Characterised by the higher torque and better fuel efficiency, diesel engines are often considered the perfect match for big, hefty vehicles.
But more recently, BMW has proven to the masses that the second grade oil could do more than just propelling commercial movers or bread and butter economical getabouts.
Known as M Performance, this new lineup of vehicles plays second fiddle to the legendary M cars, but remains exciting enough to play to the heartstrings of the well-heeled.
Sitting aloft of the 'standard' variants, they also have to create a 'bigger bang' - which means enough go to match the show. But rest assured that this X5 M50d has no lack of punch, as underneath its hood lies the most powerful diesel engine to date.
Exterior
Like its subtle-looking M cousins, the M50d hints quietly of its potency, especially when clad in a suit of understated dark metallic blue.
But more recently, BMW has proven to the masses that the second grade oil could do more than just propelling commercial movers or bread and butter economical getabouts.
Known as M Performance, this new lineup of vehicles plays second fiddle to the legendary M cars, but remains exciting enough to play to the heartstrings of the well-heeled.
Sitting aloft of the 'standard' variants, they also have to create a 'bigger bang' - which means enough go to match the show. But rest assured that this X5 M50d has no lack of punch, as underneath its hood lies the most powerful diesel engine to date.
Exterior
Like its subtle-looking M cousins, the M50d hints quietly of its potency, especially when clad in a suit of understated dark metallic blue.
That said, the M50d was never meant to be the sort of playful, zesty kind of off-roader. Measuring 4,886mm long, 1,938mm wide and standing at 1,762mm, the stout proportion speaks of matureness rather than adolescence.
The slightly tweaked front facet now looks more up class too, with the help of new adaptive LED headlamps that add a healthy dose of athleticism.
The rump also has a more intrinsic-looking light signature, though the design and layout remain relatively unchanged from its predecessor.
The slightly tweaked front facet now looks more up class too, with the help of new adaptive LED headlamps that add a healthy dose of athleticism.
The rump also has a more intrinsic-looking light signature, though the design and layout remain relatively unchanged from its predecessor.
Interior
The new X5 retains the familiar-looking interior that spans across the entire Bimmer family, which means those looking for a revolutionary change will be disappointed.
While the design feels slightly dated, there are some 'old school' charm. For instance, the car sports analog speedometer over digital ones, which are the 'in' thing now.
The new X5 retains the familiar-looking interior that spans across the entire Bimmer family, which means those looking for a revolutionary change will be disappointed.
While the design feels slightly dated, there are some 'old school' charm. For instance, the car sports analog speedometer over digital ones, which are the 'in' thing now.
Befitting its status, the M50d gets a quite a handful of M treatments, such as the M steering wheel, supportive sport seats and aluminium-look door sills with logos to remind you of its exclusivity.
The full-sized SUV will also offer sumptuous for five on board. Like the previous X5, an additional row of seats is offered as an option (as seen on our test car). But we reckon those are best left for children or shorter commutes.
The full-sized SUV will also offer sumptuous for five on board. Like the previous X5, an additional row of seats is offered as an option (as seen on our test car). But we reckon those are best left for children or shorter commutes.
The Drive
The drivetrain is where things get a little more confusing. Unlike the moniker, which suggests a 5.0-litre engine, the M50d gets a 3.0-litre powerplant instead.
The in-line six unit, however, has been boosted to a 5.0-litre level of performance, no thanks to an ensemble of three turbochargers, which work in harmony to deal an almost lag-free 381bhp and 740Nm of torque.
And those figures make for an effortless 5.3 seconds sprint from nought to 100km/h - an arm's length from the 5.0 seconds dealt by the xDrive50i's petrol V8.
In city driving, the abundance of low end torque means you can stay ahead of the pack with minimal effort, and the same goes when it comes to changing lanes or during overtaking.
Other than dizzying straight line sprints, the M50d also has clever all-wheel drive tricks up its sleeves for the best traction in corners. Coupled with the Adaptive M suspension (standard on the M50d), the SUV feels firmly rooted over twisted tarmac, with a firm yet never punishing ride quality.
More relevant to our landscape is the X5's variable ratio steering, which works brillantly by reducing the inputs needed to manoeuvre the behemoth through tight corners, yet at higher speeds remains sufficiently weighted for a more confidence-inspiring drive.
Conclusion
The X5 remains to be the 'sports car' of the herd with its dynamic and involving drive. And the M50d sets the benchmark higher with its effortless performance, which can be enjoyed with less guilt than its petrol-driven siblings.
At $467,800, the M50d also slips under the xDrive50i's $479,800 price tag.
And unless you are mind-blogged about the petrol V8's extra morsel of power, the M50d, clearly, is the easier choice.
Conclusion
The X5 remains to be the 'sports car' of the herd with its dynamic and involving drive. And the M50d sets the benchmark higher with its effortless performance, which can be enjoyed with less guilt than its petrol-driven siblings.
At $467,800, the M50d also slips under the xDrive50i's $479,800 price tag.
And unless you are mind-blogged about the petrol V8's extra morsel of power, the M50d, clearly, is the easier choice.
