New Car Reviews- BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a 5-door, mid-size luxury crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) sold by the German automaker BMW. The X5 is available in an all-wheel drive (AWD) version.

Originally launched in 1999, the X5 has been introduced to the Indian market in 2007. The first-generation X5 was given a face-lift in 2004, 2005, and 2006. However, it is only the second-generation X5 that has been brought to India.

The X5 is available in a single diesel variant as the 3.0d. It comes with a basic vehicle and powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles. The X5 gives tough competition to the likes of Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Audi Q7.

Under the hood of the 3.0d lies a robust 3.0-liter I-6 engine that delivers 218 bhp and 480 Nm of torque. The engine is linked to a standard 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control and Steptronic gear selection, including Sport mode.

The X5 features xDrive, an all-wheel drive system, and is maneuvered by a standard engine speed-sensitive power steering, though the option of an active steering with Servotronic power assist is also available.

The BMW X5 rides on double wishbone front suspension and light-weight multi-link integral rear suspension. This suspension system absorbs the impact of bumps and jerks, and offers a smooth ride.

The X5 features 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes with electronic front/rear proportioning, which provide sharp stopping power to its wheels.

It also features standard Dynamic Stability Control, including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Brake Control. Hill Descent Control, standard on the X5, enables it to take steep downhill gradients safely by automatically reducing the car's speed without the driver having to apply the brake.

The X5 exudes an aura of style, power, and comfort. Its front fascia is adorned by a distinct body-coloured bumper with integrated fog lights, the traditional twin-kidney grille with chrome-finished vertical slats, and eagle-eyed xenon adaptive headlights with auto-leveling. Both the variants feature body-coloured exterior door and tail-gate handles.

Some exterior features standard on the X5 variants include power outside mirrors, intermittent rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear window wiper/washer, and roof rails. Power windows, power door locks, and vehicle and key memory are also standard on both the variants. The 3.0d comes with 18-inch light alloy wheels. The option of comfort access keyless entry is also available on the X5.

The X5 3.0d features standard facilities like 10-way power driver and passenger front seats and a memory system for the driver's seat. The X5 comes with standard split-folding rear seats. A third-row rear seat is offered as optional, which increases the seating capacity. For added comfort and convenience, it features standard front-seat center console with armrest, storage compartment and auxiliary input, rear seat centre armrest, and cup-holders.

The 3.0d features standard leatherette upholstery, though more comfortable Nevada leather upholstery as well as Napa leather upholstery is also available as optional. The X5 model features a standard power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, which offers supreme comfort and a better grip. A heated steering wheel, included in Cold Weather Package, is also available on the X5. The X5 comes standard with automatic front climate control, automatic air-conditioning, and recirculation control. However, 4-zone climate control with individual temperature setting is available as part of the Rear Climate Package.

The 3.0d is available with an optional panoramic moon-roof with two-piece glass panels, power slide and lift control, wind deflector, and an electric interior sunshade. Now, you can let the stars shine down on you by opening this moon-roof on your journeys. The X5 also possesses a standard rear-window defroster and tire pressure monitor. It comes standard with dynamic cruise control and also offers the option of front and rear park distance control. The X5's instrumentation comprises of electronic analog instrumentation with LED illumination. It also includes outside temperature display, besides other gauges.

The X5 comes loaded with ample entertainment options to save you from boredom. It features a standard anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD radio with Radio Data System, MP3 capability, and a 3-channel FM diversity antenna system. Also standard is a high-fidelity 12-speaker sound system, including two subwoofers under the front seats and a digital 7-channel amplifier with 205 watts of power. The X5 also offers the option of the Premium Sound Package, which includes premium high-fidelity 16-speaker sound system with Digital Sound Processing, two subwoofers under the front seats and digital 9-channel amplifier with 600 watts of power, and a 6-disc CD-changer with MP3 capability.

The X5 comes loaded with plenty of safety features to take care of its occupants' safety. It has a dual front-impact airbag Supplemental Restraint System with dual-threshold and dual-stage deployment, 3-point safety belts and head restraints at all seating positions, a roll-over sensor that triggers airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners in the event of a roll-over, a steering column crash system, a central locking system and Coded Driveaway Protection, and an alarm system with key-head remote operation interior motion detector.