BMW X5: The Bruce Springsteen Among SUVs

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

One can only salute the developers of the BMW X5: this SUV has always been number one in its segment.

It did not matter whether it was the first, second or third generation of this vehicle, officially called SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). One reason why he is called “The Boss” internally. No other luxury SUV could ever hold a candle to the fat Bavaria in sales. Over 2.1 million units have been sold since its debut in 1999.

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The fact that the fourth generation (internal G05), which will start on November 24th at prices from 70,000 euros, will continue on this road to success does not need a look into the crystal ball, just look at the car itself. Because its character and design - every piece of sheet metal is new by the way - has kept the BMW X5 and has been improved in many points at the same time.

The interior of the BMW X5 has improved in quality

Most noticeably, this concerns the interior. The quality impression and workmanship have improved again compared to the predecessor. Everything looks dignified and luxurious. The operation is largely intuitive via the 10.2 inch touchscreen (clear tile display). Of course, the latest connectivity expansion is on board. These include WiFi, navigation, real-time traffic information, gesture control, voice input, email reception, smartphone connectivity, apps and concierge service, everything that the modern driver thinks he needs to have today.

Everything that happens behind the front seats has also proven to be well thought out. This includes even the little things. For example, you usually don't know what to do with the pull-out luggage cover when all of the cargo space is needed. In the new X5 there is now a special compartment under the trunk floor. There the part fits in like the fork in the cutlery box. Anyone who needs even greater variability can order a cargo package. Here the backrests are divided in a 40:20:40 ratio.

In addition, their inclination can be adjusted many times. BMW mentions 650 liters as the net trunk volume, with a maximum of 1860 liters. That is more than in a luxury-class station wagon. The horizontally split tailgate has a certain tradition on the X5. It remains with the youngest generation.

Best in class for driving dynamics

The same goes for the feeling behind the wheel. The new X5 has to drive like its predecessor, only better. "We aim to be the best in our class when it comes to driving dynamics and have the most precise steering," says project manager Johann Kistler. The handiness and direct handling are indeed impressive. The heavy weight of over two tons is not noticeable, especially not when extras such as roll stabilization and steering rear wheels are on board.

The engines certainly also have their share in agility. For the market launch in December, the X5 starts with us with two diesel units and one gasoline engine. All three are in-line six-cylinder, all are coupled with an eight-speed automatic, all have all-wheel drive. Even the entry-level diesel xDrive 30d with 195 kW / 265 PS is easily sufficient for all daily needs. That is hardly surprising. After all, a full 620 Newton meters of torque are already available from 2,000 revolutions and accelerate the X5 from zero to 100 km / h in just 6.5 seconds. But it is much nicer to let the "Boss" glide relaxed and enjoy the high level of comfort. Then the consumption should also approach the standard values. BMW promises six liters per 100 kilometers.

M50d with 400 hp

The M50d is intended as a sporty alternative. The three-liter is ventilated here by four turbochargers. Accordingly, the power increases to 400 hp, the maximum torque to 760 Newton meters. The xDrvie 40i is recommended to traditional gasoline proponents. The silky smooth running three-liter Reichensechser develops 340 hp. European customers will have to wait a while for the brawny eight-cylinder (xDrvie 50i), which undoubtedly fits the character of the X5 very well and which is initially only available in America. But it should come, promises BMW marketing. Next year they want to have two more diesels follow, the rear-wheel drive sDrive 25d and the xDrive 40d.

The Bavarians are also holding back when it comes to alternative drives. Probably only at the end of 2019 two hearts should beat again under the hood of the X5, that is, a plug-in hybrid drive will work, but this time in conjunction with a six-cylinder and not again with a four-cylinder. Up to 100 kilometers of electric range and the possibility of inductive charging are promised.

Also on the go in the field

The new BMW X5 is also not untalented on loose terrain. Gravel and sand may play less of a role in Germany, but they do in other countries. For the first time, an off-road package is being offered. The permanent all-wheel drive system doesn't even throw in the towel if the going gets tough. The X5 also takes water crossings from half a meter deep.

The assistance systems are now practically a compulsory exercise in this class. Due to the same electronic architecture, they come from the sevens and fives. Everything is included that customers in the luxury segment expect, but most of it has to be paid for separately: the usual keeping in the lane and the distance to the vehicle in front, the independent starting again in a traffic jam, the warning of danger in the blind spot, the reading of traffic signs, emergency braking, anticipatory economy driving, the reversing camera, the "360-degree surround view", automatic parking in and out of parking spaces or the warning of cross traffic behind the car.

However, the reversing assistant is completely new and so far unique in the world. Up to a distance of 50 meters, this rewinds the last distance driven forward in the opposite direction. The driver only has to concentrate on accelerating and braking, the rest is done by a computer colleague. (SP-X)