BMW X5

Overview:

The pioneer of the X series, the X5 initiated the SUV market for BMW back in 1999. Presently in its third generation, BMW X5 has never failed to attract the customers credits to its all-muscle executive styling. Based on the F 15 platform, the X5 is the biggest and the only model among the X series be classified as an SUV and not a crossover, BMW X3 is actually a mid-sized SUV with a unibody chassis design. Although an SUV, BMW launched it under the name of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) like all the other cars of the X series.

This long, broad and tall car has some great on road capabilities despite of its size and also packs with it the simplicity and the elegance that is associated with a brand as prestigious as a BMW. It is available only as an all wheel drive, xDrive in two engine options of a petrol and a diesel, namely 35i and 30d respectively. Both the engines are 3-litre 6 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines along with the 8-speed automatic transmission in the diesel engine where as the 8 speed sports automatic transmission in the petrol engine. With the petrol engine embedded under the hood, BMW X5 (xDrive 35i) churns out a power measuring a whooping 306 hp along with a torque force of 400Nm, where as the diesel (xDrive 30d) is slightly low on power at 258hp but it offers a majestic torque force figure of 560Nm at 1500-3000 rpm which is higher even than many sports cars around which embeds the drive with some serious tyre burning capacity. The 35i gets some added features like adaptive suspension package comfort and heads up display which are not present in the diesel variant for unknown reasons. The diesel also lacks the 3rd row of seats which are present as 2 individually adjustable seats in BMW XDrive35i. Both the variants get 19-inch alloys along with run flats, that are very useful in rocky terrains. All these specifications implies that if you are considering to buy an off-roading vehicle and plan to take it on the rocks more frequently then you should consider the 30d where as if an all rounder is your desire that can face some rocks as well as be of utility in day to day life, then the 35i will suit the purpose.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

Given the weight and the enormous size of BMW X5, it is simply a given fact that BMW X5 is a thirsty vehicle. The 35i petrol drinks fuel at the rate of 11.7 kmpl whereas the diesel 30d gulps in at 16 kmpl. But considering the size, power and torque outputs of the engine, these figures are decent and should not really upset the buyer. The CO2 emissions of the petrol is 197g/km and for the diesel is 162g/km which are decent but slightly higher than the low end BMW crossovers.

Power:

If power is the need of the hour than opt for the 35i petrol which offers an amazing 305 hp of power between 5800 to 6000 rpm. The diesel 30d falls behind by 47 horses at 258hp at 4000 rpm. Talking about the maximum torque output, the petrol variant produces a maximum torque figures of 400 Nm between 1200 to 5000 rpm. The torque output for diesel variant however is a massive 560 Nm between 1500 to 3000 rpm.

Acceleration and Pick up:

Speed is not generally associated with an SUV, but the top-end X-series drive, BMW X5 does not disappoint even in this department. With a top speed measuring 235 kmph, the 35i petrol touches the 100kmph mark in just 6.5 seconds, whereas the 30d with top speed of 230kmph takes 6.9 seconds to reach the century mark.

Exterior:

BMW X5 carries the same body lines like that of all the other X series models but still offers a distinction due to its size and chunky stance. The window and the pillar designs are also recognizable as the similar X series design and the tail lamps are also the iconic L shaped LEDs. When the BMW X5 received its third facelift in 2013, something new and fresh was expected, since the X1 and X3 already had these body lines. Although it lacks freshness, it still has very deep looks that gets its own range of admirers. Road presence is also not an issue due to its size and tall stance owing to the 19-inch alloys and a high ground clearance of 209mm. The front kidney grilles are dominant and a lot of chrome has been used to outline the grilles, windows and lights giving it an all over luxurious look shifting its class from a rough and tough SUV to a business class SAV. The underbody also gets aluminum treatment that is visible in the side sills and the front and rear bumpers offering it a jaw like appearance and complementing the chrome. The petrol variant gets aluminum roof rails whereas the diesel gets black roof rails to accentuate the off-roading orientation of the 30d. The bumpers, tail pipes and the lamps all offer a very futuristic rendition to the vehicle.

Exterior Measurements:

The overall dimensions of BMW X5 measure of 4886mm x 2184mm x 1762mm with the side mirrors open . The front track is slightly narrower at 1644mm than the rear track of 1650mm. To make a stable ride and minimum turning radius, the X5 has short overhangs on a long wheelbase of 2933mm.

Interiors:

Once inside the X5, you hardly get a feeling of being inside an SUV. The interiors are kept classy and fresh offering maximum functionality and utmost luxury, especially for the driver. The dash has black as its base color along with wooden finish that could be chosen from a range of options. The secondary color matching the color of the seats can also be chosen according to likes. All the colors on offer blend in the interiors and offer an elegant look. The lighting inside BMW X5 has been brilliantly used. The ambient lighting system can also be chosen from shades of blue, red and white along with an LED line running through the dash and the doors. These lights offer a supreme feeling of luxury and uplifts the mood in no time. The dials are kept classy and the lightings are soothing to the eyes. The dashboard lines are also very fluid and glib. On the centre of this dashboard a free standing navigation display for the driver alongside a rear seat entertainment system is embedded both of which come with 9.2 inch adjustable color screens and a remote controlled DVD drive. There is also a free standing control display that is tilted towards the driver for clear access of the Navigator Professional. The leather on the steering and dash adds to the grace of the interiors.

Interior Comfort:

BMW X5 has heightened seat for the driver and the front passenger to offer maximum visibility to the driver. The seats are also plush, with electronically heated seats and 12 way adjustable along with memory function. It also offers power lumbar support and power tilt option that makes the seats adaptable to all body types. Other than the seats, it gets front cupholders, good storage space on the doors, individual air conditioning for all the rows and also some trivial things like ash trays and vanity mirrors on both rear and front along with some very posh lightings on the vanity mirror and also the front and rear reading lights. The rear seats can also be split in the 40:20:40 ratio. As such, BMW X5 has taken care of all the basic luxuries that are not generally present in all the SUVs. There is also a storage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.

Interior Measurements:

The front and rear seats both have a decent legroom of 1029 mm and 925mm respectively. In case of the third row of the 35i, the legroom is a little tight and the seats are good only for children or short people. The boot space of the X5 with two rows is exceptionally large at 650 litres and with the seats down, it further increases to a gigantic 1870 litres.

Engine and Performance:

The engine is the 3-litre 6 cylinder, BMW trademark TwinPower Turbo engine both for diesel and petrol variants. The (2979 cc) Petrol variant, 35i offers high power at 305hp between 5800 to 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 400Nm between 1200 to 5000 rpm. The (2993 cc) diesel engine is slightly low in terms of power at 258hp at 4000 rpm but offers some serious torque of 560 Nm between 1500 to 3000 rpm. The transmission also differs in the two, with the petrol engine getting an 8 speed sports automatic transmission whereas the 30d getting an 8 speed automatic transmission.

Stereo and Accessories:

BMW X5 gets hold of a high class stereo system of Bang & Olufsen 5.1 surround sound system with 16 fully active loudspeakers along with 7 tweeters, 7 midrangers and 2 subwoofers giving you an output of 1200 watts along with the 16 channel amplification. This ensures you do not miss any beat of your audio and get a theatrical experience on the move. It also has a free standing navigation display for the driver and a rear seat entertainment system that comes with 9.2 inch adjustable color screens and a remote controlled DVD drive. All this makes your drive a pleasurable experience.

Wheels:

BMW X5 has 19” alloys light alloys for both 35i and 30d along with a run flat tyre dimension of 255/50 R 19. However, the 35i gets star spoke 449 type wheels where as the diesel 30d gets V-spoke 450 wheels as standard. The wheels leaves no stone unturned in underlining the looks of the X5.

Braking and Handling:

Both front and rear wheels of the X5 gets ventilated disc brakes to bring it to a halt along with ABS on all 4 wheels and a brake assist system supported with a cornering brake control. All these makes handling the X5, a piece of cake and offer a stable and comfortable ride to the passengers. The 35i also gets an adaptable suspension system to further smoothen the ride which is absent in the 30d. The front suspension is a double independent wish bone along with stabilizer bar and coil springs. The rear suspension is of multi link type.

Safety and security:

Pros:

Great and powerful drive, both on and off road
Elegant and spacious interiors with a big boot
Huge torque in the 30d and High power in 35i

Cons:

Price range is quite steep in a very competitive category
Mileage of 35i is an issue