BMW X5: Road Test Review

BMW had launched the fourth generation iteration of the massive X5 SUV last year at a starting price of Rs 72.90 lakh. It was the first SUV in BMW’s X line which came into life first in 1999. The X5 has always been a love pick for enthusiasts and the new avatar is far better from its predecessor in terms of features, design, driving dynamics, and overall refinement & quality. So, without more fuss let’s take a look at what the updated Bavarian offers:-

Exterior

The new X5 is quite bigger compared to its old version as it’s based on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform which also underpins other BMW cars like the 5 Series, 7 Series, and some other models. Thus, it has grown in size from its predecessor. Here's have a look at its dimensions:- 

The new X5 is 36mm longer, 66mm wider, and 15mm taller than before. And the good things don't stop here as it looks better proportioned with commanding single-piece large kidney grille like the one on the X7 and inflicting BMW's Laser dual-barrel LED headlights that you gonna not miss at any cost.

The new grille also houses active flaps for better aerodynamics whereas the chunky matrix headlamps look quite striking with C-shaped integrated LED DRLS and blue inserts inside. It gives a light throw of 600m, truly commendable. Unlike the older version, the headlamps do not mix with the grille anymore.

The robust SUV also gets a newly muscular designed bumper to keep the things fresh and it houses a slim LED lamps within the air dam. Its sculpted hood, shape cuts on the body, and upright stance give it a sportier look, and the chrome detailing, here and there absolutely do work well.

On the side, it features 20-inch alloy wheels with blue-colored brake calipers in M Sport trim, chunky wheel arches, and side skirts. It has 215mm of ground clearance and gets two-axle height-adjustable air suspension which accelerates its off-road ability. Overall, the side profile seems more or less alike to the previous model. 

At the rear, the new X5 features a new split tailgate, LED taillamps and redesigned bumper with square-shaped exhaust vents on both sides. 

Interior & Features

Inside the cabin, you’ll notice significant overhaul in terms of design. It features BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional display which comprises two large color screens of 12.3-inches; one for the instrumentation cluster, replacing the analog unit, and the other is BMW’s i-Drive infotainment system.

Additionally, the interiors get several color options, depending on the trim: Ivory White, Black and Coffee, Black & Cognac, Black, and Black, and Black. The dashboard and high-quality cabin entirely leather-wrapped and incorporates ambient color lightings of 12-colour choices at every corner of the car. It even continues to the panoramic sunroof (Sky Lounge) that looks the part after the sunset. 

To make the cabin clutter-free, the German maker has dropped the infotainment buttons and blended them in the display itself. The infotainment can also be controlled through voice commands and gesture movement as well. The screen is quite bright and easy to use even in the day time. 

The hi-res screen also displays various stats and information of the car such as real-time power and torque regulation, pitch and yaw angle, G-force, AC stats, various feeds from the 360-degree camera unit, and other off-roading parameters.

The X5 gets a little crystal finish gear shift lever with a cut-glass effect, a start-stop button, and an iDrive controller in the center console. Different people have different opinions about its design and feasibility. However, personally, I found it very cool but the mode selector feels a bit tiny and is difficult sometimes to use, especially during transit. 

The other notable features include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, hands-free parking, four-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, thigh support and massage function, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate with remote opening, wireless Apple CarPlay, a head-up display (HUD), auto start/stop, wireless charging, one conventional USB port and three USB-C ports (one at the front and two at the rear), soft-close doors, paddle shifters, adaptive dampers, electrically forward-tilting second-row seats, electronic parking with auto-hold function, etc. 

The safety kit gets seven airbags, hill descent control, front, side, and rear parking sensors, traction control, run-flat tires, and a parking assistant that allows the car to park itself.

As far as the cabin space is concerned, the new X5 is more spacious than before as it has grown larger in terms of dimensions, which adds more interior space. The seats offer great comfort. It has ample room for all the passengers, even in the back seat. One can sit by folding his/her legs without any trouble. However, surprisingly, the rear seat does not get a recline function. But interestingly, you can access the boot space from the rear row by folding the middle seat. 

The boot space is generous large too, and it can be further expanded from 650-litre to 1,860 liters by folding rear seats. 

Engine and Performance

The Indian spec X5 is offered with both petrol and diesel engine choices: 3.0-liter turbocharged, straight-six diesel with xDrive 30d, and 3.0-litre, inline 6-cylinder turbo petrol with xDrive40i. The petrol engine develops 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque, while the diesel engine churns out 265PS of maximum power and a whopping 620Nm of peak torque output. Both engines get an 8-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheels biased BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard. 

We get the diesel model of BMW X5 to try our hands-on and believe me, it has stunned us with its performance. It gets a standard adaptive suspension setup and four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Adaptive) which unquestionably alter the driving dynamics and riding settings according to the preferred driving mode. Even in the eco mode, which is the least sporty mode, the engine delivers quite impressive performance. 

On the comfort mode, the initial pick is great and you won't hear any engine roar inside the cabin. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is very agile, smooth, and refine. It accelerates briskly. However, if you're below the 200rpm, you'll notice a minimal delay during downshifting. But as soon as you touch the 2000rpm mark, you won't complain about anything. And if, you want an all-out thrilling performance from the engine, just pick the Sport mode. It can sprint from 0-100kmph in just 6.5 seconds.

Overall, the engine performance of X5 is full of excitement and the engine always seeks to push harder to its limit and will never recede. 

Ride Quality and Handling

The ride quality of the new BMW X5 is truly amazing and it is really easy to manipulate the massive car of this size, even at the high speeds. The electric steering is light & quick and offers good feedback. The adaptive air suspensions add comfort and lead to greater cornering and aerodynamic. Interestingly, the latest X5 also offers better ground clearance and deeper wading capacity which pushes its off-roading capability even further. Overall, the German SUV offers a pleasant and enjoyable ride quality. It will surely put on a smile on your face.

Variants & Pricing

The BMW X5 is available in three variants – 30d Sport, 30d xLine, and the 40i MSport. Their pricing is as follows:- 

Pros And Cons Of BMW X5

Positives

• Massive road presence.
• Features loaded cabin.
• Excellent ride quality.
• Refine diesel engine with an engaging performance.

Negatives 

• Pricing is on the higher side.
• The third row of seating arrangements should be given.  

Verdict

The X5 is loaded with plenty of comforts, convenience, and safety features. The brand has also improved the car in all departments. However, the pricing of the top-line variant has come close to Rs 1 crore (on-road) which seems excessive. However, its enormous driving fundamentals and luxury is something that will influence you to own it.