REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

In the Running

In Munich, no creation has, these past thirty years, threatened the leitmotiv of the name bearing the propeller logo: "The ultimate driving machine". None! So then, by venturing into the very fashionable utility vehicle market, doesn’t BMW risk damaging its sports tradition? Not in the least, since under its frontiersman exterior, the X5 conceals a sporty spirit.

Skeptical? Here’s something to convince you otherwise.Is the X5 a utility vehicle or sports sedan? It’s debatable, but everyone will agree with BMW’s statement that its latest recruit constitutes the "world’s first Sports Utility Vehicle". A unique hybrid? Let’s just say that the RX300 (Lexus) had already paved the way.

The Aerodynamic drag coefficient is remarkable (Cx 0.36) for a vehicle of such ample dimensions. In fact, to gain perspective in relation to the other models of the brand, the X5 is shorter than a Series 5 but wider than a Series 7. And compared to the Mercedes ML? The X5 is longer, larger, but also sits lower.

There is no confusion at first glance: this is a true BMW. The nose-like grill, the athletic profile of the wheels and taillights all present kinship with the other models of the same brand. In fact, BMW amateurs will feel right at home when climbing inside. Cozy wood paneling, fragrant leather, outstanding finishing, the X5 has everything to stimulate the senses of its owners.

If access to the front seats is problem-free, the same can’t be said of the rear, hindered somewhat by protruding wheel wells and the pronounced curves of the bench seat. It is unfortunately impossible to slip our toes under the front seat, while a third passenger will curse the intrusion of the central console. In the front, the bucket seats offer adequate support, no more; bucket seats with more efficient lumbar support are available for a supplement, as are tinted glass, an onboard computer or a ski storage bag. Disappointing!

Elevated driving position, flawless visibility and reassuring manufacturing quality. What else? Interesting cargo space, which can be increased by folding down part or all of the bench seat (quite heavy). The luggage compartment, incidentally, is accessible through a liftglass/dropgate combination. Practical, but the loading remains difficult due to a relatively high sill.Only a 4.4-liter V8 engine was available on the X5 at first. A 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder was introduced last year. That said, this remains the first modern BMW to fall short of a perfect weight distribution, but not for lack of trying, since it currently registers (with the V8, of course) at 48/52. To this end, BMW has moved the battery (maintenance-free) to the rear, under the spare tire. To transfer power to the wheels, the Bavarian maker makes use of a five-speed semi- automatic transmission (Steptronic).

The all-wheel drive system (inspired from that formerly found on the 323iX) distributes torque in the following fashion: 62% to the rear wheels and 38% to the front. And to increase active safety, the X5 is equipped with a DSC system, which integrates ABS as well as automatic stability and traction control for descents. The latter system (Hill Descent Control) is borrowed from the Land Rover (former property of BMW).

The X5 rests on an entirely independent suspension (including electronic trim control), and is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering as well as four disc brakes with ASC+T control. A stiffer suspension and 19-inch wheels are available at an additional cost.

For the X5′s initial performance trial, the industry press was invited to test it on the Road Atlanta racetrack. A bluff? Not in the least. The X5 appeared at ease and never out of place. Only the brake calipers seemed to suffer under the abuse of stopping this heavyweight (over two tons, after all) launched at speeds approaching 200 km/h. Impossible to measure the performance on- site, but, according to its maker, the X5 reaches 100 km.h in 7.5 seconds, and its top speed is electronically capped at 207 km/h (230 km/h for the Sports version). On the other hand, fuel consumption boasted by BMW seems optimistic, to say the least: 13.9 liters per 100km! The onboard computer reported an actual consumption of 17.1 liter per 100km. It remains to be verified. But beyond numbers, this powerful V8 distinguishes itself by its smoothness, and its excellent performance with the semi-automatic transmission.

The suspension withstands road irregularities with elegance and displays very little roll when turning. However, steering on the X5 equipped with 19-inch wheels seemed a little sluggish at low speeds. Equipped with the standard 18-inch wheels, steering is lighter and, strangely enough, makes the X5 more susceptible to crosswinds, requiring more frequent adjustements to stay on course. Still, the surprisingly short turning radius keeps the X5 nimble in the city.

PROS
Astonishing road handling
Active and passive safety
Energetic V8

CONS
Sluggish steering at low speeds
Options numerous and costly
Restricted foot space at the rear