BMW has sold over half a million X5's
globally since its inception in 1999
and with the introduction of the
2007 model this trend will continue.
Coming from such a successful pedigree
the X5 has an assured look combining masculine
lines with a sporty edge. The new X5
is taller (2 inches), longer (7.4 inches) and
wider (2.3 inches) than its predecessors.
The additional dimensions have not really
altered the look significantly so don't be disappointed
if your neighbour or colleague
doesn't go “ga-ga” over your new and
improved X5. Despite the insignificant
change in its outward appearance, the additional
space has been put to good use in
the interior.
The test vehicle was an 8 cylinder V8,
4.8i producing a powerful 261 kW (355
bhp) with the capability to accelerate from
0-100 Km/H in 6.5 seconds. We would
highly recommend it without hesitation -
very responsive! For the new X5 the “S” in
SUV should be underlined and bolded; the
chassis is 15% stiffer than the original X5.
There is also the addition of a double wishbone
front axle with the result benefiting in
handling and comfort. Together they provide
the basis for a very agile vehicle.
Although it doesn't look as rugged or “boxy”
as the stereotyped off-road vehicles such
as the Range Rover or Jeep, its dune-bashing
performance is unsurprisingly impressive.
Augmenting the new lighter and stiffer
chassis is BMW's Adaptive Drive System.
Adaptive Drive allows the driver to hit the
sports button and the chassis set-up will be
stiffened to provide greater agility. By
actively suppressing the vehicle's natural
tendency to roll when cornering at speed,
Adaptive Drive means excellent handling for
the driver and noticeably higher levels of
comfort for rear-seat passengers. This
intelligent system uses its Dynamic Stability
Control sensors to detect the early signs of
instability and reacts instantly as needed. It
distributes engine power flexibly and variably
to each axle: the axle with the greatest
traction receives the most power, delivering
optimum road-holding, perfect
performance on bends and excellent
forward thrust. The system effectively
means the X5 is a great sporty drive on
the road and with a touch of a button a
more than competent off-roader.
The interior is roomy with the front
seats offering 2 inches of extra shoulder
room and nearly an inch of additional
legroom. The driver and front passenger
also get treated to more comfortable
10-way power seats which can be
optimally adjusted. The leather seats
are also well contoured to acquire the
most favourable seating postures.
Navigation and entertainment is
once again mainly controlled by iDrive
on the centre console. Of course similarly
the buttons on the steering wheel
will do the trick if you're not a fan of the
dial/knob. The parking assistant not
only comes in the form of a beep but a
camera as well. Although this is very
useful, we found our heads automatically
turning to the rear when reversing
(certainly a hard habit to break). But
should you prefer looking at the monitor,
the warning signs can easily be
read and a perfect park is almost guaranteed.
The handbrake, however, might as
well be called a “fingerbrake”. It is operated
by pushing or pulling a small leverlike
switch. Sometimes, this gives a
somewhat strangely insecure feeling
that the handbrake may not be on. It just
needs some getting used to. As for the
gear transmissions, the six-speed automatic
Steptronic box with an electronic
shifter enables the driver to select gears
sequentially at slight touches. Hence tapping
is the new shift movement. Unless
you're familiar with it, you may end up
selecting the “drive” or “reverse” a few
times before getting them correct.
The standard in-dash CD player is
hooked up to a 205-watt 12-speaker audio
system and the CD changer is mounted
inside the glove box (which was initially a
mystery to open. Hint: Look for a button!).
It may be a little cumbersome if you're the
sort who stashes a lot of junk in the glove
box. If that's the case, make sure you put
in your favourite CDs with songs you won't
tire off easily to reduce the change frequency!
BMW makes such dynamic and secure
cars with the users' safety and comfort in
mind and it's no different with the X5. And
at AED 325,000 we definitely think it's a
fair price to pay for status as well as reliable
performance. Perhaps that's why the
X5 is so popular in Dubai. For almost every
dozen SUV's you see on the road, you'd
spot an X5.
190,000 AED
95,000 AED
135,000 AED
