Maxabout Review

The Power Of "M"

The BMW X5 is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999, making it BMW's first SUV. It’s hard to argue with the new BMW X5 – it’s imposing to look at, amazing to drive and now has a seven-seat option. SUVs don’t come much better.

X5’s convex-concave surfaces perfectly support its generous proportions and muscular wheel arches. Dynamic light and shadow progressions demonstrate elegance and presence with their robust appearance and clear structure.

The X5 uses variable ratio steering, changing the lock-to-lock steering wheel distance depending on your speed. The wishbone type front suspension optimizes tire contact on the road and makes the new X5 capable of reaching impressively high cornering forces.

One of the more remarkable features in the X5 is its panoramic moonroof, a vast expanse of glass over the front and middle-row seats. Push a button in the overhead console and a large portion of it slides back and lets in lots of fresh air and sun/moon light.

xDrive is a permanent all-wheel drive system, which uses sensors and digital aids in transferring varied levels of drive power between the front and rear axles. Torque-split-by-demand xDrive also helps in cornering.

When the vehicle senses that it was about to understeer or oversteer the vehicle can independently cut traction to either of the front wheels or rear wheels to help regain stability and keep the driver on the road. BMW X5’s driver assistant Hill Descent Control system will be helpful while driving on a smooth rocky surface or slippery downhill surfaces.

Only the Porsche Cayenne comes close to the X5 in terms of on-road handling; the X5 can really shift. Swivel motors mounted on the anti-roll bars mean that at slow speed the X5 can ride well, and then when the going gets faster it can tighten itself up to feel more sporting.

BMW X5 M is powered by a a powerful 4.4 litre TwinPower Turbo engine with maximum power of 555 Bhp at 5750 rpm with maximum torque of 679 Nmat 1500 rpm. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to the automaker.

The X5 M is the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicle from BMW to sport the “M” badge. Coupled with special “M” air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance ‘ute promises very competent handling.

Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an “M” six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.

Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle’s handling to the limit. There’s also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience.