A million x5s

BMW's X5, long the aspirational vehicle for the well-heeled of the higher suburbs with family loads to haul, has just sold its millionth copy.

The X5 is dubbed a Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW to differentiate from common or garden SUVs, and was first launched 11 years ago.

Features have included the option of seven seats, permanent AWD, and a cachet all of its own.

The forerunner of the X series cars from the Munich maker has spawned three other models, the X6 coupe, the X3 and the X1.