2019 BMW X5 Test Drive Review – Tech Loaded

2019 BMW X5 Review

Car Tested: 2019 BMW X5 xDrive30d; Road Test No. 1133; Test Location: Mumbai

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 88.08 – 99.52 lakhs

Superb dynamics and outstanding comfort make the BMW X5 the ideal driver’s SUV

BMW pioneered the driver-focused SUV segment with the X5 20 years ago. The car enjoyed great popularity thanks to the clever combination of performance and versatility. In India, BMW lovers found an ideal car which was great for tackling our roads without loosing too much of the famed BMW dynamic prowess. With cars like the Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 attacking from all sides, BMW had to up their game. The new fourth-generation X5 comes with a greater focus on luxury and comfort along with BMW’s promise of putting a smile on your face every time you take the wheel. Can the X5 achieve this feat and stand out from the crowd once again? We find out.

Motor Quest: BMW pioneered the road-focused SUV segment with the X5 in 1999. BMW referred to it as ‘SAV’ or ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’. It was BMW’s attempt at making a high-riding, family-friendly car that was designed for on-road application more than off-road. It was also BMW’s first SUV. The company brought the car to India in 2007, when it started its India operations. The X5 is a popular choice, particularly amongst the film stars giving it that celebrity status. The new fourth-generation X5 sits in the middle of BMW’s global SUV line-up above the X3 & X4 but below the X7.

Exteriors – The X5 adopts BMW’s latest design language. The car looks bold and has the macho appeal. The front is characterised by massive kidney grilles which are a bit polarising. However, they add to that rugged feel. We love the detailed laser headlights and the blue tinge within them. The bumper neatly spreads across the grilles and carries interesting chrome surrounds around the fog light cluster.

The large kidney grilles along with the rugged elements give the 2019 BMW X5 striking and muscular road presence

The side profile has one dominant line and a vent like-element on the fender. The wheels look proportional to the body and the subtle black cladding looks well done. There is one problem though and it is that the X5 looks a tad similar to the X3, particularly from the side. You’ll need a trained eye to spot the difference instantly. The rear is reminiscent to the X3 as well with large 3D effect tail lights. We miss the distinct design of the old X5 but the imposing stance and some well-executed design elements do make the X5 look quite handsome.

Interiors – The interiors offer a nice contrast to the rugged exterior. The cabin is a soothing place that speaks of luxury and elegance. The layout is similar to the other new BMWs like the 3-Series. The sense of space up-front is immense, thanks to the tall height and large glass area. The massive panoramic sunroof also adds to the sense of space. The seats are supremely comfortable with a variety of adjustments on offer.

The large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is very responsive and has multiple ways to control it

The X5 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an infotainment screen of the same size. The instrument cluster is highly customisable and offers fantastic clarity. We have now become used to BMW’s excellent iDrive system but with that high-resolution display, it impresses even more. The screen can be operated via touch, voice command, gesture or by the rotary dial. The screen is angled towards the driver giving the cabin a driver-centric feel. BMW has retained physical buttons which are logically laid out. The system, as always, is very easy to operate.

Small details in the interiors really create a sense of occasion every time you enter. We like the solid-feeling knurled rotary dial, the glossy finish that houses the buttons near the gear lever and the beautifully styled crystal-effect gear selector. The old BMW X5 had a slightly generic cabin, but the new one has some individuality to it. The X5 does not disappoint in the equipment front either. You get all the bells and whistles like electric front seats with memory, ambient lighting, sun blinds, four-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and multiple charging ports as standard. Higher trims offer a Harman Kardon audio system, surround-view cameras, soft close doors amongst others.

Both rows of seats are extremely spacious and provide excellent comfort along with an enormous boot

The second row offers great space and can be comfortable for three. There is acres of headroom and legroom but the rear seats could’ve done with more thigh support. The X5 does not get a third-row option now, which is reserved only for the X7. What you get instead is a large boot with a split tailgate.

Overall, the interior of the X5 feels fresher than its competitors’ and more than delivers on aspects such as quality and equipment.

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.

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.

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.

Driving Dynamics – Although underpinned by the CLAR platform (shared with the BMW sedans), the BMW X5 has still managed to gain weight due to the increase in size, still it doesn’t feel that way from behind the wheel other than the massive width of this SUV. It gets air suspension both at the rear and front now so ride height can be adjusted in 5 ways, heck, you can also raise or lower the car with the remote display key. Expectedly, ground clearance is more than ample but when driven at higher speeds, the reduced clearance does help the X5’s cause and makes it handle quite well.

BMW has tried its best to retain the X5’s excellent driving dynamics and handling

In fact, there is a staggering difference between the various drive modes with Comfort feeling a bit too soft with some movement but Sport mode really tightening the car up but there is no escaping the rear-biased power delivery which is good to keep understeer at bay. The steering is light at low speeds and in Comfort mode but weighs up quite well at high speeds and in Sport mode, but it feels a bit loose now, not bad but just not as responsive as its predecessor. Body roll is obvious but there is acres of grip on offer, part thanks to the massive rubber and mainly due to the well-calibrated xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The brakes too offer great stopping power with controlled nose-dive under heavy braking.

Safety – The X5 is loaded with 6-airbags, ABS with ESP, Cornering Brake Control, Driver Alert System and a few other active and passive equipment. The car has also scored a full 5-Star rating at Euro NCAP. The fantastic build quality, inside and out also inspires confidence. BMW is yet to offer radar-based safety systems in the X5.

Verdict – The BMW X5 impresses both as a driver’s SUV and as a luxurious runabout. BMW has thrown everything at it and the X5 does score exceedingly well in key areas like road presence, interiors, technology, driving pleasure, performance and to a certain extent even practicality. The competition is fiercer than it ever was but BMW has a car that can take on them comfortably. With prices ranging from Rs. 88.9 to Rs. 99.5 lakhs (on-road), considering what it offers, we think the X5 is not a bad value. It does make a compelling case if you want a sporty SUV that does not sacrifice on luxury.

What’s Cool

* Imposing and rugged looks
* Feature-loaded interiors with great space
* Refined and smooth diesel engine
* Very good handling and high-speed stability
* Comes with a 5-star safety rating

What’s Not So Cool

* Feels a little less agile than the previous gen
* Looks a bit similar to the BMW X3

Alternatives: – Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace

2019 BMW X5 Specifications

* Engine: 2993cc, 6-Cyl, Diesel
* Power: 265 HP @ 4000 RPM
* Torque: 620 Nm @ 1500-2500 RPM
* 0-100 km/hr: 6.5 seconds
* Top Speed: 230 km/hr
* Transmission: 8-Speed AT
* Fuel Consumption: 9-12 km/l
* Fuel Type: Diesel
* Tyre Size: 275/45/20 (Front), 305/40/20 (Rear)
* Suspension: Air Suspension (Front & Rear)
* Brakes: Disc (Front & Rear)
* Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP

2019 BMW X5 Dimensions

* Overall length x width x height: 4922 mm X 2218 mm X 1745 mm
* Wheelbase: 2975 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 85-litres
* Kerb Weight: 2200 kgs

Testers’ Note:

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