When BMW launched the first SUV in 1999, the sports-utility vehicle market was on the rise already. Nonetheless, it seemed the celebrated German brand changed the industry with the very new concept of the SUV. Designed to be closer to a passenger car than ever before, the first BMW X5 was a breath of fresh air in the market and it still is.
After 22 years of production, the BMW X5 only becomes better. Although there were some ups and downs along the way, this SUV never ceased to be a comfortable all-around vehicle with impressive performance and reliability. While the most recent releases may be out of reach of those with a limited budget, the used BMW X5 models are still as good as new ones.
Why is this the case? Can the used BMW X5 dating way back from the '90s still prove a valid option? Read on to explore our opinion and recommendations about the X5, widely known as the "sports activity vehicle." We have some interesting stats for you.
The Very First BMW SUV Of The 1990s
The first BMW X5 was launched at the Detroit auto show in 1999. The brand introduced a passenger-like SUV that took many style features of the BMW cars. The X5 came with a 3-liter inline-six and a 4.4-liter V8 engine, providing smooth and swift on-road drives. The public was thrilled. At a time, drivers could enjoy the ride of a sedan and the space of the SUV with the X5. Who could argue with that?
Things have changed over the years. We have seen the BMW make quite a few touchups and experiments to make the X5 even better, which were more or less successful. As it commonly happens, some models developed issues along the way lost the initial appeal, but most were pretty good and reliable.
According to our humble opinion, there were a couple of years where BMW achieved full potential with the X5, and 2019 was one of them. We explain our reasons for picking this year below.
Why Get The Used BMW X5 From 2019
While scanning the used X5 models on the market, we took the time to compare the various models and years. Truth be told, you can find good X5s from earlier years at a great price. However, these usually don't provide the same as the first BMW SUV - the extremely comfortable and powerful ride of a sedan and the cargo space of a sports-utility vehicle.
BMW revamped the initial concept for 2019, much to the delight of all X5 fans. The used BMW SUV from this year is significantly cheaper than the most recent models, yet it provides a superior ride and much-needed modern features. Let's see exactly how it performs and what it offers.
Power and Handling
The 2019 BMW X5 sweeps drivers off their feet with two engine options: a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six and a 456-hp twin-turbocharged V8. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. They are incredibly reliable and ensure effortless and stable handling at all times, whether for passing or cruising.
Power is one of the things the 2019 X5 improved over the previous years. That's our number one reason for choosing this vehicle as the best used BMW SUV from the 1990s that got so much better over the years.
Interior, Cargo, And Safety
When it comes to the interior, the 2019 X5 packs quite a few great features. There's everything from power-adjustable front seats over a panoramic sunroof to ambient lighting. The list is a little long, so it's best to check all these on the spot. For now, it's important to note all the materials are of excellent quality and that drivers can enjoy the luxury of modern design and features.
The 2019 BMW X5 is also highly rated for safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the X5 from this year a badge of a Top Safety Pick.
What Can You Expect From The Used BMW SUV
To make it crystal clear, we think the used BMW X5 from 2019 is a great pick because it comes with exceptional power, performance, and design at a reasonable price. Still relatively new on the market, this model is widely available in top-notch condition. You get the passenger-like SUV from the 1990s with all the modern features we got used to over the years, only without a higher price tag of current models.
Generally speaking, you can't go wrong no matter which X5 trim or model you choose within the 2000-2022 time range. From 1999, the X5 stands as a mark of outstanding German SUV that passes the test of time and only gets better throughout the years.