence issues" of the owners, if you would catch my grip? And i mean the big ones, not the smaller ones like the Peugeot 2008 and etc. I think they gained popularity even more because mini vans or MPV's are like a sticker of "balls cut off by the wife and family, so i have to drive this now", and since its called a SPORT Utility Vehicle, that issue isn't very noticeable anymore.... in most cases. And since it has SPORT name on its definition of vehicle, its more attractive to men. "But its practical!" you might say, looking between your legs wondering, and you are right, but so is a Station wagon, and it will look better, its as practical on day-to-day, and often more, as a reliable off-roader as most of these things. Hell, even a Peugeot 504/505 SW GRD is more off-roader than this, and it has seven seats, and its unbreakable. But like Alex said in the video, in today's world, it's a statement more than anything else, of power for those who own or want one, and of "underlying issues" for those who don't. By the way, remember when we called these just 4x4's ? Damn, I'm getting old. Either way, SUV are proof that a simple play on words can change peoples minds... touché, Marketing douches bags.... touché. Well, if you got this far on this "doctoral paper" i wrote (see, now it's sarcasm), i bid you a awesome day, and a fantastic weekend to you all.

I live in the US and SUVs are super popular here too. My family has a 14' Cadillac Escalade and it wouldn't be my first choice for an SUV but I love the size, the capability in snow is VERY useful in the Midwest, and the seating capacity is large too. (Would rather've gotten a Range Rover though. )

Great Review!

Lol that fucking ring. 4:15. Pretty old-school gangster though.

As always really nice video .. i can not agree more on what you are saying about suv

2022 and I enjoyed this

I like how stylishly dress he is, especially in his navy blue suit. I also dress sharp; to the point I get mistaken for an ivy-league student or a professor in my school. It's rather rare to see a man put effort on his clothes these days.

Since you guys drive this on a regular basis you would be able to provide a really effective comparison with the X5M! Would love to see a review on that :)

It's really great that potentially we have the choice, that there are so many different cars, manufacturers and all types of car out there. Alex just uses this video as an interesting title, and to generate comments - but he's right, SUV/CrossOvers seem to be popular! In theory we can buy a van, a motorbike, a sportscar, an SUV - it's great. I love cars - love ALL cars! Keep up the good work, Carfection.

Im buying an X5 for normal use and an M2 for weekends and track days

I love my X5xDrive40e PHEV a lot as well. Brilliant car.

I love X5's. If I had a family I'd probably get one

Very good commentary. If auto makers made estates/station wagons like the RS6 AVANT or any wagon (e.g. CTS-V wagon) in the modern era that has 300+hp then the men would buy them guaranteed. They wouldn't be just for the wife to haul the kids around LOL! And the SUV would be minimal.

I love small, fast, powerful cars. I've owned BMW M cars and a variety of their sedans, new and old. I now have a Z06 Vette. However, I went and bought an older 2006 Ford Expedition as a secondary car and a tower. I love it. It's huge and can do so much. I can tow 9800lbs with it. I can drive off road in it. I can haul 8 people in it. I can move most of my stuff in one go with it. It's such a useful car, rather than just a fun car. I think SUVs are a sort of luxury and freedom, and that may be why Porsche now sells more SUVs than anything else.

For me there is nothing as elegant as a nice coupe.

I see they redesigned so called angel eyes. Is this particular model xenon or they are all xenon now as standard?

I understand why many people hate the pretentious buyer profile of these cars. But another perspective is when you sit in such high, wide and seemingly undestroyable machine, you feel more secure and strong than you would in a vehicle in which you are closer to the pavement and every other vehicle. Therefore some people might like to be in a road bunker and feel like they are driving a tank.

Generally i agree. By the way, how does it compare to your previous crew car, the Focus ST?

I drive Nissan X-Trail T31 because I need it. Here in Ukraine roads are near extinct - regular highway can turn into off-road course without any sign or warning. It is not a proper body-on-frame offroader but if needed, it can do a decent ride into a forest without worrying to damage exhaust of bumpers. And its high ground clearance and on-demand 4WD is really handy during snowy winters. But I agree that for most people in civilized countries with good roads there's no necessity to prefer SUV over estate other than to show off.

Get mine tomorrow

Better visibility,less damage when crush than sedan. That gives more confidence. Moreover, riding comfort, control rolling ars also improved.

Here in the United States SUVS are extremely popular and I, for the life of me, don't understand why. Many SUV owners claim they like the AWD capability. Yet over 90% of these vehicles never leave the pavement. Some claim they like them for they way they handle snowy conditions. But the fact is a front wheel drive vehicle with a good set of snow tires is perfectly adequate for most people. An alternative to the SUV, and a better choice in my opinion, would be a mini van. The mini van is a very versatile vehicle. When it comes to people and cargo hauling capacity nothing beats a mini van. And that would include large SUVs like a Chevy Suburban. Mini vans, equipped with V6 engines, have enough power for highway and mountain road driving. They also get good fuel economy for a vehicle this size. A mini van will easily fit in a standard garage, parking structure and normal parking space. A mini van is a relatively smooth riding vehicle with surprisingly car like handling. And if you really must have AWD, Toyota makes the Sienna mini van with that option. Mini vans do well in crash tests and have all the latest safety technology. And for those who care, it's the tremendous popularity of SUVs that is a factor in Volkswagen no longer exporting the camper van to the USA. I'm retired and I've owned 2 mini vans and I'm about to purchase my third. I know that it's not considered "cool" to drive a mini van despite their past popularity. Fortunately, I'm well past the age of caring about how I look behind the wheel. Price, practicality and comfort are my primary concerns.

I’ve been avoiding buying an suv for ages. Trouble is estate cars now have a steeply raked rear window which limits usability, so I’m now thinking x5 as the boot is a much more usable shape than the 5 or Volvo v90. I don’t need all the 4wd stuff but estates just aren’t proper estates any more…..

I'm guessing an Xdrive saloon would be as good, but X5s with the right tires can rip through snow and ice. They're also great for carrying a chainsaw, winch, and other goodies useful in snowy mountains.

I miss the days when the X5 came with a manual transmission.

GLE 63 S coupe review?

missed this dude! well only saw the episode with wraith and i tought emiditaly hes a god reporter!

I had an X3 as a courtesy car a few months back. I so wanted to hate it, but when it came time to hand it back I understood why people buy them.

We have an x5 and it’s just cool, probably the main reason we have it tbh.

SUV's are the best of both worlds, a car and a off road vehicle. A vehicle that can bask you in luxury and performance, I mean its the best. All wheel drive for snow and off road. It's the best.

we love suvs so much because fkn BMW started making proper suvs, with performance, practicality, comfortable and actually sporty, while the industry only made trucks with car like interior (but lots of space).

i try going back into sport car.. i couldnt do it.. try truck, but my things were not rain protected... l like SUV

sorry about the typos and grammar errors. it's really difficult to input with a cell phone.

ive seen this before ? is it a reupload

Love my x5

Big, safe and luxurious. I don't understand why we can't aim to have a nice car.

My own personal theory, they feel like a big hatchback. So when people are earning a bit more, have a bit of spare cash and want to upgrade from the hatchback they've had forever, it's familiar but bigger and more comfortable and easier to get kids in.

please review a X6 M, i am damm fan of it

And he made it through the whole thing without saying just "BM" once. Good job.

While I love a GT3 around the track and windy back road, that’s the only place I want a low sorts car. Will be replacing our A4 with an X5 or Q7 soon. Can’t wait to not fall into our car and struggle to get kids in car seats in the back. Won’t miss the horrible ride quality either of the low profile performance tires over PNW roads.

i love my 4.8 because it drives like a 5 series but can fit a shit ton of furniture

top lad

Why a SUV??? :) Should be when you know you need to regularly haul items that won't fit in the trunk of a sedan. If you're looking or wanting "hi-perf/handling"...buy a sports car. Best case...buy one of each. What I don't see a use for (for me personally) is a sedan. Or, really the few "hi-perf SUV's" out there. Like the Porsche Cayennes, Jeep GC SVR. Land Rover SVRs, BMW X5M...

Excellent colour for the X5. Not a fan of the chrome grille though.

I love my X5, can´t stop driving it....

I love SUVs!

What is the official colour of the car in this video?

1:24 "Sheeps" brrr

this is the Best BMW X5 ever made. and my No1. forever

The only logical reasons why SUVs make sense on a normal day to day basis are better visibility and easy ingress/egress.

275/40 R20 and they still look small..

believe it or not some places the roads aren't perfect that's where the suvs' & cross overs come into play

SUV is like a mix of almost everything, you want sportiness like a coupe, there you go. You want capacity like a MPV, there you go. You want ride comfort like a sedan, there you go and if you want the ability to cross over extreme conditions in urban like 5-10 cm of snow of less then 5cm of water, it's built in. For me? I don't like SUV, a proper hot hatch can do almost all of these above, then why spent big cash and have long petrol bills for a SUV?

99% for status, 1% for easy to see out of, lots of room, easy to get in and out, etc.

For my family we buy SUVS because we want the usefulness of a Van but my mom hates the look of them. So I guess it's the new family car

Where has carfection.com gone?

This should be called: Why do we love SUVs so much? Because, to indirectly quote Nick Cage in Gone in 60 Seconds: 'There are too many self-indulgent weiners in this town with too much bloody money!'

No one can beat land rover at the SUV game

Well everyone has the right to have a taste in this life. And for you who dislike SUV's keep it that way and stop bothering us who like them and do not buy SUV's! There are reasons why we like them and one of them something called "comfort".

"Why Do We Love SUVs So Much?" "We" don't.

Ok, it is strange but I feel much more secure in Fiesta than in big SUV, probably because it's much more agile.

What's with the check engine light at 0:21?

its more like a crossover, unless it is land cruiser in dubai desert

BMW X5 is the best SUV

You picked this up cos of one column, where's about raised up E-class, V90 etc? Agreed, they're useless.. almost. With more crossovers and SUV now everyone is sitting same height :D Dream is standart V90 with real lock diff and reliable suspension raise system for 10% off roading, while leaving the body without the hideous plastic.

Fix your site, please. Id love to see your film!

"We" don't- I genuinely dislike most SUV's. Sorry, just my 1 cent....

most of the cases it's just a fuckin' status symbol