BMW X5 4.4 Car Review

BMW has gone to some length to point out that its all-new X5 4WD wagon is a Sports Activity vehicle (SAV), rather than a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

This qualification is based on the way the X5 looks, the way it's constructed, the way it drives and the levels of comfort, luxury, refinement and safety it provides.

Though it's higher off the ground than a conventional sedan, and quite a capable off-road performer, the design of the X5 is very much along the lines of passenger car technology. For example, it features a unitary body shell (no separate chassis) that BMW says, is as torsionally strong as its 5 and 7 series sedans.

BMW also claims the same levels of occupant safety for the X5 as its sedans. The X5 has scored maximum, or near maximum points, in Japanese, US and Euro NCAP tests for full frontal, offset frontal and side impacts, and rear-end collisions.

Priced at $107,850, the 4.4 litre X5's specifications read very much like a 540i BMW sedan, the model (along with the 740iL) with which it shares the delightful 4.4 litre V8 variable camshaft control (VANOS) engine.

The X5 also shares those models' five-speed automatic transmission, with Steptronic as standard, and with positions to allow adaptive automatic operation, or clutchless manual gear selection.

Just recently, the 3.0 litre (straight six engine) X5 was also released. Offering similar levels of refinement, luxury and safety, it's $79,750 in manual form and $82,350 for the automatic.

Standard equipment on Australian 4.4 litre X5s includes 10 airbags, automatic air conditioning, an on-board Navigation-ready monitor with TV and trip computer, 10-speaker sound system with multi CD stacker, electrically adjustable front seats and steering column, leather upholstery, central locking with electronic immobiliser and a crash sensor, and self-levelling suspension.

Roof rails are fitted, along with front fog lights, aluminium running boards and alloy wheels. The electrically adjustable exterior mirrors have an automatic anti-dazzle function, are heated, and include a fold-in function.

The X5's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) encompasses all the functions of the car's anti-lock brakes, its Cornering Brake Control (CBC), its Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and its Automatic Stability Control (ASC-X).

In addition, there are two further functions, a differential brake (ADB-X) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). ADB-X takes over the usual function of differential locks, while HDC keeps the vehicle speed down to between 5 and 10 km/h when negotiating slippery downhill slopes.

A Park Distance Control (PDC) emits an audible warning that varies in intensity when approaching fixed objects to the front or rear.

The X5's five seating positions all offer good space and there's no rear floor hump to hinder a centre rear passenger's comfort. The seats are firm, but generally comfortable, however they don't provide good lateral support when cornering.

The luggage area is very well detailed, and a good size to accommodate a family's normal requirements. The seat backrest is 60/40 split to provide more load length when needed. Commendably, the designers have fitted a full size (alloy) spare wheel under the luggage floor.

Despite the 4.4 litre X5's heavy mass of two and a quarter tonnes, performance is never found wanting, thanks to the beautifully smooth and responsive V8 engine. Acceleration is in the sports car league and the engine combines well with the adaptive automatic to provide very pleasing performance in all situations.

Once you get used to being high off the ground, and become confident of the various electronic suspension and traction controls, the X5 really is a very good handling 4WD.

The X5 also proved quite capable when tested off-road, with excellent traction and ample power, even though there's no low range function. The X5's main off-road limitation is that it has less ground clearance than the more dedicated off-road machines.