Summarize

BMW X5

BMW South Africa is using “The Boss is Back” as a bit of a payoff line for the new generation X5 and that, in itself, is both a brave and an arrogant statement and one guaranteed to be tested by both the media and the public.

Having had some seat time in both the derivatives that mark the launch introduction of the new car, the company is not all that left of field with its claims.

In short form, the 3,0-litre diesel version with the off-road package that includes knobbly tyres is quite sublime on the dirt – and our test was over the Prince Alfred Pass in seriously wet conditions where the vast majority of actual buyers would fear to tread.

The result. Impressive performance and road holding. Obviously we would like to test the knobbly versus the standard tyre on a back-to-back basis but, having tried the off-road setup I can confirm the car performs

Most importantly on these kind of roads the traction control and other driver aids allow a healthy leeway before they kick in, so the car can the induced into oversteer to improve the cornering and the back end will slide into place before ‘nanny’ takes over.

A word of warning here – switching ‘nanny’ off completely will require a serious ability at dirt or off-road driving and may the force be with you when you choose to do so!!!!!

The same wet and nasty conditions that made the dirt so much fun, meant it was impossible to actually get to understand the quad-turbo grunt of the M50 – all I  can say is the massive power comes in almost instantly with ‘turbo lag’ an expression consigned to the dustbin.

The power is impressive but without being a brutal smack around the head although, in all honesty, it just seems like too much car for the average user.

More than 2,2-million examples of the BMW X5 have been sold across its three model generations. And the new car puts down another marker in terms of design and technology. The new BMW X5 will again be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina. 

A wheelbase 42 mm longer than its predecessor’s (now 2,975 millimetres), a 36 mm increase in vehicle length (to 4,922 millimetres), an extra 66 mm of width (now 2,004 millimetres) and a 19 mm increase in height (to 1,745 millimetres) give the new BMW X5 both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage. 

“The BMW X5 embodies the origins of the BMW X family and, in its fourth generation, sends out its most powerful message yet in terms of presence and modernity,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.” 

The most striking feature of the front end is the large BMW kidney grille with single-piece surround. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with LED headlights, while BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified as an option. 

Distinctive design features mark out the xLine and M Sport model variants of the new X5. The xLine model uses exterior cues including kidney grill bars in aluminium matt, an underguard, roof rails and side window surrounds in Aluminium satinated, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome, to accentuate the off-road character of the new BMW X5. 

M Sport specification, meanwhile, sees the wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underguard and side skirts painted in body colour. Added to which, the extra-large air intakes at the front end, the aluminium matt kidney grille bars, and the roof rails, side window surrounds and other trim elements in high-gloss black flag up the dynamic potential of the SAV.

The new BMW X5 comes as standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, the xLine model features its own 19-inch light-alloy wheels and M Sport brings 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. Further variants in 18- to 22-inch formats are available as options. 

The selected materials in the interior include the new Vernasca variant for the standard leather upholstery. Like the optional BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, it is available in five colours. 

The new BMW X5 is fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Customers can also specify optional multifunction seats with massage function and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger.

Other new features designed to maximise the feel-good factor and luxurious ambience on board the BMW X5 include the four-zone air-conditioning system and the panoramic glass roof, whose clear surface is 30% larger than on the outgoing car. 

The new BMW X5 can now also be specified with thermo-cupholders foremost in the centre console; the containers here can be kept cool or warm, as required – this is insane; temperature controlled cup holders! 

Heading the local range is the BMW M Performance model, the BMW X5 M50d, which is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a quartet of turbo-chargers. A six-cylinder in-line unit can also be found under the bonnet of the BMW X5 xDrive30d. All the engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress – on or off road.

From its displacement of 3,0-litres, the BMW M Performance model’s six-cylinder in-line unit extracts peak output of 294 kW at 4 400 r/min and generates maximum torque of 760 Nm between 2,000 r/min and 3 000 r/min. 

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d is also powered by a straight-six diesel engine, this time with displacement of 3,0-litres and featuring a single turbo-charger with variable inlet geometry. The common-rail direct injection system, meanwhile, propels fuel into the combustion chambers at up to 2 500 bar. Maximum output of 195 kW is reached at 4 000 r/min, while the 620 Nm of peak torque can be summoned from 2 000 r/min – 2 500 r/min. 

An array of chassis systems available in a BMW X model for the first time make it possible to boost the off-road performance, sportiness or comfort of the new BMW X5 more intensely and effectively than ever before. 

Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities. The roll stabilisation system employs electric swivel motors to enable remarkably swift and precise compensation of body roll under dynamic cornering. Not only does this facilitate agility and directional stability when turning into corners, it helps optimise traction when accelerating out of them too. 

The system has the additional effect of increasing straight-line driving comfort by actively countering the vibrations triggered by bumps on one side of the road. Integral Active Steering (likewise available as an individual option) is also operated electromechanically. 

By turning the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction – depending on the vehicle speed – it optimises cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic. Integral Active Steering therefore makes light work of manoeuvring into and out of tight parking spots, while also increasing stability when overtaking at motorway speeds. 

Customers can also specify an Off-Road package, which is being offered here in a BMW X model for the first time. Available for all model variants apart from the BMW X5 M50d, the package’s specification includes rugged underguard elements at the front and rear of the vehicle, along with the two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled rear differential lock. 

The Off-Road package also features its own special graphics in the instrument cluster and Control Display, and an extra button on the centre console for selecting the four driving modes. The driver can therefore activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, the accelerator response, the transmission control, and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for driving on a range of surfaces, such as sand, rock, gravel or snow.

In so many ways the new X5 does justify being ‘The Boss is Back’ but, as much as technology has climbed upwards, so has the pricing and both launch models kick off over the R1-million mark.

Just saying…..