BMW X5 Drive Impression

The BMW X5 was first launched in 2001 and quickly became a favourite among the motoring clubs. The X5 was the best four-wheel-drive over $45k in 2001, 2002, and 2003 in the Australia's Best Cars Awards program.

In 2007 the second-generation X5 re-established itself as the benchmark luxury 4WD. The X5 3.0d won Best Luxury AWD in 2007 and 2008 in the awards. Not content to rest on their laurels BMW has recently given the X5 a mid-life update.

The designers at BMW have somehow managed to do enough to 'freshen' the look and give it a sharper, more contemporary, stance. From the front, the X5 looks sleeker with more of the front apron painted in the body colour rather than grey.  The BiXenon headlights have LEDs that double as daytime running lights and the repositioned front fog lights improve the appearance. You have to look closely, as the external changes are subtle.

Inside, the sweeping lines that flow from the front doors across the dash create the illusion of space, but in reality it hasn't changed from the previous generation. A new satin finish silver trim strip adorns the interior.

The biggest changes, however, are under the skin. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine in the X5 3.0D has been thoroughly revised. Power has increased by 7kW to 180kW and torque is up 20Nm to 540Nm. It's also 10 per cent more fuel efficient.

Getting power to the wheels via BMW's xDrive AWD system is an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The extra two ratios play a big part in the drop in fuel consumption as the X5 is still the same shape, and the aerodynamics haven't changed. The claimed average figure is 7.4 litres per 100kms and that gives the X5 bragging rights as the most fuel efficient compared with Audi's Q7 3.0 TDI and the Mercedes Benz ML300 CDI.

The new X5 3.0d is priced from $92,100, up $3559 from the previous model, and the flagship xDrive 50i Sport rounds out the range at $133,400.

DRIVE IMPRESSION

The 3.0d might be the entry model in the X5 range but there's nothing bargain basement about this latest offering. There is an even more powerful diesel version, called the xDrive 4.0d, that develops 225kW and a massive 600Nm of torque, but it's hard to see why anyone wouldn’t be happy with the model we tested.

At Eastern Creek raceway the X5 covered the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds and the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds. That's quicker to 100kmh than the 4.4-litre V8 petrol X5 we tested in 2001. The Audi Q7 3.0 TDi looks like a snail when you compare figures. Its 1.2 seconds slower over 400 metres and the X5 shades the Q7 by 1.7 seconds from 0-100kmh.

Performance figures are one thing but it's about how it drives that matters the most and the entry model does a great job. The engine is whisper quiet and the new eight-speed automatic raises the bar. The combination work in unison delivering silky smooth shifts and the in-line six-cylinder diesel revs as freely as a petrol engine. What's not like a petrol engine is the fuel consumption. On our highway cycle we recorded 6.8 litres per 100kms and for a vehicle that weighs 2075kgs that's remarkable.

In terms of ride and handling the X5 is a potent package. For such a large vehicle that has some off–road ability the X5 displays refinement and on–road manners that would be the envy of many brands. The only criticism was at low speed the steering felt dull and heavy, and didn't self-centre.  The model we tested had optional 19-inch alloy wheels and wider tyres but that didn't hurt the ride quality.

Inside, it's typical BMW, complete with the confusing to operate gear-shift lever that is shared across most of the range. Once you have mastered its operation the rest of the set-up is fairly straightforward. 

Forward and rear vision is clear and front and rear passenger space is generous.

There's a reasonable amount of storage options such as the split-door glove box.

For nearly $100,000, the interior is fairly understated but you can't fault the quality, fit and finish.

Front seat comfort didn't seem to be as good as previous generations.  On our highway test cycle I found them to be numbing after a couple of hundred kilometres of driving.

The other bug bear was the side steps. It's a stretch to get out of the X5 without getting dirt and mud on your clothes.

We loved some of the technical features that make life easier behind the wheel such as the high beam assist. If on high beam the lights automatically adjust if the vehicle detects oncoming traffic. It's a neat feature but just a small part of the vast BMW options list. 

High beam assist is part of the "Innovations Package" that also includes an electric tailgate, folding external mirrors with anti dazzle function, electric seat and steering wheel adjustment with memory and an 8.8-inch display that includes BMW's professional Navigation system. Total cost is $12,000 though.

In fact, our test car came with a number of options that pushed the price tag to $115,320.

The mid-life makeover might not have made much of a difference externally but it's made a big difference to the way the X5 drives. The new transmission and revised 3.0-litre diesel engine combine superbly. It's arguably the best combination going around. Fuel consumption on the highway is miserly. The X5 has established itself as a class leader in terms the way it drives and handles and now the mechanical changes take it to the next level.