BMW X5 Driving Review in Tenerife: Roads & Mountains Test

Tenerife is an island of extremes. You can start your morning in a warm coastal resort and find yourself shivering near the summit of a volcano by noon. To truly explore everything the island has to offer, you need a vehicle that can handle long motorway sweeps, steep mountain climbs and unpredictable weather. We recently spent a few days finding out exactly how the BMW X5 manages these varied environments.

Many visitors default to small hatchbacks when they arrive in the Canary Islands. While compact cars have their undeniable advantages on narrow streets, they often lack the comfort and power required for longer days of exploration. We took the keys to the X5 to see if a full-size luxury SUV makes sense on an island where roads can shrink without warning.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Heading out from the airport, the TF-1 motorway along the south coast is the perfect introduction to the X5. The road features long fast sweepers where the car feels incredibly planted. Wind noise is practically non-existent, making it easy to hold a conversation while cruising at the speed limit. When we turned inland and started the ascent on the TF-21 towards Mount Teide, the environment changed dramatically. Climbing to 2,100 metres brings a noticeable drop in temperature and thinner air. The temperature drop is stark, sometimes falling by 15 degrees compared to the beach, but the excellent climate control keeps the cabin perfectly comfortable. We were driving the Automatic, 3.0 L, 5 seats version, and the turbocharged engine barely noticed the altitude. The power delivery remained smooth and abundant all the way up to the lunar landscape of the national park.

Later in the trip, we ventured north into the Anaga forest roads. This area is famous for being damp, twisty and often misty. Here, the all-wheel-drive system proved its worth. The heavy SUV gripped the wet tarmac with surprising agility. The thick canopy of trees keeps the road surface slick, yet the suspension manages the sudden undulations perfectly. The steering is direct enough to place the car accurately through the blind corners, though you are always aware of the vehicle’s substantial weight.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The X5 is an absolute triumph on open roads and long climbs. If you want maximum performance for those uphill overtakes, the Automatic, 4.4 L, 5 seats variant offers an even more effortless surge of power. The cabin is a sanctuary of quiet luxury, absorbing bumps and rough patches with ease.

However, Tenerife has roads that will make you wish you were in something half the size. The TF-436 descending into Masca is a prime example. This road is defined by extremely narrow cliff hairpins and sheer drops. In the X5, every passing coach or oncoming rental car requires a stressful negotiation. Small cars have a massive advantage here. We found ourselves holding our breath, folding the mirrors in and creeping past stone walls with only millimetres to spare. If you plan to spend your entire holiday exploring tiny mountain hamlets, this large SUV might feel like a liability.

Practical notes

When you return to civilisation, the size of the X5 continues to dictate your plans. Navigating the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas is straightforward enough, but parking is another story. Finding a space large enough for a luxury SUV in these busy areas requires patience. You will become very familiar with the blue-line meters, and you must make sure the car is tucked in properly to avoid losing a wing mirror to passing traffic. Remember to carry some coins or download the local parking app, as the wardens in these tourist hotspots are notoriously quick. The 360-degree cameras are absolutely essential for squeezing into tight parallel spots.

Fuel consumption is something to keep in mind, especially with the frequent elevation changes. Climbing from sea level to over 2,000 metres will drain the tank much faster than flat motorway cruising. Fortunately, petrol is relatively affordable in the Canary Islands.

For families or groups of golfers, the luggage capacity is a huge selling point. The boot easily swallows four large suitcases along with day bags and hiking gear. The split tailgate is also quite handy for sitting on while changing out of sandy shoes at the beach before getting back into the premium leather interior.

Verdict

Driving the BMW X5 in Tenerife is a tale of two very different experiences. On the TF-1 and the sweeping roads up to Teide, it is a flawless companion that isolates you from fatigue. It turns long drives across the island into a relaxing event. Yet, on the terrifyingly tight corners of Masca and the crowded streets of Costa Adeje, its dimensions demand your full attention. We recommend this car for groups who prioritise comfort and plan to stick mainly to the well-paved, wider routes. If your itinerary involves long coastal drives and high-altitude viewpoints, the X5 delivers an exceptional driving experience.

Where to book the BMW X5 in Tenerife

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