IT took BMW some years to decide to build a 4x4 but when they did, it was a great looker and has sold like hot cakes.
The X5 is one of the best handling 4x4s on the road, not to mention the one which has all the usual BMW image and cachet.
There is only one big mud-plugger that tops it and that's the Range Rover.
Don't forget though that all originally expensive cars come with expensive tastes in fuel, insurance, servicing and parts.
And buying an X5 second-hand needs ground rules. Never touch one unless it has full service history.
There are four engines - one diesel and three petrol - and most will come with an automatic gearbox which is as it should be.
The 184 or 218bhp, three-litre turbo diesel is the pick. It's the best oil burner on the market. Petrols will only give 22mpg wheras diesels can manage 30.
Performance is excellent, comfort marvellous and road holding is much better than most of the opposition, but don't pay over the odds
Interior
Most will have been kitted out with umpteen extras by the first owner to personalise their car.
Basic spec is very good, with almost everything most drivers could want and interior space is massive.
FAST FACTS
BMW X5 3.0 diesel
Price: Pay about £7,900 for an '01 Y-reg 3.0d, £11,200 for an '04 04-reg SE, or £17,000 for an '06 06-reg SE Sport.
Mechanical: 184 or 218bhp, 2,926cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5/6-speed automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 124
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 32
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 233g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Range Rover