About this car in Florence

A family landing at Pisa Galileo Galilei with five medium suitcases and a small one has two choices: a minivan, or an X5 with a proper boot. The 30d M Sport carries all of it, seats five in comfort and covers the hour to Florence on a 298 hp straight-six diesel that barely notices the load. Automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive make it straightforward for drivers new to Italian roads.

From Florence the classic family day is Siena and San Gimignano: the link road to Siena and Piazza del Campo, then the towers of San Gimignano among the Vernaccia vineyards. Both old towns are limited traffic zones, so you park outside the walls and walk in; a large SUV is no handicap in the car parks at the gates. Avoid Siena on 2 July and 16 August unless you have tickets for the Palio: the town is full and roads close. In winter, the 4x4 and winter tyres make the Apennine roads north of the city a non-event.

Inside the viali Florence is a ZTL, so the X5 waits at your hotel garage, if the hotel registers the plate, or at a villa outside the zone. We also hand over at Firenze Peretola and Santa Maria Novella. We confirm the meeting point while you book, insurance is part of the rental and our assistance line is open day and night.

• 298 hp straight-six diesel, 4x4 and automatic
• Boot for five medium cases and a small one
• Easy day trips to Siena and San Gimignano with the family