BMW X5 2010 Review - International

BMW X5

What we liked
>> Smooth, punchy turbo engines
>> Seamless eight-speed auto
>> Grip, handling

Not so much
>> Across-the-board price hikes likely
>> It's still no off-road demon
>> Ride quality not benchmark-setting

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

About our ratings

It's not quite a case of ain't-broke-don't-fix-it, but BMW hasn't gone overboard with the makeover wand with its facelifted/updated X5, which debuts about three-and-a-half years after the current-generation model first landed in showrooms.

It'll take a keen eye to spot the visual changes, but BMW is adamant it's modified or replaced no less than 4000 parts in a bid to boost performance, pare fuel consumption and optimise the big SUV's dynamics.

The big news is the introduction of four new engines -- two turbocharged direct-injection petrol units and two common-rail diesels -- and an eight-speed automatic transmission that's so smooth that gearshifts more often than not go unnoticed by driver and passengers.

The timing of the updated X5's launch is hardly accidental, as Porsche and Volkswagen have just waded into battle with their new Cayenne and Touareg respectively -- and they're both touting vastly improved stats for their second-gen models.

The X5 is a crucial vehicle for BMW internationally and Down Under. It's shifted more than a million examples over the past decade so it's obviously important for the Bavarians to thwart any challenges posed by their compatriots.

BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says the new X5 range will land in local dealerships from the end of June, and the line-up will comprise the xDrive30d, xDrive35i, xDrive40d and xDrive50i.

Our first impressions of the updated X5 were formed primarily on arrow-straight and well surfaced roads at the international launch in and around Miami, so any detailed commentary on the vehicle's cornering capabilities will have to wait until later. However, there's no doubting the benefits of the revamped drivetrains, which surpass the outgoing units in every aspect -- performance, smoothness, economy... you name it.

The updated xDrive30d turbodiesel pumps out 180kW and 540Nm (versus 173kW and 520Nm for the oldie), while fuel consumption drops from 8.2L/100km to 7.4L/100km. The xDrive40d also improves upon its xDrive 35d forerunner -- as evidenced by outputs of 225kW and 600Nm (compared with 210kW and 580Nm for the outgoing model).

Meanwhile, the petrol-sucking 3.0-litre turbo xDrive35i (which replaces the naturally aspirated xDrive30i) pumps out 225kW and 400Nm (versus 200kW and 315Nm for the model it replaces).

The new xDrive50i is the biggest gainer as it inherits the X6's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in lieu of the 4.8-litre atmo V8 that powers the outgoing xDrive48i. Power jumps from 261kW to 300kW and torque is up massively from 475Nm to 600Nm. No surprises, then, that BMW claims the 0-100km/h split is sharpened from 6.5sec to 5.5sec.

Unfortunately there weren't any V8s available to sample at the international launch, but having previously sampled this powerplant in the X6, there's little reason to doubt the quoted figures.

We drove mainly the xDrive35i at the launch, powered by BMW's new N55 engine (as per the new 5 Series) -- a 3.0-litre inline six mated to a solitary twin-scroll turbocharger. Rest assured it's no slouch; BMW claims a 6.8sec 0-100km/h split and a top whack of 235km/h, and this sounds about right based on our seat-of-the-pants impression.

Despite the added oomph, fuel consumption actually drops marginally vis-à-vis its non-turbo xDrive30i predecessor -- from 10.2L/100km to 10.1L/100km.

The economy gains are no doubt partly attributable to the excellent new ZF eight-speed automatic (standard across the range), arguably the smoothest self-shifter currently on the market.

Turbocharging is clearly the way forward, say BMW's engine boffins, arguing that this combination delivers the best balance between performance, emissions and weight. They concede it's a more costly solution than normally aspirated powertrains, but this is offset by the ability to offer several variations of the same basic engine.

At any rate, the grunt and smoothness of the xDrive35i suggests to us that there's undoubted merit in the force-fed approach.

Although the engines/transmissions have been revamped, the xDrive all-wheel drive system has been left pretty much alone, barring a few software tweaks. The latest xDrive set-up apportions torque in a 40:60 split to front and rear wheels in a straight line, but a greater proportion is shunted rearwards under cornering for added stability and sharper turn-in.

The stability control system allows mild oversteer before cutting in, but opportunities to put this to the test were limited on the ruler-straight roads that made up the drive program.

That said, the existing X5 was already the ride/handling benchmark among large SUVs, so even a zero per cent improvement wouldn't hurt it unduly. That said, the new xDrive50i receives new spring/damper settings that are unique to this model.

Tellingly, the claims made by VW and Porsche about having lopped more than 200kg from their latest-gen Touareg and Cayenne haven't been lost on BMW's top brass, who boast "we were already there" with the existing X5. True enough, the X5 xDrive35i weighs 2145kg, which isn't excessively lardy for a large seven-seat SUV.

The updated X5's techno arsenal includes Active Cruise Control (automatically maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead in stop-start traffic), Lane Departure Warning (transmits a gentle vibration through the steering wheel if you wander from your lane), a head-up display and a Side View function that provides images from cameras integrated into the front fenders.

There's also a Top View function that provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle to simplify reversing in tight spots.

Visually, you'll be able to distinguish the new X5 via a restyled front bumper with repositioned foglights and enlarged air ducts for improved cooling of the engine and brakes. There are also more surfaces painted in body colour.

Additional mods include new headlights with revised internal graphics and standard adaptive bi-xenon projectors. Meanwhile, the rump gains LED taillights and a deeper rear bumper with cutouts for a pair of tailpipes -- round ones on the xDrive35i and squared-off on the V8.

Inside, you'll find the latest-generation iDrive controller as well as various other detail tweaks. Passenger packaging remains the same as in its forerunner, with seating for up to seven if you specify the optional third-row seat.

Depending on market, three equipment levels -- standard, premium and sport --will be available, the latter adding an M Sport styling package and performance-oriented extras such as 20-inch wheels and the ability to calibrate the throttle and suspension for sportier settings.

The outgoing X5 was already a segment leader in many respects. The new model's upgraded drivetrains reassert its claim to being the best on-road SUV out there. It'll take some beating.

Check out our video footage of the facelifted BMW X5 on Carsales TV.

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