Instrumented Test
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Down one particular turbo, up 2 gears.
Those of us who have been consuming oxygen for more than 3 decades can nevertheless keep in mind the time when SUVs have been mostly functioning or off-road conveyances, manufactured by mid-brow brands rather than the all-purpose people movers that every person builds these days. For instance, BMW’s first SUV—which the business insists is an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle)—didn’t hit the industry till 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 discover a trend they like, they blitz it.
The 2014 machine observed here was not too long ago introduced as the third-generation version of the X5. It is nevertheless a mid-sized, mainstream wagon—only 2 inches longer than its predecessor at 193.2 inches—which tends to make it barely longer than a Honda Accord. The planned arrival of the bigger X7 almost certainly inhibited the standard tendency toward rising corpulence that accompanies most model adjustments these days.
Even though still instantly recognizable as an X5, this third-gen model looks softer and a bit far more anonymous than either of its predecessors, specifically when compared to the far boxier-hunting 1st-generation X5. The newest version has a far more bland profile, despite the fact that its twin-kidney grille has grown far more prominent and aggressive—which is the current fashion in German machines.
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Not All Xs are from Texas
Inside, the new X5 gives the luxurious and comfortable cabin that has been 1 of the model’s hallmarks. The beltline is fairly low, which combines with the elevated driving position to afford great outward vision. The interior theme is a somewhat layered look, which is effectively executed and desirable, although with wood, aluminum, and red accent pieces to set off the black moldings, there are possibly one as well numerous components in use.
In the middle of the dash is a freestanding LCD panel—similar to the unit in the present 3-series—which is common gear. The large 8.2-inch rectangular panel provides superb resolution and is effortlessly viewed with out diverting one’s eyes as well far from the windshield. The latest version of iDrive has turn into far less difficult to use than earlier iterations, despite the fact that it does need a handful of more handle 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, nevertheless the seat cushion is a small lower than we’d choose. There’s also an optional third-row seat that is certainly for children, since there’s not a lot legroom and crawling back there calls for a couple of contortions. Cargo space is quite generous with the third row folded and not negative even with those seats up. And as prior to, the X5 nonetheless has the 2-piece tailgate that supplies a good shelf for seating or impromptu picnics.
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The X5 is nonetheless available 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 automobile and possibly tends to make the most sense for the X5. The diesel engine in the new model is a different version than BMW previously offered, losing a single of the 2 turbochargers and 10 horsepower as effectively as 12 lb-ft of torque. As a outcome, it’s slightly slower than the last 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 overall performance deficit is improved drive good quality. The new single-turbo diesel is quieter and smoother in operation than the earlier oil-burner, and a new 8-speed automatic (up from a 6-speed in the final version) supplies a wider ratio spread. In everyday driving, the X5 diesel feels plenty rapid and responsive. But there is a bit of turbo lag when leaving from a dead quit. In scenarios exactly where you have to out-drag an individual else to execute a essential lane modify, you’ll locate that brake torqueing to bring up the boost will be really useful.
Firm Ride but Sticky Steering
The X5 has never ever had excellent steering precision and this new one is only a slight improvement. It feels a tiny sticky on-center and lacks the fluid motion of most BMW sedans. Self-centering improves if you select Sport mode, but then the transmission is typically running a single gear as well low. The X5 has always been somewhat tough riding as BMW has tried to preserve responsive handling in this big and heavy package. The new version is no exception, although 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 simply because it delivers lots of usable efficiency while consuming tiny much more fuel than a 3-series sedan. Its EPA estimated 26 mpg combined is straightforward to obtain in true-globe driving (our leadfoot staff got close to that at 25 mpg). Additionally, the diesel is far more attractively priced this year. At $ 57,525, it is $ 25 more affordable than last year’s model and only $ 1500 far more costly than the all-wheel-drive version with the 3.-liter gasoline 6. Final year, the increment was a lot more like $ 9000.
Even so, you will want to show some restraint when selecting choices from BMW’s vast list. Our test car, with a few important possibilities but hardly completely loaded, stickered at just $ 125 shy of $ 70K. Saving fuel although driving luxuriously nonetheless is not low cost.
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