When the X5 made its debut, BMW promised that the mid-sized SUV will be fun and sporty enough to deserve the Bavarian badge. The marketing people even gave it a new definition - Sports Activity Vehicle, or SAV for short.
Building on the success of its predecessors, the latest generation ups the stake further with a slew of improvements. Despite sharing the same platform as its forbearer, the new body has been thoroughly reworked, and is now more rigid, yet lighter than before.Up close and Personal
The base petrol variant looks largely similar to its stablemates, only separated by different rim designs and badges. The more powerful M50d and 50i also receive squared-off exhaust tips, while both the 30d and the 35i that you see here make do with twin roundel pipes.
Building on the success of its predecessors, the latest generation ups the stake further with a slew of improvements. Despite sharing the same platform as its forbearer, the new body has been thoroughly reworked, and is now more rigid, yet lighter than before.Up close and Personal
The base petrol variant looks largely similar to its stablemates, only separated by different rim designs and badges. The more powerful M50d and 50i also receive squared-off exhaust tips, while both the 30d and the 35i that you see here make do with twin roundel pipes.
Otherwise, all variants come equipped with a long list of standard equipment, including all-round parking camera, LED headlamps and panoramic sunroof.
Utility continues to be one of the best traits of the new X5, with generous room to sit five adults in comfort and offering space for up to seven. However like most seven-seater SUVs, the last row is best left for children.
Utility continues to be one of the best traits of the new X5, with generous room to sit five adults in comfort and offering space for up to seven. However like most seven-seater SUVs, the last row is best left for children.
The Drive
On paper, the 35i will reach 100km/h from nought in 6.5 seconds - a notch quicker than the 30d's 6.9 seconds. While it is unlikely that you will feel the slight 0.4-second difference, the 35i does feel more eager to rev through its working range, giving it a livelier character compared to its diesel counterpart.
The petrol in-line six unit is a gem of an engine, with creamily smooth, almost lag-free power delivery that makes for an easy, yet involving drive. Despite its tall ride height, the X5 remains impressively composed in corners too.
That means the 35i will require no better effort to pilot than a large-sized sedan. But of course, sitting at the 'top-of-the-world' helps a wee bit too.
And while we genuinely commend the level of refinement found on the diesel 30d, the 35i simply brings it to the next level. With such grand touring capabilities, it is almost the perfect tool for any road trips up north.
On paper, the 35i will reach 100km/h from nought in 6.5 seconds - a notch quicker than the 30d's 6.9 seconds. While it is unlikely that you will feel the slight 0.4-second difference, the 35i does feel more eager to rev through its working range, giving it a livelier character compared to its diesel counterpart.
The petrol in-line six unit is a gem of an engine, with creamily smooth, almost lag-free power delivery that makes for an easy, yet involving drive. Despite its tall ride height, the X5 remains impressively composed in corners too.
That means the 35i will require no better effort to pilot than a large-sized sedan. But of course, sitting at the 'top-of-the-world' helps a wee bit too.
And while we genuinely commend the level of refinement found on the diesel 30d, the 35i simply brings it to the next level. With such grand touring capabilities, it is almost the perfect tool for any road trips up north.
On the downside, averaging just 6.5km/L during our test drive, the 35i will require more fuelling stops than its oil-burning cousin.
Conclusion
Amidst the competitive segment filled with luxurious offerings from other carmakers, the X5 is the sports car of the bunch with its athletic handling and dynamic drivetrain options.
The $380,800 (as of 23rd May 2014) 35i's poorer fuel economy compared to the similar priced 30d may make it the less favourable pick of the duo. That, however, does little to take away the shine from this keen performer.
At the end of the day, choosing between the four variants boils down to personal preference (before the range-topping X5 M sets in) or more specifically, how deep your pocket is.
Conclusion
Amidst the competitive segment filled with luxurious offerings from other carmakers, the X5 is the sports car of the bunch with its athletic handling and dynamic drivetrain options.
The $380,800 (as of 23rd May 2014) 35i's poorer fuel economy compared to the similar priced 30d may make it the less favourable pick of the duo. That, however, does little to take away the shine from this keen performer.
At the end of the day, choosing between the four variants boils down to personal preference (before the range-topping X5 M sets in) or more specifically, how deep your pocket is.
