2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d Review & Road Test
Take family motoring seriously Model Tested:
- 2009 BMW E70 X5 xDrive35d Steptronic, 3.0-litre, turbo diesel, six-speed automatic, wagon: $105,490 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $2000 (Fitted – Carbon Black); M Sport Package $8000(Fitted); Panorama Glass Sunroof $3708 (Fitted); Self-levellingSuspension $2118 (Fitted); Auto Tailgate $1271 (Fitted); USB AudioInterface $635 (Fitted)
Torquey & economical engine; high grip levels; quiet & comfortable
Dull low beam headlamps; poor rear view camera; Firm steering
- Pics by Matt Brogan & Brendan Nish Although it might have become a little familiar,the much lauded X5’s revised shape lends it an almighty on-roadpresence thanks to its wider proportions, bold stance, subtle creasesand unmistakable family face.
It’s a rather serious looking SUV, almost ominous,but after one drive you’ll very quickly discover that the X5 isn’t allshow and no go.
Yet while it does indeed look imposing externally,the X5’s innards are light, spacious and well plotted with a practicaland comfortable feel to all facets of the cabin’s utility.
Seating is both generously proportioned andsupportive, an unusual but welcomed trait for an SUV, while thedriver’s vantage is commanding and panoramic offering great all roundvisibility.
Similarly all controls and ancillaries fall readilyto hand and are quite simple of function with the possible exception ofthe now superseded version of the iDrive system.
The only real bother of any note came from the lowbeams headlamps, which were a little too weak for my liking, and fromthe rear view camera which is virtually useless in wet weather and atnight, combine the two and it’s a compete waste of time.
On the options front the X5 packs a wallop,featuring Cruise Control (with brake function), Brake Hold, Front &Rear Parking Sensors, Fog Lamps, Alloy Wheels, Rain Sensing Wipers,Automatic Headlamps, Roof Rails, Automated (optional) Split FoldTailgate, Six CD Tuner, Dual Zone Climate Control, Satellite Navigationand TV with Voice Control, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, BluetoothConnectivity (that didn’t work with my phone), iPod (USB) Interface,Trip Computer and Electrically Adjustable Seats and Steering Wheel(with Memory), just to name a few.
Our test vehicle was also optioned with thePanoramic Glass Roof which, if you can afford the extra coin, is ahighly worthwhile option in my opinion. It can operate purely as aglass roof, as a twin-tilt louvre or as a retractable sunroof meaningmaximum enjoyment no matter the weather. It also lends the cabin alight and airy ambiance that makes long drives exceptionally pleasant.
Up the back a split-fold tailgate, in this caseautomated, opens to reveal a cavernous cargo compartment offering 670litres with seats up (to window height) or mammoth 1750 litres alltold. A pair of seriously heavy-duty tie-down rails, a retractablecargo cover with vertical net and an underfloor storage space that alsohouses the spare wheel round out the deal.
If that’s not enough, the X5 comes standard with (matt black) roof rails and can be configured to tow up to 2700kg (braked).
The drive on offer, aswe’ve come to expect from most of the BMW range, is quite rewarding,and the constant all-wheel drive coupled with a taut chassis andself-levelling suspension provide the X5 with astounding grip levels,well beyond that expected of a family SUV.
Cornering therefore iscapable and confident, seemingly no matter what the elements throw atyou, with steering that offers very good feel and feedback even if thelevel of assistance could be slightly more amenable.
Braking is strong andbalanced with a progressive pedal allowing the 2110kg wagon to bebrought to a stop in a smooth, confident and comfortable fashion.Applying the stoppers at 80km/h saw a distance of 23.9 metres coveredbefore we came to a standstill – not bad!
Under the bonnet a 3.0-litre, in-line, common-rail, twinturbo-diesel, six cylinder engine provides more than ample motivationfor a car of such proportions developing 210kW of power at 4400rpm anda solid 580Nm of torque from just 1750rpm.
There is no turbo lag to speak of, only a delightful six-speedautomatic that is smooth, decisive and amiably calibrated to throttleinput propelling the X5 from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds flat and on to atop speed of 235km/h.
Fuel economy too is a strong point for the diesel X5 and althoughour results didn’t prove quite as optimistic as the manufacturer’sclaim, we did achieve a respectable 10.9 litres per 100km averagecombining a 50:50 split of city and highway driving.
Considering the X5’s family orientation, safety is of course aparamount concern with our xDrive35d model featuring front, side andcurtain airbags; ABS braking with CBC (cornering brake control), EBAand EBD; HDC (hill descent control); and ESP with Traction Control totally an impressive five-star European NCAP rating and five-starAustralian ANCAP rating.
So while a few of the features may be beginning todate, the X5 remains an imposing and accomplished SUV with both thesubstance and the panache to be considered a worthy investment for any family who takes its motoring seriously.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2993cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 210kW @ 4400rpm
- Torque: 580Nm @ 1750rpm
- Induction: Common-rail & turbocharged
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: All
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 235km/h
- 0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 233 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 8.8 litres per 100km (ADR Combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 10.9 litres per 100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 85 litres
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: Five star
- Airbags: Front, side & curtain
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control & HDC
- Spare Wheel: Space saver
- Suspension: Strut (F)/Multi-Link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 670/1750 litres
- Tow Capacity: 2700kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 12.8 metres
- Warranty: Three Year/Unlimited Kilometre
- Weight: 2110kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.5-inch
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