BMW X5
Other Car Reviews
- BMW 116i
- BMW 118i
- BMW 120d
- BMW 120i
- BMW 1-Series
- BMW 320d
- BMW 320i
- BMW 323i
- BMW 325i Convertible
- BMW 325i
- BMW 330Ci
- BMW 335i
- BMW 3-Series
- BMW 525i
- BMW 530d
- BMW 530i
- BMW 540i
- BMW 550i
- BMW 5-Series
- BMW 650i
- BMW 6-Series
- BMW 7-Series
- BMW M3
- BMW M5
- BMW X3
- BMW X3 2.5si
- BMW X3 3.0d
- BMW X3 3.0si
- BMW X5 xDrive 30d
- BMW X5 xDrive 30i
- BMW X5 4.4i
- BMW X5 xDrive 48i
- BMW Z4
- BMW Z4 Coupe
- BMW Z4 Roadster
- BMW X6
- BMW X5 3.0sd
- BMW 125i
- BMW 130i
- BMW 135i
- BMW X3 2.0d
- BMW 523i
- BMW X5 xDrive 35d
- BMW M6
- BMW 520d
- BMW X6 xDrive35i
- BMW 740i
- BMW X6 xDrive35d
- BMW X6 xDrive50i
- BMW 750i
- BMW 118d
- BMW X6 M
- BMW 730d
- BMW 760Li
- BMW 123d
- BMW 118d
- BMW 323i Touring
- BMW Z4 sDrive23i
- BMW 335d
- BMW 316d
- BMW 740d
- BMW Z4 sDrive 30i
- BMW 118d Coupe
- BMW X1xDrive20d
- BMW 330d
- BMW Gran Tourismo
- BMW 530d Gran Tourismo
- BMW 535i Gran Tourismo
- BMW M6 Convertible
- BMW Z4 sDrive35i
- BMW X1 xDrive 23d
- BMW X5M
- BMW 5-Series Touring
- BMW 1 Series M Coupe
- 2012 BMW M5
back to BMW
The new BMW X5 is larger than its predecessor which was launched some years ago now. The new model has some subtle changes in its design but BMW has not strayed far from the old model's looks. And this is not a bad thing, as the commanding presence of the old model is still present in the new look BMW X5.Both longer and wider, the new BMW X5 has an extra row of seats right in the far back. Perhaps not seats that you could save for adult to sit in, but, certainly comfortable enough for the kids. The middle row of seats is spacious and can comfortably seat three tall adults. As one would expect, the large 4x4 has a large boot and is capable of carrying large amounts of gear for those weekend getaways with the family. With the seats up, the luggage space is still a handy 620 litres. Upholstery can be either in leather trim or cloth depending on one's tastes. I would assume, though, that for a car of this pricing, most buyers will opt for the neatly crafted leather seats. And why not? They are simply superb.
Off-road, the BMW offers surefooted handling and is more than capable of handling slippery and different terrain. The electronic hill descent aid is great for those steeper slopes that require that extra bit of care in descent. The BMW X5 is certainly no bunny if you care to take the machine into more demanding territory.
The suspension set up is impressive for on-road travelling. The BMW X5 covers the tarmac with lots of pace and it has a nimbleness that very few 4x4s can match. This is quite a feat when the BMW X5 weighs in at around 2.25 tonnes. I've heard it said that the 4.8i BMW X5 has completed the Nürburgring track in 10 minutes.
As a buyer, you will plenty of X5 models to choose from. Six impressive BMW X5 variants grace BMW Australia's showroom floors, where you will find a choice of four motors to power your machine. The range topping BMW X5 4.8i has a V8 engine mounted longitudinally in front. The engine produces a thumping 261 kW at 6300 rpm and yet boasts a combined economy figure of 22 mpg. With loads of grunt, the 2.25 ton BMW X5 V8 will stonk up to 100 km/h in a mere 6.5 seconds and will gallop to a top speed of around 240 km/h. On the other hand, if you think a diesel motor is a better option, then you will find that the class leading 3.0 Litre 6-cylinder is a gem. The smooth diesel is available in two power ratings. The 3.0d is an exceptionally torquey motor that is sublime to drive even when having to pull a heavily laden X5. You will find the 160 kW at 4000 rpm more than enough to play with - not to mentioin the colossal 500 Nm of torque from an unbelievable 1750 rpm! If you still require more horses under the bonnet, then the BMW X5 3.0 sd boasts 565 Nm and 200 kW. A 230 km/h top speed is all in a days work in this sublime 4X4. The awesome torque levels in the BMW diesel engines are, of course, a very handy asset to have in off-road conditions. All the X-fives are run via a smooth 6-speed gear box, and the silky operation means that pleasant progress can be made in all terrain and the BMW X5 cabin will remain quiet and refined. This adds up to an altogether very pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers. Lastly, you may consider the 3.0si petrol engine to be your favourite X5 motor, and that woudn't surprise me. The six cylinder drive train is the cheapest X5, but still remains a top drive. There is plenty of smooth power to be had, and of course you still get the beaut BMW X5 on-road chassis which will embarass many so-called sporty sedans on a tight and twisty back road.
Equipment levels are lavish in all models. All the familiar electrics are part and parcel of the BMW X5 vehicle. Some of the items available as standard in both forms of the BMW X5 are: ABS (anti lock brakes), ESP (electronic stability), dynamic stability control, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, alarm, air conditioning, electric windows, sunroof, cruise control, premium sound system, and satellite navigation.
Whether the BMW X5 is used for exploring the dirt route or taking the kids to school in town, the BMW X5 will take these practices in its stride-not to mention in class, safety and comfort.
Current model series include:
- BMW X5 3.0si
- BMW X5 3.0si Executive
- BMW X5 3.0d
- BMW X5 3.0sd
- BMW X5 3.0d Executive
- BMW X5 4.8i
back to BMW

