Sized-up new X5 is a big deal all round

BMW started something when it launched the X5 at the end of the 20th century.

It was the first big off-roader that was designed to drive like a high-performance car on the road as well as be good at climbing over tree trunks and fording rivers.

Porsche’s Cayenne soon followed and since then pretty much every premium car maker has added a sporty, luxurious SUV to its range. Even Ferrari is about to sell one – and since the X5, BMW has added the X1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and X7 to its range.

Meanwhile, the all-new X5 is bigger in every dimension – and a worrying 66mm wider than the outgoing model.

Designers and engineers responsible for the cars think American highways (the X5 is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina) and not quaint villages.

The new X5 looks enormous and isn’t particularly attractive either. It’s enough to give a Green Party member a coronary.

From launch there are three engines to choose from – the 30d in our test car which is a 261bhp straight-six diesel; the 335bhp 40i, BMW X5 30d xline 4x4

3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, 261bhp

6.5sec 47.1mpg

which is a petrol and unlikely to sell in big numbers; and, finally, the 50d which is also a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel but with no fewer than four turbochargers producing 394bhp. Hybrid powertrain versions will follow.

We’re driving the 30d in xline trim which, with no options.

M Sport adds black trim around the windows and 20in wheels.

Despite the hefty price tag, you