3000 WHEELS
Motoring Review by Paul Maric BMW X5 M50d
updates that have given the range a refreshed look and revitalised feel.
For years the BMW X5 has been the benchmark in sporty SUVs. The X5 has always been the best handling, most stylish and most desired of the bunch.
Inside the cabin, it’s all class. Designers have gone to work on the steering wheel, seats, doors and dashboard to redevelop the interior and keep it modern. The quality of materials remains very high with soft-touch leather door surrounds, textured plastics and grippy pads on the steering wheel audio controls.
Only recently competition from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and even Porsche has meant BMW needed to look beyond performance and handling to compete on a price basis with buyers after the look and not necessarily the bite of a sporty SUV. The latest generation of BMW X5 is now offered in everything from rearwheel-drive entry-level petrol to a tri-turbocharged performance diesel. In keeping with tradition, I jumped behind the wheel of BMW’s all new X5 M50d to see what all the fuss was about. Powered by a tri-turbocharged (yes, three turbochargers) 3.0-litre sixcylinder diesel engine that produces 280kW and a mammoth 740Nm of torque, the M50d can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3-seconds. Even more remarkable is the fuel consumption, a combined 6.7L/100km. The exterior of the X5 M50d comes complete with all the ‘M’ gear you would expect — big wheels, big bulges and plenty of sculpted angles. The rest of the X5 range has benefitted from similar
The real fun begins when you hit the start button and begin putting the X5 through its paces. Direct steering and excellent brake pedal feel inspires confidence, while switchable dynamic driving modes alter the throttle sharpness, suspension firmness and stability control settings. Starting from $82,900 for the X5 sDrive25d, the X5 M50d tested retails for $147,900. There are six variants available in between the entry-level X5 sDrive25d and topspec X5 M50d meaning there is an offering to cover every budget. Paul Maric is a Melbourne based, independent motoring journalist & mechanical engineer. Visit: paul.maric.id.au Follow Paul on Twitter: @PaulMaric
MAY 2014
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