The X5 is the grandfather of BMW’s X line of sport activity vehicles (SAV). It was the first premium SAV to market and has set the pace, not only for its offspring, but also for its class rivals.

Once the top of the range X model, the X5 now sits between the X3, which has inherited its previous dimensions, and the X7, which is fully committed to its role as a seven-seater.

So, the question is: Does the X5, currently in its fourth generation, continue to be a bellwether model?

EXTERIOR

In previous years, X5 was the one to set the design language for the rest of the X models. That wasn’t a hard task because BMW favoured the Russian-doll methodology, scaling up and down the appearance of the X5 across the line-up. More recently, BMW has been injecting some individuality into each X vehicle. The X5 retains enough design cues to identify itself as a BMW, but has slight tweaks to keep it fresh and stand out against its younger family members. The headlights and iconic kidney grille, which is illuminated, have been reinterpreted. Made slimmer, they complete an athletic, chiselled muscular stance as sharp body lines define the X5.

INTERIOR

It wouldn’t be a BMW without premium entry features. Proximity key, smartphone app, and near-field communication (NFC) card all allow effortless entry, as occupants are guided to the lit leather-wrapped cabin and awaiting active infotainment system, via puddle lamps, and lit door handles at all four corners.

Owners who set their driver profile will be instantly recognised and have the X5 settings conform to their needs. Once inside, the BMW achieves that rare feat of being spacious yet compact and driver-focused. This is due to the ergonomics that puts everything the driver needs within view of reach, regardless of the cabin options fitted.

Auto’s tester had a more classic luxury vibe with wood trim and metal inlays matching the commanding seating position. At night, the ambient lighting provides what the panoramic sunroof does during the day — an even more calming sense of space. Family use or not, the X5 has the necessities for modern life, plenty of large storage spaces, multiple cupholders for Stanley cups, and connectivity from all seats.

Then there’s the tech, powered by the iDrive of which the centre is the BMW Assistant. The BMW curved display, made up of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, makes sure the driver is always aware and in command. Touch, speak, or use the few buttons available, and all the convenience functions one could want can be activated and operated. All major tasks can be set to automatic or are automated in some manner. Want to reverse? No problem, hit the Reverse Assistant. Want to park? The X5 got you. Hands full? Kick to open or close the split tailgate.

ON THE ROAD

BMW’s reasoning for the SAV tagline is that every X model is infused with a higher level of driving dynamics than other traditional SUVs. The X5 is no different. Even with its current size, there is enough of a sporty feel lurking underneath the quiet, relaxed demeanour it displays during normal urban use.

The suspension is the first hint, being firmer than comparable vehicles in the segment, yet still comfortable for daily driving. A lot of this is due to the 48-volt mild hybrid system that endows the already impressive in-line turbocharged, 3-litre six-cylinder motor with 398lb/ft of torque. Otherwise, there is 381bhp to play with in the xDrive40i. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, things become a bit more aggressive, with direct throttle and steering. Here, the X5 makes drivers forget about its larger dimensions, confidently feeding them the acceleration, braking, and the all-wheel-drive traction for a spirited exercise on a favourite road.

Ultimately, the answer to the question first posed is no, the X5 is no longer the X line-up’s bellwether. That task has fallen to the smaller, more popular X3. What we’re looking at with the 2024 X5 is a vehicle that has earned the right to go its own way and deliver a different experience from its original status. Those looking for more space than an X3, but don’t want or need the gargantuan X7, will find the X5 in xDrive40i trim or otherwise a great choice.