The Hindu Business Line : Xperience BMW luxury in the X5

The X5 is not a true-blooded off-roader on the lines of the Range Rover. At Rs 63 lakh, what you get is a very capable SUV, with all the luxury that BMW cars are known for.

— S. Muralidhar

Even off-road, it is a luxury drive.

BMW’s first effort at developing a sports utility vehicle (SUV) happened only in the late 1990s. The growing market for crossovers and SUVs and the takeover of Rover are said to be the inspiration behind the German luxury marque’s entry, albeit relatively delayed, into the world of off-roaders.

The BMW X5, its first luxury crossover SUV, was launched in 1999, and the X3, its smaller-sized cousin, was rolled out in 2004. BMW’s Chief of Design, Chris Bangle, designed the original X5. And the first generation of this SUV or SAV (sports activity vehicle), as the German company preferred to call it then, was based on the E53 platform.

After a minor facelift in 2004, which also included the introduction of BMW’s own, new xDrive four-wheel drive system, the X5 underwent a complete model change last year. We were amongst the first to feature the official pictures of the new X5.

The 2007 BMW X5 was developed from the ground up using the new E70 platform. Launched worldwide just about a year ago, the new X5 is now making its debut in India too.

BMW India has announced plans to import the X5, homologation requirements have been completed and deliveries to customers who have ordered the luxury SUV will begin from December this year. Earlier this week, we got an opportunity to test the new X5’s off-roading prowess, a trait that was not known to be its forte.

Design harmony

The new X5 is a classy amalgam of concave and convex surface treatments that gives it an elegant and yet robust exterior design. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and mix of sharp edges and soft curves gives the X5 a strong presence both on road and off it. It oozes BMW’s design harmony and is instantly recognisable with its characteristic twin kidney bean grille and twin-eyed, angel ring headlamps.

Build and equipment

The new BMW X5 is bigger and better equipped than its predecessor. It is wider, longer and features a longer wheelbase. The only dimension that the new X5 shares with the older one is its overall height. Based on user studies and feedback, BMW has also reduced the new model’s ground clearance and, thereby, lowered the centre of gravity, to improve driving dynamics and stability. This has probably affected the new X5’s clearances for off-roading abilities, but only just.

BMW has chosen to the launch the new X5 in India only with the three-litre diesel engine, at least for now, a smart decision given the profile of customers and their driving expectations. Delivering 231 bhp and accelerating the X5 3.0d from standstill to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds, the straight-six (cylinder) diesel engine is more than adequately powered and extremely responsive.

This powerplant’s lightweight design and an all-aluminium block help reduce the weight by 25 kg compared to its predecessor. The turbocharged, common rail diesel engine has been paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Other technologies that are in use in the new BMW X5 which improve the driving dynamics of the luxury SUV include the double wishbone front axle, adaptive drive, which counteracts the forces that cause body roll and active steering.

xDrive and HDC

Two outstanding new technologies that BMW has employed in the 2007 X5 and which were amply demonstrated during our off-roading drive at Aamby Valley last week were the xDrive and Hill Descent Control features.

Unlike the previous version of BMW’s four-wheel drive in use in the original X5, which used a restricted 62:38 rear-to-front split, the new xDrive system in the 2007 X5 is much more sophisticated and capable. The new xDrive is a permanent all-wheel drive system, which uses sensors and digital aids in transferring varied levels of drive power between the front and rear axles.

Unlike, the more simplistic, mechanical slip differential system, the xDrive is capable of delivering a regular 40:60 drive ratio between the front and rear axles during normal on-road driving conditions and is also capable of transferring all the power (100 per cent) to any one axle if wheel slippage or spin is detected. Ensuring adequate traction is available to all the wheels at all times and in all conditions, the xDrive system is regulated by BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control and uses information from the latter system’s sensors to monitor road conditions.

Another interesting application that uses differential traction and braking force in the new X5 is in the Hill Descent Control (HDC). It is a driver assistant system in four-wheel drive vehicles that can be activated by the press of a button on the dashboard. HDC is particularly useful while driving on a smooth rocky surface, loose or slippery downhill surfaces such as gravel, grass, snow, etc.

Together with ABS, which prevents wheel lock-up if the driver applies the brakes on a slope, the HDC system ensures excellent stability for the X5. If skidding sets in on a slope, regaining control over a vehicle as big as the X5 will almost be impossible.

HDC automatically keeps the vehicle at a constant speed of about 6-8 kmph and ensures that skidding does not set in. So, all that the X5 driver has to do is take his foot off the accelerator and brake only if needed, and just steer the vehicle down the slope.

Plush interiors

BMW has upped the luxury factor in the new X5. To offer buyers the luxury feel that is integral to every BMW, the new X5’s interior has been given the same treatment that any of the company’s sedans will receive. So, features such as the four-zone automatic air-conditioning, high-end audio system, fine wood dashboard trim, fine leather seats and door inserts and BMW’s iDrive display and interactive system are all part of standard fitment.

The BMW iDrive system in the X5 is a less complicated version of the ones available in the 5-Series and 7-Series sedans. Optional add-ons include the panorama glass roof, back-up camera and a rear-seat entertainment package.

Though, the previous model of the X5 was a five-seater only (two rows), the new X5 offers users the option of a third row of two foldable seats, taking the potential for the total number of occupants to seven. The new X5 will also be fitted with run-flat tyres.

The new X5 is being priced at Rs 62.9 lakh for buyers in India. What you will get for that price is a very capable SUV, with all luxurious appointments that BMW cars are known for.

The X5 is not a true-blooded off-roader on the lines of the Range Rover. And it is not meant to be. Again, in India, most users will almost never be driving off-road. Even the X5’s approach and departure angles are indicative of the fact that this vehicle is not meant for serious off-road trips.

Yet, the BMW X5 is capable of handling rough terrain. And given the fact that roads in many Indian cities are almost non-existent and flooding during the monsoons is a reality all of us have to live with, at least you won’t break into sweat while tackling the terrain in a X5.

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