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BMW X5 - What Car?
01.10.2000 |
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The depth of emotion felt by Americans for their off-roaders goes a long way to explaining why the German company is building the X5 in the States.
It also accounts for BMW's first off-roader taking its time to cross the Atlantic and reach the UK: America has gone X5 crazy. Initially, the UK will only get the 4.4 litre V8-powered model, but a 3.0 litre petrol version is due in March 2001, and the 3.0 turbo-diesel arrives early next summer.
We can forgive the quiz show host-style enthusiasm of American buyers because the X5 is a superb car. In our August group test, we praised it to the hilt, and that was before BMW dropped the price of this model to £44,000, saving buyers £2300. The pricier and quicker Sport version, which has a higher top speed due to larger diameter alloy wheels, is now £2795 cheaper at £44,670.
Sampling these two models in right-hand drive, we can confirm nothing has been lost of the X5's brilliance. Its composure on tarmac surfaces and excellent grip are far above any of its rivals. So much so that the X5 encourages comparisons with executive class cars, and it's not disgraced in such company.
With the steering wheel on the right side, the interior is unchanged. The dash is very similar to a 5 Series, the only difference being the centre console has a swooping lower line and fit. Finish and layout is excellent.
The interiors of the six-cylinder and V8 models differ only in specification, the V8s having leather trim and electric seats. Based on a short drive of a 3.0i model, the six-cylinder car is still worth waiting for. A little less weight over the front wheels makes it feel a touch more nimble through bends and its comfort levels are just as high.
Trying the 3.0i on loose tracks, BMW's DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) traction aid maintains forward momentum even if a wheel loses all grip. There's no low ratio option, BMW correctly reasoning very few buyers will take their X5 across country. However, a button on the dash activates the Hill Descent Control (HDC) which applies the anti-lock brakes on downhill sections to prevent sliding and preserve steering effort.
Back on tarmac, the 231bhp, straight-six 3.0 litre powers the X5 with ease, its 221lb ft of shove helping it to 62mph in 8.8sec. At faster speeds, the 3.0i does miss the V8's potency for quick overtaking, but by any standards the six-cylinder X5 is swift and refined. And the only giveaway you haven't spent the extra on the V8 is two exhaust pipes rather than four. We haven't had a drive of the diesel yet, so we'll reserve judgement on that.
The V8 X5 is on sale in the UK in November and is a very fine machine. But based on our brief experience of the 3.0i, we'd be tempted to wait the extra four months. Not just for the marginal benefits in economy but because it is substantially cheaper. BMW is using a guide price of £34,500 for the 3.0i and £33,000 for the turbo-diesel, but we've heard rumours that these may sneak in under the £30,000 mark.
Verdict
BMW's first off-roader immediately takes the class lead for refinement and quality. The V8 model is great, but we'd hold fire for the 3.0i due in March.