We just picked up our new to us X5, a 2005 model with Sport Package, and the 3.0lt diesel engine, 155,000km. While we never considered a new SUV (couldn't afford one), we investigated several possibilities, like the Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo, the Toyota Land Cruiser, the X6 (still too expensive in the used car market) etc. We also owed a WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee before it, so that was also included in the selection.

The main reason we choose this particular X5, was basically its consumption figures. 10lt/100km (real consumption, not vendor figures) compared to 22lt/100km for the Grand Cherokee and the Porsches. This alone made us want to stick with the diesels. The Land Cruiser diesel of the same era, is grossly underpowered (166 bhp only, for something like 2,800 kg) so that was rejected too.

The diesel X5 is no slouch either, with 218 bhp at 4,000 RPM.

So the selection of the X5 was a one-way street for us. And thank God, it proved a good one. I suppose that the new 3.5D X5 should be equally efficient.

I hope this adds a different perspective on the subject.