BMW X5 xDrive Review
By DEREK OGDEN
Don't laugh, it could be an omen. The day I picked up the BMW X5 xDrive3.0d wagon, German, the Australian soccer team picked up a new head coach, Holger Osieck, also German. If the footy cards fall in line with this vehicle, in four years time Herr Osieck’s Socceroos could be featuring strongly in the next World Cup, the BMW wagon is that good.
The figures tell the story . . . The revised in-line six-cylinder turbocharged diesel in the BMW X5 xDrive3.0d puts together an almost perfect combination of power and performance. With the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class, fuel economy is bettered by 1.3 litres from 8.7 to 7.4 litres/100km and carbon dioxide emissions duck under 200g per kilometre, down 36g/km from 231g/km.
Meanwhile, power output has been increased by 7kW to 180kW. Maximum torque is 540Nm, up by 20Nm on the previous model, and is for the asking from 1750rpm to 3000 revs, ensuring powerful pull even at low engine speeds. With instantaneous accelerator response, it’s quick off the mark, reaching 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 210km/h. Remember, this is a big vehicle - a tad over two tonnes – capable of carting 680kg, including 100kg on the roof.
It can tow up to 750kg in an unbraked trailer (2700kg braked), while the maximum safe towbar download is 270kg. An eight (yes, eight)-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with optional manual mode via a centre console shift lever – no steering wheel-mounted shift paddles here – ensures power is passed on in a silky smooth manner. With eight cogs in the offing, ratios are close. Indeed, in normal traffic in manual the hand is hardly off the gearshift lever.
It’s easier to leave it in automatic mode and let the tranny fend for itself. After all, unlike the driver, gear changes are all it has to think about. The xDrive all-wheel drive system electronically controls torque distribution between front and rear axle – 40:60 under normal driving conditions – depending on which has the best traction. As well as working well in the rough, xDrive also enhances driving stability when taking bends at speed by counteracting oversteer or understeer.
Keyless entry and engine stop/start – the maker calls it Comfort Access – and things like sat nav, flash bi-xenon headlamps with LED corona ring daytime driving lights and rear-view camera with reversing guidelines are all part of an Innovations Package of options. As is a head-up speed display projected onto the windscreen which came up as something of a surprise in the test – it is so non-intrusive as to be easily ignored – but was a welcome aid, especially in these days of Big Brother road revenue raising when constant speedometer vigilance can be a money saver.
The light intensity is automatically adjusted to surrounding light conditions, with the option to adjust brightness through iDrive, which continues to make itself more understandable and easier to operate. The driver is also able to choose the information he would like to receive on the windscreen in addition to road speed and warnings from the driver assistance systems.
Being a Beemer, the X5 xDrive3.0d has a bucket load of braking aids and stuff to stabilise the wagon no matter how it is being piloted and in what conditions.
With expansive leather clad seats for five, comfort and extensive rear cargo space (620 litres) are courted over capacity for seven occupants. The tailgate makes for loading convenience with automatic open-and-shut function. The cost? Manufacturer’s list price is $92,100, but an extensive array of tempting options and packages can easily push that through the hundred-grand barrier. The BMW X5 entered the luxury SUV market to take it up to the likes of the Range Rover and Mercedes M-Class, quickly ranging in the big Brit and co. Since, it has continued to challenge the rest of the luxury SUV chappies and the X5 xDrive30d continues to keep them at a safe distance in the rear-view mirror of automotive achievement.
BMW X5 xDRIVE3.0d ENGINE:
Type: 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel
Cylinders: In-line six/four valves per cylinder with variable valve control
Displacement: 2993cc
Fuel system: Common-rail diesel injection
Maximum power: 180kW/4000rpm
Maximum torque: 540Nm/1750-3000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic
xDrive: All-wheel drive with variable torque distribution
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4857mm
Overall width: 2197mm
Overall height: 1776mm
Wheelbase: 2933mm
Track width, front/rear: 1644/1650mm
Kerb weight: 2075kg
Payload: 680kg
Roof load: 100kg
Towing: Trailer load (unbraked) 750kg; (braked) 2700kg. Towbar download 270kg
Gross vehicle weight: 2295kg
Tank capacity/reserve: 85 litres
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 7.6sec
Max speed: 210km/h limited
Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 7.4 litres/100km; CO2 emissions, 195g/km
RUNNING GEAR
Front: Double joint spring strut
Rear: Independent multi-link suspension.
Brakes: Internally ventilated disc brakes all round, ABS, Brake Assist, DSC, traction control, hill descent control.
Steering: Servotronic rack-and-pinion speed-sensitive
Wheels: 8.5J x 18
Tyres: 255/55 R18 run flat
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