BMW SUV hits new highs
BMW’s fourth-generation X5 is now its most advanced model series. drives the New Zealand-specification range.
You could argue that sedans like the 3-series are the heart of BMW. Spiritually, they still are. But in reality, SUVs are the dominant species in New Zealand.
BMW’s top seller so far this year has been the all-new X3, but the X5 has traditionally been The One and even as the current model has ended its run in 2018, it’s nearly matched the smaller SUV in sales.
So be prepared for something big with the new fourthgeneration X5.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
The new X5 is literally quite big: 36mm longer overall and an extra 42mm in the wheelbase.
The look is familiar and so is the model lineup, at least on paper: 3.0-litre turbo engines across the range, with 30d diesel and 40i petrol versions, plus a high-performance M50d at the top.
But this model is full of high technology and new safety features.
The dashboard is now dominated by twin digital screens. Version 7.0 of iDrive includes an intelligent voice assistant that learns about you over time, while the tile-format menu screen has gained some handy shortcuts down the side. It all looks a bit fussy, but it’s quite intuitive.
BMW has taken a leaf out of Tesla’s book by offering over-theair software updates and there’s an option to use your mobile phone as a virtual key, sharing it with up to five others – although curiously, that feature only works with late-model Android devices, while only Apple CarPlay phone projection is supported inside the car. Go figure.
Coming soon is a credit cardstyle key (again, like Tesla) that can perform the same open and start functions.
Driver assistance features have been significantly upgraded: an extra wide-angle front-facing camera to support the existing stereo units and new sensors around the car.
Driving Assistant Professional (standard even on the entry car) now keeps the car in the centre of the lane, rather than simply reacting to the car moving towards the white lines.
Features like automatic parking have been upgraded as well – including a trick new feature called Reverse Assistant, which remembers the last 50m of your journey and can automatically repeat it in reverse. Sounds like a gimmick, but it’s handy.
Where did you drive it?
In Tasmania, from a base near Launceston around some drive loops with roads remarkably similar to those in New Zealand (bumpy, off-camber, some gravel).
The X5 was intended to be a driver’s SUV right from the start and that character has continued in the fourth-gen version – despite the increase in size.
Even the base (that’s not really the right word for a $135k luxury SUV) 30d has 620Nm of torque, 20-inch wheels and electronic damper control (EDC). It’s a strong, smooth performer – and you’re sitting on BMW’s sports front seats as standard for the Kiwi market.
We didn’t get a drive in the 40i petrol version, but the really big step up performance-wise is to the M50d, which has four turbochargers (two big ones supported by two smaller at low speeds).
Epic acceleration is a given (0-100kmh in 5.2 seconds, but especially good when you’re rolling at open-road speeds); it’s also a surprisingly agile machine for its size thanks to clever chassis technology like four-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars and an M Sport Differential at the rear.
What’s the pick of the range?
That’s a loaded question because there’s so much choice in the way you can configure the X5. There are three engine variants, but multiple specification and chassis options.
The 30d comes in what’s called xLine trim as standard. Included are adaptive LED headlights, live cockpit services, Driving Assistant Professional (including Level 2 automated features), leather upholstery and... heated/ cooled cupholders.
$135,200 (30d) to $177,900 (M50d). Powertrains: 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six (250kW/ 450Nm, 9.2l/100km), 3.0-litre diesel six with single turbo (195kW/ 620Nm, 7.2l/100km) or quad turbos (294kW/ 760Nm, 7.5l/100km). Eightspeed automatic, AWD.
Five-door SUV. Now.
The 40i comes with an M Sport package as standard, although you can also add it to the 30d for $5500 (about 90 per cent of buyers do). It brings significant styling and trim upgrades, plus M Adaptive Suspension and 21-inch wheels.
On any X5 model you can also move to what BMW calls ‘‘two axle air suspension’’ (because the previous model was only available with this technology at the rear) for $3900: self-levelling, manual raising by up to 40mm at up to 30kmh and manual lowering by 40mm from outside the vehicle for loading.
The air suspension is an integral part of the seven-seat option ($4500-$5500) for packaging reasons. You also get sliding rear seats and four-zone air conditioning.
Anyway... still with us? The air suspension is also a key element of the $7500 xOffroad Package, which has drive modes for sand, rocks, gravel and snow, specific instrumentation for off-road use and underbody protection. Yes, the X5 is finally stepping up with some genuine off-road ability.
What does all this mean? Actually, that the pick of the range is none of the above.
It’s the flagship M50d, which may cost $40k more than the 30d xLine but also brings an incredible amount of performance, technology and equipment.
It’s not just about the monstrous 294kW/760Nm quadturbo engine (although it is quite a lot about that).
It also brings further upgraded ‘‘Professional’’ suspension with 22-inch wheels (a first for the X5), that trick chassis stuff, M Sport rear differential, the BMW Display Key and cabin treats like ‘‘Crafted Clarity’’ crystal gearlever and iDrive controller, four-zone air conditioning and Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Trust us, the $177,900 M50d is great value. Get yours now.
Why would I buy it?
Because it’s the most hi-tech BMW you can buy. It preserves the virtues of past X5 models – including very sharp on-road dynamics – but adds extra off-road ability if required and a host of surprise-and-delight comfort and convenience features.
It’s a big SUV that’s still very much one for the car enthusiast.
BMW X5 Price range:
Body styles:
On sale:
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
Because the enormous leap forward in tech isn’t necessarily reflected in the X5’s styling and cabin layout. Because there’s a new Mercedes-Benz GLE on the way, which is a direct rival for the X5, and you want to see how they compare.
Or perhaps because you think the seven-seat option isn’t spacious enough and you’re going to wait and see what next year’s supersized X7 is like.