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The 3.0-litre diesel engine has a strong mid-range
Performance – Powering the BMW X5 xDrive30d is the famed 3.0-litre straight-six diesel motor which keeps getting better and better, for starters, it’s terrifically refined, offers smooth power delivery and has good drivability too, thanks to the colossal 620 Nm of torque coming in at a low 1500 RPM, staying till 2500 RPM. Power output is 265 HP and that makes it effortless for this 2.2-tonne SUV to move, it goes from 0 to 100 km/hr in just 6.5 seconds, top speed being 230 km/hr.
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8-speed automatic transmission offers swift shifts
The updated 6-cylinder diesel engine is extremely refined and smooth while offering linear and strong performance
There is a shove back into the seat when you hit the mid-range which is very satisfying while the top-end sees a drop in enthusiasm but the motor will still redline at close to 5500 RPM in manual mode. The 8-speed torque converter gearbox is super quick with shifts and there are 6 drive modes on offer – Eco Pro, Eco Pro Individual, Comfort, Sports, Sports Individual and Adaptive, altering the engine, gearbox, suspension and steering of the vehicle.
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The motor offers excellent driveability and is also frugal
One can also slot the gear lever into Manual/Sport mode while the stop-start system is aggressive in Eco Pro mode. Fuel economy is between 9-12 km/l which coupled with the massive 85-litre fuel tank, gives it a good range of around 800 kms. The motor gets vocal past 3500 RPM with a sporty snarl and there is no diesel clatter whatsoever.
