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Karla Pincott
Editor
20 Sep 2013
6 min read

This is the beast that spearheaded prestige performance SUVs  and became the benchmark for the field -- although berated by some for sullying BMW's pure focus on driving dynamics uber alles.

Love it or loath it, the Boss -- as it's nicknamed at BMW for its command of their bottom line -- has ca-chinged more than 1.3 million cash registers since it launched in 1999, and continues to lead the field. 

The first gen was a landmark marriage of prestige, practicality and proper sports ability, but the next model was panned for losing its driving focus and punishing fans with a harsher ride. BMW has answered both gripes in the third generation, which is larger, punchier, more refined and better equipped. 

ENGINES

Read the full BMW X5 30d 2013 review: first drive.