Which G05 X5 for 600 miles in a day and Scottish Highlands?

[Hedgeman]

Anybody with first hand knowledge of the current range of G05 X5 who has experience of putting in very long distances in a day and driving in the Scottish Highlands?

I currently split my time between a place in the south-east and one in the Scottish Highlands, sometimes fly, sometimes drive the 600 miles. When I drive I normally take my 2015 X5 M50d, which is great, but it's getting on in years now and I fancy a new G05. Struggling at the moment to narrow down the search.
- Air suspension for a bit more utility down bad roads and muddy tracks getting to trail heads? But more wallowy most of the time?
- New M50d for the torque, relative fuel economy and range, but they're discontinued now, some places are starting to ban diesels and getting one with air suspension might be tricky.
- M50i for the overall go and V8, but poor fuel economy, and I have sportier cars already so it's not going to feel that special.
- Regular 40i or 40d as they seem to have performance enough for my use-cases, but they don't seem to be that much cheaper than the above?

I plan to test drive a few but there's such a plethora of engine and suspension options, that I'm pulled in different directions, and it's going to be hard to test every combination, so any advice narrow down the search appreciated. In terms of options I've already decided that tech pack, comfort pack, sky lounge roof and upgraded lights are a must.

[red997]

quick response;
We've had one since March
M Sport spec
3.0 D

previously had F15 model.
G05 is a significant step up in ride class
almost silent on motorways even at 70 ++

22inch wheels, Pirelli runflat
Air suspension

Tech is good - got better after a few updates - good integration.
48V mild hybrid really makes it shift off the line

It's our family car - so its going to take some punishment - feels more 'solid' that n the previous F15.
Only mistake we made is not speccing the tow bar; its a tall beast, which makes loading bikes a bit of a chore - and I'm 6ft2!

[Swoxy]

Had a 45e for a month - no tech pack, comfort pack, sky lounge roof nor upgraded lights, but I love it - it rides well on air which is standard on the 45e.

I haven't driven one without air, but I don't find it wallowly - and I've drive driven loads of Sport and M Sport 1, 3, 5 and 7s.

It's a real step up from the F15, like it's moved up half a class, and I'm excited to do long journeys in it - I feel great after just doing an hour and a half in the dark in the pouring rain through country roads then around the M25.

I haven't tried any apart from the 45e, but it sounds like you'd be best off with air on a 40d or M50d.

[CSK423]

I've had 2021 X6 M50i for a few months and done a round trip of 1,000miles south during the kids school break in october.

I think you've listed the must have packs (comfort, tech) The car I bought was showroom car so no option on the laser lights but would've went for these. Although some YT research did say they aren't worth the £1k upgrade over LED. Glass roof you've also listed anyway, its too dark for me without.

Suspension is adaptive opposed to Air. I find it brilliant and very comfortable when eating up the miles and firms up when in sport. Some research hasn't really giving a strong voice for either versions if anything Air is commented as being a bit boat like. Personal preference if you're able to compare back to back.

MPG on the trip ranged from 28-35 mixed bag of motorway/A roads, average is around 30mpg.

The X6 replaced a X5M (F15) it has the same performance but is far superior in tech and comfort.

[Wills2]

Not sure if they do it on the X5 but the executive drive pro option for the suspension is brilliant, adaptive dampers, adaptive air springs and roll bars all linked to the cameras and nav system.