BMW X5 xDrive 30d First Drive
The Basics
The large luxury SUV segment presents an interesting conundrum for buyers. Original standard setter Range Rover continues to be the ultimate status symbol (and most expensive), but other Euro brands (BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz) have muscled in on the ‘ultimate luxury SUV' title in the past decade. None has made the transition as successfully as the BMW X5 in a sales sense.
Previously, BMW buyers expected X5 pricing to start just under $100K – the entry-level xDrive 30d started at $99,900 in the outgoing lineup. The 30d remains the most appealing model in terms of price against equipment, but from early next year, two four-cylinder models will join the X5 line up, priced from $82,900.
The X5 lineup comprises a bewildering array of models and options, with some models on sale now, and some to arrive in March 2014. Available now are the xDrive 30d ($99,900), xDrive 50i ($133,900) and M50d ($147,900). Coming in March 2014, buyers will be able to choose from an sDrive 25d ($82,900), xDrive 25d ($106,900), xDrive 35i ($106,900) and an xDrive 40d ($$115,600).
Confused? Choosing which model X5 suits your needs will be the hardest part of the buying experience. The xDrive 30d is effectively the midpoint of the range, and also the most compelling value story. Its logical competitor is the Mercedes-Benz ML350, whose price of $99,045 has it neck and neck with the BMW. A Range Rover Sport in TDV6 SE guise will set you back $102,800.
The X5 cabin is extensively appointed from entry-level models right up to the most expensive. The powered front seats have been redesigned for even more comfort, and the second row folds flat in a 40/20/40 formation to liberate more luggage space. Even the new entry-level variants get standard satellite navigation, an impressive audio system, Bluetooth connectivity (with audio streaming) and internet connectivity.
All X5s get a full suite of safety inclusions and only the 2WD models miss out on off-road functionality such as hill descent control. Bi-xenon headlights are standard, as is high beam assist, LED front fog lights and anti glare mirrors inside and out. The entry-level models even get 19-inch alloy wheels as standard kit. You get more standard inclusions as you move up through the X5 range, of course, but the specification level of the base models is impressive.
First Impressions
At launch we sampled three X5 variants – xDrive 30d, xDrive 50i and the powerhouse M50d. The M50d needs no introduction, and with 280kW and 740Nm, we've been impressed with its effortless ability previously on test. It's the most logical competitor for the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, and is one of the most dynamically capable SUVs available from any manufacturer.
Likewise, the xDrive 50i is a capable machine. The powerful V8 generates 330kW and 650Nm, which is serious grunt, but coupled with an ADR claimed fuel useage of 10.5L/100km, it's also more efficient than you might expect.
The xDrive 30d is, for us, the real sweet spot in the X5 range. 190kW and 560Nm are delivered effortlessly, with the diesel engine performing smoothly and quietly regardless of road speed. Fuel economy has improved over the outgoing model thanks to some tweaks to the tuning, down now to an ADR claimed 6.2L/100km.
Nowadays we expect SUVs to behave like sedans on the open road and in this the X5 continues to impress. Its roadholding prowess (even in 2WD guise) is exceptional and there's hardly any pitching or body roll no matter how tight the corner or poor the road surface. The steering, which can feel a little light at speed, is perfectly tuned to the rigour of daily driving and reverse parking.
BMW has always offered a befuddling array of chassis tuning options and the new X5 range is no different. The sometimes hard riding M50d is the head of the class in terms of outright ability, but the adaptive M suspension tune only comes standard on this model. Across the range, the X5 is available with five different suspension packages. There's ‘Professional', ‘Adaptive', ‘Comfort', ‘Dynamic' and the aforementioned M Sport option. This is where buyers will face their toughest decision.
The remodelled interior is a real and tangible step up from the outgoing model. The high quality of the fit and finish remains, but the redesigned seats are more comfortable and more adjustable, while visibility is excellent and the controls are easy to understand and use.
The large luxury SUV segment presents an interesting conundrum for buyers. Original standard setter Range Rover continues to be the ultimate status symbol (and most expensive), but other Euro brands (BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz) have muscled in on the ‘ultimate luxury SUV' title in the past decade. None has made the transition as successfully as the BMW X5 in a sales sense.
Previously, BMW buyers expected X5 pricing to start just under $100K – the entry-level xDrive 30d started at $99,900 in the outgoing lineup. The 30d remains the most appealing model in terms of price against equipment, but from early next year, two four-cylinder models will join the X5 line up, priced from $82,900.
The X5 lineup comprises a bewildering array of models and options, with some models on sale now, and some to arrive in March 2014. Available now are the xDrive 30d ($99,900), xDrive 50i ($133,900) and M50d ($147,900). Coming in March 2014, buyers will be able to choose from an sDrive 25d ($82,900), xDrive 25d ($106,900), xDrive 35i ($106,900) and an xDrive 40d ($$115,600).
Confused? Choosing which model X5 suits your needs will be the hardest part of the buying experience. The xDrive 30d is effectively the midpoint of the range, and also the most compelling value story. Its logical competitor is the Mercedes-Benz ML350, whose price of $99,045 has it neck and neck with the BMW. A Range Rover Sport in TDV6 SE guise will set you back $102,800.
The X5 cabin is extensively appointed from entry-level models right up to the most expensive. The powered front seats have been redesigned for even more comfort, and the second row folds flat in a 40/20/40 formation to liberate more luggage space. Even the new entry-level variants get standard satellite navigation, an impressive audio system, Bluetooth connectivity (with audio streaming) and internet connectivity.
All X5s get a full suite of safety inclusions and only the 2WD models miss out on off-road functionality such as hill descent control. Bi-xenon headlights are standard, as is high beam assist, LED front fog lights and anti glare mirrors inside and out. The entry-level models even get 19-inch alloy wheels as standard kit. You get more standard inclusions as you move up through the X5 range, of course, but the specification level of the base models is impressive.
First Impressions
At launch we sampled three X5 variants – xDrive 30d, xDrive 50i and the powerhouse M50d. The M50d needs no introduction, and with 280kW and 740Nm, we've been impressed with its effortless ability previously on test. It's the most logical competitor for the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, and is one of the most dynamically capable SUVs available from any manufacturer.
Likewise, the xDrive 50i is a capable machine. The powerful V8 generates 330kW and 650Nm, which is serious grunt, but coupled with an ADR claimed fuel useage of 10.5L/100km, it's also more efficient than you might expect.
The xDrive 30d is, for us, the real sweet spot in the X5 range. 190kW and 560Nm are delivered effortlessly, with the diesel engine performing smoothly and quietly regardless of road speed. Fuel economy has improved over the outgoing model thanks to some tweaks to the tuning, down now to an ADR claimed 6.2L/100km.
Nowadays we expect SUVs to behave like sedans on the open road and in this the X5 continues to impress. Its roadholding prowess (even in 2WD guise) is exceptional and there's hardly any pitching or body roll no matter how tight the corner or poor the road surface. The steering, which can feel a little light at speed, is perfectly tuned to the rigour of daily driving and reverse parking.
BMW has always offered a befuddling array of chassis tuning options and the new X5 range is no different. The sometimes hard riding M50d is the head of the class in terms of outright ability, but the adaptive M suspension tune only comes standard on this model. Across the range, the X5 is available with five different suspension packages. There's ‘Professional', ‘Adaptive', ‘Comfort', ‘Dynamic' and the aforementioned M Sport option. This is where buyers will face their toughest decision.
The remodelled interior is a real and tangible step up from the outgoing model. The high quality of the fit and finish remains, but the redesigned seats are more comfortable and more adjustable, while visibility is excellent and the controls are easy to understand and use.
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