BMW X5

The acclaimed BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that combines a powerful twin turbo diesel engine with style, comfort and sophistication. Though the luxurious visual aesthetic of this vehicle is most commonly reserved for more compact convertibles and sedans, the BMW X5 is a popular SUV. The revised shape of the X5 gives its driver a sense of power and prominence on the road. With wider proportions, more subtle creases and its family face, the X5 is a serious looking SUV. However, after one drive it is quickly discovered that the X5 isn’t all show and no go.

For those seeking for an athletic ride that still has room for the family and their kit, the X5 is ideal. The xDrive all wheel drive system lends a sense of stability in less than ideal conditions, and cornering is closer to that of a sedan than some other SUVs. Depending on your engine choice, you can take the xDrive30d from naught to 100 km/hr in about eight seconds, with the twin scroll turbo-boosted xDrive35d needing 6.9. The latest iteration manages to sip fuel more judiciously than others in its diesel class, despite an engine that manages 210 kW at 4400 RPM and 580 Nm of torque at a low 1750 RPM. If you’re considering BMW’s sporty crossovers though, fuel economy may just be the icing on top of a platform that manages to do a lot of things correctly.

Internally, the X5 is spacious and outside of BMW’s ubiquitous iDrive morass, or system as they call it. With the seats up, you can manage 670 litres of stuff into the trunk, fitting extras into the under-floor space where the spare tyre is located, too. Even though it’s a BMW first, there’s also a set of roof rails and the ability to tow whatever won’t fit in the trunk, perfect for a long holiday. The trunk also incorporates an automated split gate system, making taking advantage of the cavernous interior a little easier on the arms and back. It’s one of several options leveled at enhancing passenger comfort.

The interior controls are easily operable (even for the less tech-savvy individual) and well within comfortable reach of the driver. Interior upgrades are also available such as Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree mobile usage and an iPod adapter to add your own music library without fumbling around with CDs. There’s also a satellite navigation system and TV control to ensure that those in the rear seats are as entertained as the driver is with the handling.

Protecting the $105,000+ investment comes down to the driver, but it does help having backup when you’re backing up, and the X5 doesn’t hurt its chances there either. Front and rear parking sensors may add a little more security and make parking in tight spots less of a white-knuckle affair. Furthermore, the X5 comes with a variety of safety features that helped it earn its 5-star ANCAP safety rating: front, side and curtain airbags, traction control with ESP, as well as hill descent control and electronic brake assist for the ABS system.

So where might the BMW X5 be somewhat less appealing? The handling may be good, but in low-speed driving, the steering wheel can feel heavier than it should. Also, the suspension that is stiff enough to dip into corners without hesitation can provide a jarring reminder of its design when the X5 hits larger potholes and roughly paved roads. Also, in the few models sold here with a petrol engine, low-range power can lag in certain circumstances, not helped at all by a kerb weight of 2,150 kg. And if the optional third row seat is installed by BMW to add room for a few more friends or children, the spare tyre comes out for a repair kit. That might not be the best choice for someone with any intention of taking the X5 off pavement.

At the end of the day, the BMW X5 still manages to be a capable performer that can carve a corner with more precision than some small cars, but with space for a large family that will be well protected and fairly entertained on short or long treks. While a bit longer in the tooth than some competitors, the X5 wears its age well and provides a powerful, sleek option in the luxury compact SUV class.

Specifications:

Engine: 2993cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)

Power: 210kW @ 4400rpm (turbocharged)

Torque: 580Nm @ 1750rpm (turbocharged)

Induction: Common-rail & turbocharged

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Driven Wheels: All

Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD

Top Speed: 235km/h

0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds

CO2 Emissions: 233 grams per kilometre

Fuel Consumption: 8.8 litres per 100km (ADR Combined)

Fuel Consumption: 10.9 litres per 100km (As Tested)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 85 litres

Fuel Type: Diesel

ANCAP Rating: Five star

Airbags: Front, side & curtain

Safety: ESP with Traction Control & HDC

Spare Wheel: Space saver

Suspension: Strut (F)/Multi-Link (R)

Cargo Capacity: 670/1750 litres

Tow Capacity: 2700kg (Braked)

Turning Circle: 12.8 metres

Warranty: Three Year/Unlimited Kilometre

Weight: 2110kg (Tare)

Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.5-inch