BMW X5

Synopsis

BMW X5 was the first SUV launched by BMW globally. The car is now in its third generation and after a minor facelift, it’s ready to take on the other competitors including its biggest rival Audi Q7.

Exterior

BMW has stick to their basics in terms of designing as except for the minor changes, nothing much has changed on this car. It shares its platform with the 5 series luxury sedan. Biggest changes include a new bumper with air inlets and LEDs in its headlights. The familiar radiator grille, round shaped fog lights and bonnet remains the same. The side profile remains intact but you do get to choose from 2 sizes of alloy wheels which slightly make a difference to its appearance. Except for the restyled tail lights, there are no major changes at the back of this car. BMW needs to bring some serious changes to this car as now it looks aged in comparison to many of its new rivals like Land Rover Evoque.

Interior

The interiors are of dual tone color with leather seat covers of beige color enhancing the aura inside. The new leather wrapped three spoke steering wheel looks funky than before. The plastic and the material used inside feels of top quality. This 5 seater car has very generous seats with optimum comfort. Legroom and headroom is quite adequate for the rear passengers. Rear passengers also get their own rear AC vents and centre armrest.

Comfort and Convenience

BMW X5 offers many features to give maximum comfort to its driver and the passengers. Driver seat is electrically adjustable which allows the driver to get in to the perfect position with an adjustable steering wheel for clear visibility. It has a dual zone automatic air conditioning with central locking, electrically adjustable and fold-able side mirrors. It also has Hill Descent control (HDC), rain sensing wipers and auto headlights with rear parking camera to assist you while parking it.

Dashboard and Storage

Dashboard of BMW X5 remains the same with similar high class wooden inserts and instrument panel. It has an air cooled glove box with door pockets and cup holders in front and rear centre armrest. It has decent boot capacity which can be increased by folding the rear seats.

Music System

BMW X5 has an audio system with six CD changer and 16 powerful speakers with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. It comes with steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.

Engine and Gearbox

New BMW X5 is powered by a 2993cc, V6 diesel engine, which generates a maximum power output of 258 bhp with an increased torque output of 560 Nm. This engine is equipped with xDrive30d to enhance its performance. The new eight speed automatic transmission now replaces its old six speed transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

With new engines and gearbox, the performance of this car has improved significantly. Its new petrol unit takes just 5.5 seconds to reach 0-100km/hr. This engine can reach a top speed of 240km/hr. The diesel engine feels much responsive than before thanks to its eight speed gearbox which reduces the turbo lag and you don’t much have to wait for its power as the new gear ratios feel very proportionate. Refinement of this engine has also increased with its power and torque output. The car feels much relaxed in its high range with reaching a top speed of 210km/hr. The new gearbox reduces its rpms which makes it quicker than before and as a result of that it takes around 7.6 seconds to reach 100km/hour from standstill.

Mileage

Due to its heavy weight and powerful engine, the petrol version of this car will be able to return you a mileage of around 6-7km/ltr while BMW claims its diesel engine to be the most fuel efficient engine in its class. The 3.0L diesel engine is expected to give a fuel efficiency of around 8km/ltr. The new X5 is available in only diesel in India.

Safety Features

BMW X5 features 8 airbags for your safety with ESP and traction control in it. Remote locking, anti-theft alarm is standard safety features in it and there is additional reinforcement in the front, sides and rear of the body for extra protection at the time of collision.

Suspension and Braking

The suspension of this car favours our Indian roads as it takes most of the bumps without any kind of complain. BMW X5 uses ventilated disk brakes at it front with simple disks at the back. The braking system also has ABS with EBD.

Ride and Handling

BMW X5 has always been known for its plush ride on road as well as off road. It’s a perfect 4x4 and pleases you the way it handles. This two tone vehicle manages to shed its weight with its brilliant handling on road. Its suspension also holds it well around sharp corners and you experience minimal body roll.

Shades and Warranty

BMW X5 is available in ten shades. The company offers 2years/unlimited kilometres warranty on its cars.

Variants

BMW X5 is available in one variants: xDrive 30d diesel.

Verdict

BMW X5 is cheaper than its outgoing model by a good margin but it is expensive than many of its competitors. At this price, BMW is offering a powerful petrol engine but its design needs to be upgraded. Moreover its diesel engine still feels on the slower side if compared to other competitors. We won’t say it’s a complete value for money car but it’s quite considerable due to it’s on and off road capability despite its big size.