BMW X5

Overview

For a long time, the X5 served as the flagship model and the face of BMW when it comes to SUVs. The X5, launched for the first time by BMW back in 1999, is currently in its fourth generation and comes loaded with a long list of gadgetries and comfort and convenience features, to spoil one with its immense luxury. For the Philippines market, BMW is offering the2019 X5 in only one standard and range-topping version – the X5 xDrive30d, which is a diesel variant.

Interior & Features

On the inside, things have changed much more drastically as compared to the changes on the outside. BMW has shed its conventional styling bits for a more modern take on the details.

Take for instance, the driver’s cockpit. The steering wheel is an all-new unit, and so is the fully digital instrument console behind it, which is a huge departure from the boring looking cockpit from the previous generation model. The infotainment screen at the center too is a lot sleeker and wider unit, and packs in more information than before for the iDrive as well as infotainment system. The central console too has been redesigned with sleeker hexagonal air vents below the infotainment screen and new buttons for the automatic climate control.

Like before, BMW offers a range of upholstery and trim level options for the interior cabin of the X5, with the space levels for all five adults being at their level best.

Exterior

BMW SUVs have always had that quintessential big and bulky appeal with a lack of visual appeal and bling factor restricting them to catch their attention. However, that all changed with the new X5, as the SUV now comes with a host of details to make sure that it doesn’t miss out on visual appeal.

At the front, the chrome finished double kidney grille has grown in size, and is now larger with both the partitions much closer to each other. Unlike the previous generation model, the headlamps now are not placed adjacent to this front grille and are now placed with a gap. Like before, they are full LED units with daytime running lights integrated into them. The front bumper design has got more prominent air dam design, with a new design for fog lamps.

The side profile is more or less similar to that of the previous generation model, with a sharp upswept crease running from the front fender to the rear one. This new version gets a new set of alloy wheels which look much flashier than ever before. At the rear, the new BMW X5 gets a new pair of full LED tail lights, which are sleeker and longer than before and slightly redesigned rear boot lid and rear bumper with larger skid plates.

Mileage Running Cost

The powerful SUV is economical too in terms of fuel efficiency. The TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that powers the car is well cultivated and configured with technologies like common rail direct injection and variable nozzle turbocharger, which helps the car to display a fuel economy of 6.2 litre/100km

Ride & Handling

The BMW X5 has always been known as one SUV for the drivers and the new generation model doesn’t disappoint on that front. In this new guise too, the BMW X5 remains fun to drive SUV with well-controlled body roll, thanks to the xDrive tech as well as Dynamic Stability Control.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

For the Philippines market, BMW has chosen to rely on only one engine option – the 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 diesel engine, which is doing its duty on other BMW offerings as well. The engine is good enough for producing a maximum power output of 265 PS and a peak torque rating of 620 Nm. The engine, like in many other BMW offerings, is here also mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Braking & Safety

As expected, the new BMW X5, being a latest generation model, is packed with a range of modern safety features such as front, side and knee airbags, Active Driving Assistant with Surround View which includes Speed Limit Info, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Protection and City Collision Mitigation, BMW Assist eCall which includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Verdict

With this new iteration, BMW has raised the bars for its peers as the all-new X5 now feels more luxurious. With a more intimidating and modern stance as well as thoughtfully designed interior cabin, it feels much posher than ever before. On the other hand, the trademark prowess in performance and handling is continued with one level up, making the new BMW X5 a hard to beat SUV.