2013 BMW X5 - Quality Review

BMW's reputation for building premium vehicles is upheld with the 2013 X5. Ride comfort, seating space, materials--they're all up to the standard set by BMW's other vehicles.

While not as plush as some of its competition, the X5's interior matches its ride: sporty and firm. The seats are comfortable, aside from the cramped third row, and headroom is very good in the first two rows. The optional dynamic suspension doesn't allow the ride quality to move too far away from comfort in the pursuit of sport.

Materials and quality are perfectly on par with other BMW vehicles, and while that won't entail Range Rover-like woods and leathers, it doesn't entail the Range Rover's price tag, either. One complaint noted by our editors is a flimsy plastic panel covering the opening of the hinged tailgate--it's a minor oversight, but an oversight nonetheless.

Inside the cabin, wind and road noise are kept to a pleasant minimum, and there's no SUV-typical booming to be heard when crossing pavement seams or other small obstacles at speed. Close tolerances in the interior panels and solid construction prevent any squeaks or rattles.

The rear cargo area is large, with door-mounted bins, a deep center console, and seat-back pockets supplementing the large-item area inside the liftgate.