From a driver's perspective, the diesel X5 is a worthy effort: quick on its feet and agile when it needs to be, yet comfortable for the long haul. Well-to-do families might still give it a look — and, judging by the X5's relative popularity, many of them have.

On the whole, though, too many aspects sink this BMW. Better reliability and a revamped iDrive alone could change its lot, so there certainly is hope down the road. Today's model, diesel or not, is still a few steps short of justifying its price tag.