BMW X5: road test (From Community Newsgroup)

BMW X5: road test

6:02pm Monday 13th October 2008

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BMW's X5 took the market by storm when it launched in 2000, and the world and his WAG soon became proud owners.

It didn't seem to matter that the drive was far from the creamy smooth delight found in most BMWs, and that they were about as economical as the Sputnik space rocket.

So, with X5 Mk11, BMW had their work cut out.

Robert Downes takes a peek at the range.

Performance/engine:

Three brand new engines to choose from, but like before the 3.0-litre six cylinder diesel derivative will be by far the best seller, according to BMW. And with heavy weight performance and something bordering on frugality when it comes to fuel economy, it's easy to see why, too. It's 235 bhp gets the giant from standing to 60mph in an impressive 8.1 seconds, so it's no slouch, and returns around 27 mpg combined. Elsewhere in the range there's a 3.0-litre petrol and a 4.8-litre V8 for those where money is not a consideration.

Handling

You could be forgiven for thinking you're driving something much smaller when you get behind the wheel of the X5 thanks to it's sharp, responsive steering. But it's sheer size means it merely is just a 'sense' and the X5 has to be guided with care around twisty country lanes.

The ride, which the previous model was lamblasted for, has been dramatically improved, although at sub-20mph speeds it's still fidgety compared to other BMW exotica.

Drive refinement:

The massive wing mirrors induce some wind noise at motorway speeds, but aside from that it's soundly insulated from external intrusions. The six speed gear box - which comes in all X5 models - is silky smooth and slurs changes nicely on the whole, and the car's superb mechanics make driving a pleasure. That said, the BMW 5-Series does all this but better, and costs several thousands less.

Quality:

The usual high quality BMW ingredients means the X5 has a polished, limo-like feel, although there's nothing in the cabin that's not been seen elsewhere in the BMW stables. The dash is typically black, and the instrument binnacle remains a little on the dull side.

Space and Practicality:

Acres of space wherever you take a perch, and now the X5 can be fitted with an extra two seats in the boot (at a cost) meaning it'll serve as a serious people mover. Seven people still carry luggage though, and the boot isn't as massive as you'd expect to start with.

All X5s come with BMW's fussy i-Drive system and, controlling all the car's main fucntions with a single knob, such as sat nav, entertainment, and climate, is fiddly and concentration-sapping when you're on the go. The electronic gear shift also takes some getting used to compared to the more traditional DIY versions offered in conventional self-shifters, as does the electronic hand brake, but these are all things owners would get used to.

Insurance premiums are going to be high, the diesel model itself is a Group 17, and most insurance firms will want you to have vehicle tracking fitted.

Equipment:

All the usual gubbins such as CD-player, cruise control and electric everything. The incorporated DAB radio is a nice touch too, but as with all BMWs if you want the works you need to get the extras list out - and a very deep wallet.

Safety:

All the tricks on this front, plus permanent four wheel drive, but buyers who specify the optional seven seats don't get any side bags in the back for the extra two travellers which is nonsensical.

Prices:

The 3.0-litre petrol in SE spec costs £40,200, the M Sport badge costs adds an extra £5,000. To own the 4.8-litre SE will set you back £50,710, and the M Sport version adds £4k - well into Range Rover turf there. The 3.0 diesel, which is the pick of the bunch as far as I can tell, costs £40,580 in SE but the top level M Sport is a pricey £48.000.

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