The BMW X5
the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment and globally best-selling car in its class, with more than 1.3 million units sold since the launch of the first generation - is entering a new chapter in its successful history. The third-generation X5 sees BMW once again setting the benchmark for powerful design, interior spaciousness and luxury,versatility, driving pleasure, efficiency and innovative equipment features. The new BMW X5 offers customers an assured all-round package equipped to meet the most exacting and varied demands.
Visually, the X5 doesn’t change very much from the last generation model - it’s still more athletic-looking than competing products. However, the new body style is reworked in a few areas to improve fuel efficiency. Use of aluminum and other lightweight materials make the X5 look like a Weight Watchers poster-child, trimming 170 lbs compared to the previous model, while improved aerodynamics due to air-channelling body-work help the X5 deliver better fuel economy.
While every X5 comes with a responsive eight-speed transmission, fuel economy varies quite a bit depending on which engine is found under the hood. The subject of our review features the base offering: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine that makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the xDrive all-wheel drive system, this particular X5 is rated for 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, making for a combined rating of 21 mpg. On average, that marks an expected two mpg improvement, or up to five on the highway.
In the real world, the six-cylinder model chugs fuel like a tired athlete swigging sports drink during a time out. The trip computer reported 18 mpg through our week of wintery testing.
The six-cylinder engine has another flaw: it’s a little underpowered in this application. While the 300-hp engine feels brilliant in something like the 335i, the X5 is considerably heavier and the engine feels overworked in the all-wheel drive X5. Fortunately, BMW, much like an all-you-can eat buffet, offers customers more than one model, so there are solutions to the six-cylinder X5’s shortcomings. Still, the solution is hardly perfect. Those looking for better fuel economy will find it in the diesel-powered xDrive35d, while those looking for a more exciting and immediate feeling of thrust will find it in the twin-turbo V8-powered xDrive50i. Both options are pricier than the base six-cylinder gas model, but the best of all worlds is the diesel motor, which provides improved fuel economy with 413 lb-ft of torque.
However, luxury cars are about coddling the owners and showcasing the latest and most interesting features fit for a high price tag. The X5 is available with just about every imaginable option, including a heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a bird’s eye view camera, adaptive LED headlights and the choice of two premium sound upgrades.
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has also been updated and allows users to draw letters and numbers on a touchpad situated on top of the control knob. The tester available for us wasn’t fully loaded and didn’t feature one of BMW’s “Line” packages, yet the price was just north of $70,000. Get carried away with high-priced options like the $4,500 Bang and Olufsen sound system, and the tag soars further.
BMW also offers M Sport modifications to the car that include different body panels and M Sport wheels (either 19- or 20-inches in diameter). For another extra fee, the company will add an “Adaptive M Suspension” that adds dynamic damper control and a rear air suspension with a “more sports-oriented suspension tuning.
Engine:
Type I-6 3.0 litres
Power 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm (224 kW)
Torque 300 lb·ft @ 1,300 - 5,000 rpm (407 N·m)
Induction Turbocharged
Power to weight ratio 102.9 W/kg
Bore 84 mm
Stroke 89 mm
Fuel type Premium
CO₂ emissions 4,429 kg/year
Other engines none
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain AWD
Vehicle type / Category
Vehicle type SUV
Category Midsize SUVs over $50,000
Assembly Spartanburg, SC
Generation 3
What's new N/A
Fuel efficiency / Autonomy
City 11.4 l/100km
Highway 7.5 l/100km
Autonomy 746 km
Tires / Suspension / Brakes / Safety
Steering rack and pinion, variable assist
Traction control yes
Stability control yes
Seat belts 5
Airbags 6
Front suspension independent, double wishbones
Rear suspension independent, multi-link
Front brakes disc (ABS)
Rear brakes disc (ABS)
Front tires P255/50R19
Rear tires P255/50R19
Dimensions / Weight
Length 4,886 mm (192″)
Width 2,184 mm (86″)
Height 1,762 mm (69″)
Wheelbase 2,933 mm (115″)
Front track 1,644 mm (65″)
Rear track 1,650 mm (65″)
Weight 2,173 kg (4,791 lbs)
Weight distribution front-rear 49% - 50%
Capacities
Passengers 5
Fuel tank 85 l (22 gal)
Trunk 650 to 1,870 l (23 to 66 ft³)
Towing N/A
Box length N/A
BMW X5 :$69,125 base price
BMW X5 xDrive35i Review on 2014>
However, the X5 is a bit more expensive when compared to more family friendly luxury SUVs, like the Mercedes ML class, and the Acura MDX (The winner of the 2014 AutoGuide.com Crossover Of The Year award). Those vehicles aren’t nearly as much fun or engaging to drive, but certainly offer a better blend of family hauling capability and luxury.The Verdict
There’s a reason BMW calls its bigger vehicles Sport Activity Vehicles - they truly are. The X5 drives well and is enjoyable despite the lacking wow-factor in the xDrive35i model. The “Sport” and “Activity” are clearly present. With its disappointing space for passengers and cargo, it’d be misleading to categorize the beamer as a utility vehicle. However if you’re looking for an engaging and well-appointed big SUV on the market, the X5 easily delivers
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