The 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards have crowned the BMW X5 as Australia's best large luxury SUV, a well-deserved title that highlights its exceptional qualities. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the X5's imminent generational update, which promises to further elevate its already impressive status.
What makes the X5 stand out is its ability to seamlessly blend luxury and practicality. The 2025 update brought a more modern design to the spacious and functional interior, maintaining the high-quality materials that BMW is renowned for. The split tailgate is a thoughtful feature that adds to the X5's versatility, making it a practical choice for large families.
Under the hood, the X5 offers a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various preferences. The trio of turbocharged inline-sixes includes a diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid option, with the twin-turbocharged petrol V8-powered X5 M60i taking the crown at the top of the range. This variety ensures that buyers can choose a powertrain that aligns with their performance and environmental considerations.
Performance-wise, the X5 excels. It delivers sparkling performance, excellent refinement, a comfortable ride quality, and balanced handling for a large and heavy luxury SUV. This combination of attributes makes the X5 a top choice for premium car buyers who demand both practicality and driving enjoyment.
The X5's victory in the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards is a testament to its all-round excellence. It has proven itself as a strong contender in a highly competitive market, where luxury and practicality are often at odds. The X5's ability to strike a balance between these two essential aspects is what makes it a standout choice for discerning buyers.
In my opinion, the X5's success is a result of its thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and powerful yet refined powertrain options. It embodies the perfect marriage of luxury and practicality, making it a top contender in the large luxury SUV segment. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the X5 sets a high bar for its competitors, leaving them in the dust.
