BMW X5

There isn’t enough of a price difference between the entry-level petrol and diesel X5s for that to be the deciding factor. Instead, buyers need to consider their likely use of the car, as the xDrive30d is considerably more economical over long distances than the xDrive40i. Conversely, the petrol version should be cheaper to maintain. The M50d sits between them in terms of economy, but is significantly more expensive to buy, insure and maintain in terms of tyre wear. If money’s no object there’s also the 530 horsepower M50i, its petrol V8 decisively putting performance above all other considerations with a price premium to match. Low-mileage drivers should seriously consider the xDrive45e hybrid, the 37g/km CO2 rating making it far more attractive in tax terms.

Generally speaking BMW X5 has strong resale values, which helps keep ownership costs down, even if all models are in high insurance groups.