Realising that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, BMW designed the X5 for on-road performance and handling. It represents BMW's first foray into the popular SUV segment with short overhangs, a compact size and a car-based chassis combined to give the X5 its progressive stance and superb road performance.
The redesigned X5 features a third-row seat that is best for kids only. With this optional third-row seat and room for seven, cargo capacity is amazingly huge, making this vehicle a fine choice.
And despite the giant-like size, the ride is still very entertaining as luxury SUVs go and handling is capable and secure.
Exterior
You'll have to look close and hard to spot the new X5's cosmetic updates.
Up front, there are a couple of changes to the big lad's styling. Bigger air intakes with less plastic cladding in the lower fascia are evident and honestly, it won't be easy to spot the difference unless pictures of both the old and current one are in front of you.
The positioning changes of the fog lamps, however, are slightly more obvious. They sit closer to the centre of the fascia now - just under the caps in the bumper.
The redesigned X5 features a third-row seat that is best for kids only. With this optional third-row seat and room for seven, cargo capacity is amazingly huge, making this vehicle a fine choice.
And despite the giant-like size, the ride is still very entertaining as luxury SUVs go and handling is capable and secure.
Exterior
You'll have to look close and hard to spot the new X5's cosmetic updates.
Up front, there are a couple of changes to the big lad's styling. Bigger air intakes with less plastic cladding in the lower fascia are evident and honestly, it won't be easy to spot the difference unless pictures of both the old and current one are in front of you.
The positioning changes of the fog lamps, however, are slightly more obvious. They sit closer to the centre of the fascia now - just under the caps in the bumper.
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Curves on the headlamps of the X5 matches the beautifully sculpted bonnet while the dual-kidney grilles swell like a panting athlete's nostrils and the front bumpers have more body colour. Styling revisions to the rear are similarly subtle though far more distinctive.
It receives a similar 'less plastic, more paint' treatment with strips of reflectors sitting closer to the twin tailpipes. Additionally, with tail lights illustrating BMW's now- trademark LED lighting bars, it emphasises the horizontal lines of the X5, making it more stylish than before.
Overall, the changes don't hurt the X5's aesthetics. This big boy remains a conservatively styled machine that will not lose its trendiness, although many will disagree when compared to the sportier X6.
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Interior
Apart from being spacious, the X5 is comfort personified. Top-notch materials and admirable build quality further the X5's desirability, as it has none of the springiness often associated with SUVs, offering instead the cushioned progress of a luxury yacht.
You'll have a spectrum of features offered by BMW's signature iDrive that comprises of driver assistance systems and integrated all-view camera system, allowing you to view all angles when attempting to back up or park the vehicle.
But the good news is you'll never feel like you are in a 7-Series bombarded by an overabundance of electronics that make you feel like a nanny is trying to drive your car.
One of the X5's standout convenience features is its well-executed split tailgate. The top section opens upward as it normally does on any other SUV, but the bottom portion folds downward to create a flat loading floor, making it easier to load large and heavy objects.
Apart from being spacious, the X5 is comfort personified. Top-notch materials and admirable build quality further the X5's desirability, as it has none of the springiness often associated with SUVs, offering instead the cushioned progress of a luxury yacht.
You'll have a spectrum of features offered by BMW's signature iDrive that comprises of driver assistance systems and integrated all-view camera system, allowing you to view all angles when attempting to back up or park the vehicle.
But the good news is you'll never feel like you are in a 7-Series bombarded by an overabundance of electronics that make you feel like a nanny is trying to drive your car.
One of the X5's standout convenience features is its well-executed split tailgate. The top section opens upward as it normally does on any other SUV, but the bottom portion folds downward to create a flat loading floor, making it easier to load large and heavy objects.
There's plenty of space in the cargo area as well. With the 3rd-row seats up, there's enough room for a row of grocery bags. When it's folded, capacity is extended from 620 litres to a maximum of 1,750 litres, thanks to the considerate minds of the engineers and designers of the car.
In the cabin, space is optimum with good head and legroom both front and back. But while space is excellent, climbing in isn't too elegant with the lack of side-steps, especially for a pint-sized guy like myself.
But once inside, an eye-catching panorama glass roof and high seating position further accentuate the luxurious ambience of the X5's interior, forcing you to forgive its little qualms.
In the cabin, space is optimum with good head and legroom both front and back. But while space is excellent, climbing in isn't too elegant with the lack of side-steps, especially for a pint-sized guy like myself.
But once inside, an eye-catching panorama glass roof and high seating position further accentuate the luxurious ambience of the X5's interior, forcing you to forgive its little qualms.
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The Drive
On the road, the X5 is a royal hoot, with enough substance to keep up with the swiftest packs. And unlike other SUVs driven here, the Bimmer does not run out of puff.
Open the throttle and the car's eight-speed automatic transmission is a perfect match for its beefy heart, slotting in the right ratio at the right time, quickly and without any mis-step. As a result, the car is truly enjoyable to drive, whether you are cruising lazily or trying to give the Mercedes-Benz ML driver in the next lane palpitations.
That's why I reckon this is the X5's trump card. It handles like a sport sedan and has power to spare. With so much torque and power on tap, passing at speed is almost effortless and climbing steep hills is accomplished with little drama.
This is due to its V8 and a straight six-cylinder petrol power unit featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct injection. Its power output has increased from 306 bhp to 407 bhp and despite that, fuel consumption and emission levels are up to 10 percent lower compared to its predecessor. Though fuel economy hasn't traditionally been one of the SUV's high points, it has evolved and is now near the top of its class.
The rest of the driving experience is also brilliant. The steering has a satisfying weight to it and it certainly allows the driver to pilot this hefty vehicle with ease. It's strong in corners, nimble in turning and has stout brakes.
On the road, the X5 is a royal hoot, with enough substance to keep up with the swiftest packs. And unlike other SUVs driven here, the Bimmer does not run out of puff.
Open the throttle and the car's eight-speed automatic transmission is a perfect match for its beefy heart, slotting in the right ratio at the right time, quickly and without any mis-step. As a result, the car is truly enjoyable to drive, whether you are cruising lazily or trying to give the Mercedes-Benz ML driver in the next lane palpitations.
That's why I reckon this is the X5's trump card. It handles like a sport sedan and has power to spare. With so much torque and power on tap, passing at speed is almost effortless and climbing steep hills is accomplished with little drama.
This is due to its V8 and a straight six-cylinder petrol power unit featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct injection. Its power output has increased from 306 bhp to 407 bhp and despite that, fuel consumption and emission levels are up to 10 percent lower compared to its predecessor. Though fuel economy hasn't traditionally been one of the SUV's high points, it has evolved and is now near the top of its class.
The rest of the driving experience is also brilliant. The steering has a satisfying weight to it and it certainly allows the driver to pilot this hefty vehicle with ease. It's strong in corners, nimble in turning and has stout brakes.
I applied those brakes to the test a few times on the heavily congested roads of our highways and they responded promptly. For a little more fun, drop it into sport mode and the steering immediately gets heavier and more responsive.
The only complain about this stonking vehicle is the little jerks and shakes whenever it comes to a halt, even when the brakes are tapped lightly. It's not a big problem, but it's still something you'll need to face almost every time you apply the brakes.
However, the suspension is comfortable over all surfaces, and families will like that. On gravel roads, the interior of the X5 soaked up rutted and gravel packed roads without transmitting jarring or harshness into the cabin, making it a solid family hauler.
Conclusion
BMW's refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in the luxury SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrain improvements that keep the big boy relevant in an extremely competitive segment.
If you're a BMW fan, particularly of the X5, this is a nice upgrade. It excels for its acceleration as well as sporty handling and with an optional third row and seating for seven, the X5 can even function as an upscale family hauler.
It's all here and it's a well-executed package.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The only complain about this stonking vehicle is the little jerks and shakes whenever it comes to a halt, even when the brakes are tapped lightly. It's not a big problem, but it's still something you'll need to face almost every time you apply the brakes.
However, the suspension is comfortable over all surfaces, and families will like that. On gravel roads, the interior of the X5 soaked up rutted and gravel packed roads without transmitting jarring or harshness into the cabin, making it a solid family hauler.
Conclusion
BMW's refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in the luxury SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrain improvements that keep the big boy relevant in an extremely competitive segment.
If you're a BMW fan, particularly of the X5, this is a nice upgrade. It excels for its acceleration as well as sporty handling and with an optional third row and seating for seven, the X5 can even function as an upscale family hauler.
It's all here and it's a well-executed package.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
