Every time a new BMW X5 is launched there comes the constant reminder from BMW that it is most definitely NOT an SUV. Nope. SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle and the X5 most certainly not that.
No, apparently the X5 is an SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle. Yes, apparently there IS a difference. To someone in the BMW marketing department, at least.
Anyway, it was time for that reminder again as the German company launched an all-new edition of the X5 in Hawke’s Bay. We thrashed the big fella across the Gentle Annie to Taupo to see just what an SAV can actually do.
What is it?
Let’s face it – it’s an SUV, but let’s just let them have this SAV thing and play along.
You can see where BMW is coming from with wanting to avoid the word “utility” in association with the X5 though, because there is literally nothing utilitarian about the big fella.
At launch the X5 comes in just two flavours; the 30d and the mighty M50d. The 40d and the four-cylinder 25d will appear early next year.
Both models feature a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine hooked up to the thoroughly excellent 8-speed automatic transmission, but where the 30d boasts a single variable inlet geometry turbo to produce 190kW and 560Nm for a 0 to 100 sprint of 6.9 seconds, the M50d has not two, but three turbos strapped on to it to produce a mighty 280kW/740Nm for a legal limit sprint in a remarkable 5.3 seconds.
Diesel is just for tractors? Nobody told BMW that silly idea…
The X5 30d kicks off the range at $129,000 and comes standard with the ‘Pure Experience’ exterior package, which can be optioned to the ‘Pure Excellence’ (less off-roady, more glittery) exterior package for no extra cost.
Fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, the 30d also gets roof rails, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, the Surround View 360 degree camera system, bi-xenon adaptive headlights with high beam assist, Dakota leather upholstery, dual zone climate control air con, an automatic electric tailgate, electric seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a Head-up display, satellite navigation, voice control and internet connectivity as standard.
The M50d adds the mighty triple turbo engine and ups the price to $174,000.
It also scores a massive helping of extra kit for this price, including M adaptive sports suspension, M servotronic power steering, 20-inch alloy wheels, oval exhausts, adaptive LED headlights, four zone climate control, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, an M leather steering wheel and a 600W Harmon Kardon audio system.
As usual with a BMW there is also a thoroughly mighty list of options that can be added, but as it stands the basic package on both models is impressive enough.
What’s it like?
BMW always make it difficult for motoring journos by putting out consistently impressive cars, making it constantly sound like you are an unapologetic fanboy spouting blatantly blinkered views about how damn good they actually are.
Well, not this time. I hated the X5.
Actually, that is an absolute lie. The X5 is an incredibly complete vehicle and remarkably impressive on the road, while actually being surprisingly capable off it.
The 30d has impressive shove and is an effortless cruiser that can tackle corners with remarkable composure for something so tall and heavy. It’s ride is even remarkably comfortable, despite having a distinctly sporty firmness to it.
But it is the M50d that is the truly impressive package. An absolute hot rod, the M50d bollocks off the line exactly in the way it shouldn’t be capable of and even manages to make a remarkably aggressive sound for a diesel.
Its 5.3-second 0 to 100 sprint is exactly the same as the supercharged petrol V8 Range Rover Sport (and, for a bit of perspective, 0.1 of a second quicker than a Lamborghini Countach LP500S…) while returning an average combined fuel consumption of just 6.7L/100km. That is slightly less than half of the Rangie’s consumption and, no doubt, an absolute fraction of the Lambo’s…
While the X5 has never really been promoted as much of an offroader, a small stint of paddock driving on the launch was surprisingly revealing. While you are never going to tackle the Rubicon Trail in it, the X5 proved itself far more capable than its big city-boy looks would ever suggest.
Build quality is impressive throughout and comfort is not a problem. Although not plushly comfortable in a Range Rover way, the BMW is nonetheless Teutonically comfortable and impressively specced.
What’s good about it?
The fact that it is remarkably agile and nimble for such a large item is particularly impressive, as is both performance and the frugal fuel consumption from both engines. The interior is well laid out and impressively loaded with kit. Oh, and the thoroughly cool electric fold-out tow bar is just awesome!
What’s not so good?
An absolute confusion of options threatens to buckle your mind. Doesn’t look as muscular as the last model. White leather may look great, but really? Would you want to live in constant fear of marking it?
First Impressions?
A thoroughly impressive piece of kit, the new X5 is just startlingly complete. Quick, comfortable and capable on the road, it is also surprisingly able off it – much more able than anyone who buys one is ever likely to find to, in fact.
With the current wave of uber-capable, seriously quick big SUVs that have hit the market recently, a buyer in that segment is spoiled for choice. But if you are specifically after an SAV, then you will not do any better than the X5.
Specifications
Models/prices
xDrive 30d – $129,000
xDrive M50d – $174,000
Powertrain
3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel producing 190kW/560Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive (30d), 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel producing 280kW/740Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive (M50d)
Fuel consumption: 6.2l/100km (30d)), 6.7L/100km (M50d)
CO2 emissions: 162g/km (30d), 177g/km (M50d)
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: n/a
Air bags: 7
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
