Instrumented Test
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Down a single turbo, up 2 gears.
These of us who have been consuming oxygen for more than 3 decades can still keep in mind the time when SUVs had been mainly working or off-road conveyances, manufactured by mid-brow brands rather than the all-purpose folks movers that everybody builds today. For example, BMW’s initial SUV—which the business insists is an SAV (Sports Activity Automobile)—didn’t hit the industry until the 2000 model year. BMW delivers no significantly less than 5 SUVs (X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6), with a bigger X7 not far down the road. When the Germans find a trend they like, they blitz it.
The 2014 machine seen here was not too long ago introduced as the third-generation version of the X5. It’s nevertheless a mid-sized, mainstream wagon—only 2 inches longer than its predecessor at 193.2 inches—which makes it barely longer than a Honda Accord. The planned arrival of the bigger X7 probably inhibited the typical tendency toward escalating corpulence that accompanies most model changes these days.
Even though nonetheless immediately recognizable as an X5, this third-gen model looks softer and a bit much more anonymous than either of its predecessors, specially when compared to the far boxier-seeking initial-generation X5. The newest version has a much more bland profile, although its twin-kidney grille has grown far more prominent and aggressive—which is the existing fashion in German machines.
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Not All Xs are from Texas
Inside, the new X5 provides the luxurious and comfy cabin that has been a single of the model’s hallmarks. The beltline is comparatively low, which combines with the elevated driving position to afford fantastic outward vision. The interior theme is a somewhat layered appear, which is effectively executed and desirable, even though with wood, aluminum, and red accent pieces to set off the black moldings, there are probably one also many components in use.
In the middle of the dash is a freestanding LCD panel—similar to the unit in the current 3-series—which is standard equipment. The massive 10.2-inch rectangular panel supplies exceptional resolution and is simply viewed without having diverting one’s eyes also far from the windshield. The newest version of iDrive has turn out to be far less complicated to use than previous iterations, though it does require a handful of much more manage inputs than the much more demanding, earlier versions.
Cruising for Picnics
As in preceding versions, this X5 has a comfortable and spacious second-row seat, even so the seat cushion is a tiny decrease than we’d prefer. There’s also an optional third-row seat that is undoubtedly for little ones, since there’s not much legroom and crawling back there calls for a couple of contortions. Cargo space is quite generous with the third row folded and not undesirable even with those seats up. And as before, the X5 nevertheless has the 2-piece tailgate that supplies a nice shelf for seating or impromptu picnics.
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The X5 is nonetheless offered with 3 engines, all turbocharged. There’s a 3.-liter 6, a 4.4-liter V-8, and a 3.-liter 6-cylinder diesel, which powered our test vehicle and probably tends to make the most sense for the X5. The diesel engine in the new model is a distinct version than BMW previously supplied, losing one particular of the 2 turbochargers and 10 horsepower as nicely as 12 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it’s slightly slower than the final X5 diesel we tested, hitting 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds—0.4 and .3 second in arrears, respectively
Offsetting the slight efficiency deficit is improved drive good quality. The new single-turbo diesel is quieter and smoother in operation than the previous oil-burner, and a new 8-speed automatic (up from a 6-speed in the last version) offers a wider ratio spread. In everyday driving, the X5 diesel feels plenty swift and responsive. But there is a bit of turbo lag when leaving from a dead cease. In conditions exactly where you have to out-drag a person else to execute a required lane change, you will uncover that brake torqueing to bring up the boost will be quite useful.
Firm Ride but Sticky Steering
The X5 has by no means had fantastic steering precision and this new one is only a slight improvement. It feels a little sticky on-center and lacks the fluid motion of most BMW sedans. Self-centering improves if you pick Sport mode, but then the transmission is typically operating 1 gear as well low. The X5 has usually been somewhat challenging riding as BMW has tried to sustain responsive handling in this large and heavy package. The new version is no exception, though drivers attracted to the BMW brand will most likely not object.
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The diesel engine strikes us as the way to go in the X5 due to the fact it delivers a lot of usable efficiency while consuming small far more fuel than a 3-series sedan. Its EPA estimated 26 mpg combined is effortless to achieve in genuine-planet driving (our leadfoot employees got close to that at 25 mpg). Furthermore, the diesel is more attractively priced this year. At $ 57,525, it is $ 25 less expensive than final year’s model and only $ 1500 more pricey than the all-wheel-drive version with the 3.-liter gasoline 6. Last year, the increment was more like $ 9000.
Even so, you’ll want to show some restraint when choosing alternatives from BMW’s vast list. Our test auto, with a handful of crucial options but hardly totally loaded, stickered at just $ 125 shy of $ 70K. Saving fuel whilst driving luxuriously still is not cheap.
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