BMW X5 Reviews

Sales figures can tell an interesting story - in Australia, it says the BMW X5 is king of the German brand's SUV brigade. It outsells the smaller and cheaper X3 models and comprehensively pulverises the X6. The X5 this year is second only to the 3 Series for the company's sales. The reason? It's the most versatile and talented of the BMW crossovers. VALUEAt $113,300 it's not likely to shade the Mazda3 for value and volume - in fact the Mazda3 sold more in a month than the X5 has so far this year - but it's versatility and features list are not out of proportion to the price. The 40d  (fitted with a no-cost-option M Sport package) gets sports-tuned suspension, electrically-adjustable front sport seats, 20in light-alloy wheels, a sports leather steering wheel. There's also cruise control with braking function, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera with top view, power-adjustable, heated, folding and auto-dimming rearvision mirrors (inside and out) that will also dip to show the rear wheel when parallele parking. There are also puddle lights on the door handles, automatic headlights, dual-zone  climate control with rear air vents, 60/40 splitfold rear seats, keyless start/stop button, power windows, an infotainment system that includes hi-res 3D satnav, an 80gb hard-drive for music and map storage, Bluetooth link for phone and audio, and a USB and 3.5mm audio jack. The test car also had the optional (for $8000) Innovations Package fitted, which adds an automatic tailgate, rear and side camera "Top View" system, bi-xenon headlights with washer-jets and auto-dipping high-beam, head-up display and a whopper glass sunroof. Internet access is also on the options list for $200, but you'll need a co-operative phone to get it - as tested it's a $122,900 machine. TECHNOLOGYThe heart of this big wagon is the three-litre all-aluminium straight-six cylinder turbodiesel, fed by common-rail high-pressure direct-injection and two - one small, the other large - turbochargers. The pair work together - the smaller one starts proceedings and the larger one kicks in later on - to produce 225kW and 600Nm, the former arriving at 4400rpm and the latter on offer between 1500 and 2500rpm, while 450Nm is being generated at 1000rpm. The acceleration provided for the 2.5 tonne wagon is 6.6 seconds to 100km/h, yet it also claims 7.5 litres per 100km; the particle-filtered diesel is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic and delivers drive to all four wheels as required. BMW's all-wheel drive system runs 60 per cent rear and 40 per cent front, although it varies according to the conditions. The big Beemer also boasts brake energy regeneration and a cruise control system with braking function, which holds a speed better than some radar-controlled cruise control systems. The test car also had the optional lane departure warning system, which operates above 70km/h and sends a vibration through the wheel if wandering is detected. DESIGN Hardly a work of art, the big, bold SUV is a handsome machine, much better looking to the author's eyes than the rest of the SUVs in BMW's range and a couple of the passenger cars as well. Bulges around the wheelarches, big front air intakes and the headlights that give you the evil-eye, it all adds up to a brutish exterior. The cabin has typically-German functionality, with illuminated storage, a big infotainment screen and the flight-controller style joystick standing in for a conventional gearshifter. There's plenty of room, with the rear passengers benefiting from the deeply scalloped seatbacks to get every millimetre of available knee room. The 620-litre boot (which expands to 1750 litres with the seats folded) has clever tie-down rings and some sub-floor storage (around the temporary spare). SAFETY Wearing a five-star crash test rating, the X5 gets dual front, side and curtain airbags, active front headrests, four-wheel ventilated discs brakes with anti-lock function, stability control (including corner-braking, hill-descent and roll-over systems), with the subtle and clever all-wheel drive system operating quietly in the background. There are five lap-sash seat belts, a tyre run-flat indicator and an emergency spare wheel, which is replaced by a "mobility kit" if the third row of seats are selected from the options list.DRIVINGGiven that these things rarely get muddy, sandy or dusty, it's no surprise the Beemer crossover doesn't have much of a leaning towards off-road ability. In fact, it doesn't lean at all - the body control for such a tall pieceof equipment is exceptional. The M Sport package sport suspension endows this German wagon with handling prowess that belies its height. Sharp turn-in from the steering and precious little complaint from the low-profile runflats means a brisk pace can be maintained in the bends, and the solid shove from the twin-turbo diesel means exits are rapid. The clever all-wheel drive system apportions the considerable amounts of drive as required - although the clever rear diff from the X6 to fire drive left and right across the rear axle would be nice as well. Turning off all the electronic nursemaids (on sealed or unsealed roads) doesn't unmask any chassis issues, as the AWD keeps it tidy - it's a remarkably capable for an SUV, as long as you steer clear of "off-roading." The payoff comes in ride quality and BMW says there's no scope to drop the M Sport no-cost option. While bumps in bends are adeptly dealt with, cruising or commuting can be hard yakka if the road crews have been absent. The twin-turbodiesel is quiet and its outputs - 225kW and 600Nm - and fuel economy (a claimed 7.5l/100km) are all outstanding. Gentle throttle pressure is all that's required for solid forward progress, but push a bit harder and the delivery between 2500 to 4500 is considerable - flat to the firewall and it will hit 100 in 6.6 seconds - nearly hot-hatch territory. The ZF eight-speed automatic is another clever transmission from that company - its shifts are almost imperceptible, which is a good thing as it seems to want to swap cogs too often, a legacy of too many choices? There's plenty to like about the infotainment system, with USB and Bluetooth link, satnav and phone access, but the system decided at least four times to shut down and re-start while driving - which isn't really up to scratch for a car in this price bracket. Boot space of 620 litres - with adjustable tie-down points - is useful, with more on offer by folding the back seats (which have a 40:60 splitfold function); maximum storage space is listed as 1750 litres. VERDICT There is much to like about this SUV - space, features, frugality, drivetrain brute force, handling and presence - but the brittle ride and its spare tyre would make it tough to live with on a daily basis. Dropping back to an 18in or 19in wheel with more sidewall profile and losing the sports tuned suspension wouldn't hurt (the dynamics are still good on the cooking models). But in this guise a solid package is let down by the ride.BMW X5 40dPrice: from $113,300Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 60% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: condition-basedEconomy: 7.5l/100km, on test , tank 85 l; 198g/km CO2Safety: Equipment six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction control. Crash rating 5 starEngine: 225kW/600Nm 3-litre DOHC 24-valve twin-turbodiesel six-cylinderTransmission: 8-speed autoBody: 5-door, 5 seats Dimensions: 4857mm (L); 1933mm (W); 1776mm (H); 2933mm (WB), ground clearance 170mm, towing 750kg unbraked, 2700kg braked (270kg ball download)Weight: 2110kgTyre size: 255/50 fr, 285/45 rr R19. Spare tyre: Space save

The BMW X5 underwent a mid-life revision a few months ago, bringing with it improved engines and equipment, styling tweaks and sundry other changes including an eight-speed automatic. No matter which way you look at it, the big Bimmer has what it takes in the large luxury SUV class selling against the likes of Merc's

Whatever you want to call it - a Sport Utility or Activity Vehicle - the BMW X5 is a yardstick for the big wagon market.  The updated family truckster from BMW has adopted some new engines as well as a styling tweak and it reunites Carsguide with a much-loved engine.The X5 35i is propelled by the sweet twin-turbo straight six and the chassis has lost none of its capability in the bends.PRICING & DRIVETRAINThe X5 35i might not look like value for money at $103,900 before it gets plates and a sticker, but there's a features list that takes a bit of the sting out of this versatile machine's pricetag. As you'd expect for that money, there's a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, keyless go, front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation (with hard drive), anti-dazzle mirrors, a sound system which shares the 80gig hard drive with the satnav, Bluetooth phone link that can be upgraded for Bluetooth audio, cruise control with braking function, 19in alloys, parking sensors front and rear, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights.The test car was fitted with a number of options totalling about $12,000, including bi-xenon adaptive headlights with high-beam assist and the head-up display - which is informative (speed and satnav directions are handy) but the display doesn't show up at all well if the driver is wearing polarising sunglasses.  The lighting package isn't cheap but it is clever and effective.TECHNOLOGYThe 35i (which replaces the near-$20,00 cheaper 30i) is powered by the direct-injection twin-turbo variable-valve straight-six petrol engine - one of the best powerplants in the BMW range, adding 20kW and 85Nm.  Despite a kerb weight over two tonnes, the 35i can still hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, and sings a sweet tune while doing so.Featuring the double-VANOS variable camshaft control system, BMW claims that despite such good outputs and the 35i can return 10.1 litres per 100 km, down from the outgoing 30i by 1.6 l/100km.That's probably due in no small part to the presence of the eight-speed automatic.  The BMW regenerative braking system is new to the X5, putting energy back into the electrical system and reducing the load on the powertrain.DESIGNThere's no mistaking the X5 for anything other than the latest incarnation of the big Beemer - its sculpted and has bulges in all the right places, with the daytime running lights giving it even more menace than the already-aggressive road stance - it's gone up a size in wheel to 19in and that adds to the handsome looks.Inside there's not an over-abundance of cabin space but enough for four adults - provided none are too tall - to be comfortably seated, with the boot able to swallow a reasonable amount, although it is not a cavernous load bay.  The optional third row is a kids-only bench and would eat into the luggage space - if you're needing a third row there are probably better options.SAFETYThe X5 has all manner of passive and active safety systems, the most obvious being three-point seatbelts, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags.  There's also the stability control system, which comprises anti-lock brakes, traction control, roll-over sensors.The big Beemer does have the off-road hill descent control system but given the vehicle is not really set up for off-roading it's a little superfluous.  It's all-wheel drive system is one of the more intelligent systems on offer, using all four wheels - running a front to rear 40:60 split most of the time - rather than running front-wheel drive and reacting to traction changes.The system also sends drive to the rear end for corner exits, which contributes to its cornering prowess.DRIVINGThe X5 is without doubt one of the best SUVs to drive ... on the right road.  Tatty road surfaces that are becoming the norm are not flattering to the ride quality of the X5, due in part perhaps to the run-flat tyres on its rims.But it gets better the harder you push it and can be swifter than appearances would suggest.  The turbo powerplant takes a smidgin longer to huff and puff and get underway than it does in a 1-Series coupe, but then extra lard will do that.But once up and running, the seamless outputs put the big wagon well into its stride and it can be quick and pleasantly planted, a well-balanced machine to drive.  If it wears an SUV tag then it needs to be able to get a little dirty and A-grade dirt doesn't phase the big German (it's a Yank actually, built in Alabama).Endowed with a well-controlled body, more-than competent chassis and clever four-wheel drive system - as well as the aforementioned grunt - the X5 makes back road trips fuss-free regardless of the surface.VERDICTA talented machine that - mostly - keeps getting better with every update - it's easy to see why the X5 outsells the smaller and cheaper X-models by more than two to one. 85/100BMW X5 35iPrice: from $103,900.Engine: three-litre 24-valve variable-valve twin-turbocharged petrol six-cylinder.Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive.Power: 225kW @ 5800rpm.Torque: 400Nm between 1200 & 5000rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 6.8 seconds. Top speed 235km/h.Fuel consumption: 10.1litres/100km, on test 14.9, tank 85litres.Emissions: 236g/km.Brakes: four-wheel ventilated discs, with stability, brake assist, hill descent and traction control systems.Dimensions: length 4857mm, width 1933mm, height 1776mm, wheelbase 2933mm, track fr/rr 1644/1650mm, cargo volume 620/1750litres, towing capacity 750kg unbraked/2700kg braked, weight 2070kg.Wheels: 19in alloys.

It's important to make regular returns and re-runs with benchmark cars in Australian showrooms. So here we are with the 2010 update of the BMW X5, the car that's been top of the prestige SUV pack since it first landed in Australia.The latest tweaks are a mid-life overhaul, just like the VEII Commodore, and, just like the Holden hero, BMW has concentrated on efficiency with the remake of the X5. It's also focussed on keeping an edge over everything from the Audi Q5 to the Benz ML - and perhaps even the giant ML - the all-new Porsche Cayenne and the massively improved Range Rover Sport.Changes to the X5 include three new models - xDrive35i, X5 xDrive40d and flagship X5 xDrive50i - improved engines with more power torque, better fuel economy and more emphasis on the Sport package which has been popular with so many X5 buyers."We have given the car the highest standard specification in the segment. Combined with its on-road performance, and a range of features that are not offered by our competitors, the BMW X5 looks set to continue its success story in Australia,” says the boss of BMW Australia, Stavros Yallouridis.VALUEThe starting price of $92,100 looks pretty good, but that's for the basic 3-litre diesel and you can easily run the X5 up to $133,400 - bottom line for the new 50i Sport - or even more for the M-built model. And BMW options are always there to entice, with everything from Sport packs to third-row seats, all sorts of light choices, leather and wood, and on and on and on.Maximising value in any BMW is about picking the right model and staying as close as possible to the standard specification, which is usually pretty good these days.Looking at some of its rivals, and concentrating on the mid-range 40d which looks to be the potential best-seller, the BMW lines up well against revised Q7s from Audi, although Benz starts a fair bit cheaper at $84,760 for a 3-litre ML.TECHNOLOGYThis time around the X5 improvements are focussed on the engines. It's possible to fill an entire Carsguide liftout with the detail, so lets concentrate on the 40d M Sport which arrives for testing. Its diesel engine is a significant step up from the previous 35d, with the inline six taking on twin-turbo and common-rail injection technology.BMW says output is up by 15 kiloWatts and 20 Newton-metres, the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint time is down to 6.6 seconds and fuel economy is 10 per cent better than the outgoing 35d at 7.5 litres/100km.The all-wheel drive system is unchanged but X5s move up to BMW's latest eight-speed automatic gearbox with speed-tuned Servotronic steering as standard.DESIGNThe '10 model is only a tweak, which means the nose has the greatest change. There are larger side intakes, more use of body-coloured paint, re-positioned foglamps and matt-silver body protection. The tail lamps are also new, with an L shape.The 40d comes with a  standard Sports package including a leather-wrapped wheel, a special anthracite roof liner, as well as stuff like bi-Xenon lamps, Bluetooth, a sunroof, leather seats and more.SAFETYA lot of SUVs feel like trucks but one of the safety advantages in the X5 - from day one - is its carlike driving feel. There is the usual suite of front and side airbags, ABS with brakeforce distribution, top-class ESP stability control and more.The 40d also comes standard with a rear-view camera, which should be compulsory now on every SUV, automatic high-beam cut, and the chance to add lane departure warning for $1400, adaptive headlights at $1000 and the latest active cruise control with Stop&Start for a hefty $4700.DRIVING - Paul GoverThe X5 has always been one of my favourite drives the latest model continues the appeal, mostly because of the way it drives but also because the 40d - even with a bottom line in the test car of $149,220 - has so much nice stuff.It's hard not to enjoy well-shaped leather seats, the sunroof, and even the lane-departure and rear-camera systems.The latest X5 seems bigger than I remember, and a bit beefier too, but the latest turbodiesel has more than enough muscle for the job. It does not feel as sweet as some of BMW's earlier turbodiesels, perhaps because of the latest high-pressure fuel injection, and there sounds to be more rattling at start-up. But the only other thing I can criticise is the lack of gearchange paddles on the steering wheel.The eight-speed auto is as wonderful as I remember from other BMWs and both responsive and efficient.The latest X5 is seriously quick, is great for family work, yet drives more like a car than a truck. If BMW can keep this up with the new X3 - which is actually similar in size to the original X5 - instead of straying into the middle of the X1 then it will be seriously tough to toss in the luxury SUV class.SHE SAYS - Alison WardIt's been so long since I've driven an X5 that I don't notice most of the changes. The car still drives well and has heaps of space, and I like little things like the pull-up sunshades to cover Mr Man in the back seat. It's a lot nicer in the X5 than the X1, which I still don't really understand.The performance is pretty good for something this size, which even has an optional fold-out third-row seat in the car we're driving. It's not going to be any good for adults but should be fine if there are extra bubs around.I've always liked the X5 but I've also been spoiled recently by the Mercedes GL. It's bigger, more cushy and, for me, a nicer drive. If I already owned an X5 I can see it would be worth upgrading, and there are lots of people who prefer its industrial-style design, but I've been won over by the GL despite the extra cost.VERDICT: Hidden changes and a few cosmetic tweaks are all worthwhile.

When the first-generation BMW X5 arrived back in the late 1990s it was among the first of a new breed of svelte Euro expresses. It also coined the term SAV - sports activity vehicle - which meant it was fast, civilised and capable of tackling most road conditions. Even though it was a hulking four-wheel drive, the

WHAT IS IT?This is BMW's hot-rod X5 Sports Utility Vehicle though you couldn't and wouldn't take it off road under any circumstances. It has low profile 20-inch tyres and uses the same underpinnings as the BMW X6M.HOW MUCH?A lot but at $172,900, it's pretty good for the range-topping X5 with everything and super high performance.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Mercedes Benz ML63AMG _ a strong competitor for the X5 and to a lesser extent and a lot less money, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?A 4.4-litre, twin-turbo, petrol V8 with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. Each turbo is a twin scroll unit so, effectively, there are four turbos pressurising air into the high-tech engine. It's good for 408kW/680Nm output. Drives all four wheels through an x-Drive system and a six-speed auto calibrated for sporty performance.HOW DOES IT GO?Like a maglev train _ capable of putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in 4.7 seconds and speed limited to 250kmh. Sounds like no other V8 we've driven. Tames HSVs in a single bound.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Not really, drinks premium at a rate of 14.3-litres/100k if you can stay off the loud pedal. Is it "Green." Yes, sort of, despite kicking out plenty of CO2, the X5M passes EU5 emissions regulations. Australia is currently at the equivalent of EU3.DOES IT HAVE MANY SAFETY FEATURES?Yes, jammed with safety kit including six air bags, sports calibrated stability control, huge brakes, safety cell chassis.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Leather, dual climate control, 600 watt audio, voice control, TV, large info screen are you kidding? But the firm two mode (Sport and Normal) suspension can get jiggly on uneven surfaces. Run flat tyres have little give. A switch to Normal suspension fixes that. Has air rear suspension.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Fabulous, despite weighing 2300kg, steers like a sports sedan, has impressive response at any speed, great brakes, flat cornering even when pushing hard. Love the paddle shift though its fixed to the wheel. Those M people know how to to do performanceIS IT LUXURIOUS?Top drawer. Nothing of any note left off the features list. Is it value for money? Erm, depends on your perspective. We would find it difficult handing over so much to the government in luxury car tax _ but that applies to many cars. Would we buy one? Maybe, if we won the lottery. The thing is the turbo diesel X5 35d is such a good thing _ whack on a set of big wheels and option it up and you'd be happy as a pig....

BMW has been building cars with M badges for more than 30 years and jealously guards their reputation. Products from its M division -- it originally stood for motorsport -- represent the finest dynamics that BMW can bring to market along with sizzling pace from characterful engines. Cars with an M in their badge have the job of casting a halo over the bread-and-butter products that make up the bulk of its sales.Not every car gets the treatment. The core model is the M3, which takes BMW's bestselling junior executive range and spices it up with a V8. Coupes and convertibles are also candidates, as well as the larger M5 sedan and wagon.Enthusiasts devour the details of each new generation.Until recently, BMW disdained the trend towards performance SUVs even though its biggest rival, Mercedes-Benz, was having great success with an AMG version of its M-Class off-roader. Presumably, BMW concluded that the dynamics of a tall and heavy SUV could never be brought to a level where they would do justice to a performance powerplant and merit an M badge.All that changed with last year's launch of the X5 M and X6 M. BMW's M division now produces go-fast versions of vehicles that lack the rear-wheel drive purity of previous M-cars -- they are all-wheel drive -- and have inherent disadvantages when it comes to outright performance.The numbers, however, are impressive: BMW now has the two most powerful SUVs offered in Australia.With a newly developed 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 that pumps out 408kW, both cars pip the recently discontinued Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (with 404kW) and easily outgun the supercharged Range Rover Vogue (375kW) or Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (375kW).The X5 M and X6 M are mechanical twins and the latter was designed to be a crossover SUV with more of a driver focus. Its coupe-on-stilts styling means it cannot compete on practicality with a mainstream SUV. The X5 M would seem to offer BMW's engineers even more of a challenge. This is a traditional SUV design with a taller profile and space for passengers and cargo.On the spec sheets there's a surprise: aside from minor dimensional differences, the vital statistics of an X5 M are identical to those of the X6 M. Both have a kerbweight of 2.4 tonnes, sprint to 100km/h in the same blistering 4.7 seconds and can reach 250km/h before the electronic limiter kicks in.This V8 engine is a beauty, with a deep throaty rumble that gets sweeter in tone and higher in pitch as it revs to 7000rpm. Its twin-scroll turbocharger delivers substantial torque before the engine has even woken up, at 1500rpm, and linear power. It drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic that's smooth and smart, even if it did deliver the occasional unwanted change-up.On paper the X5 M will beat the Q7 V12 in a straight line and almost certainly through the bends as well. It's lighter and shorter than the Audi, and its chassis offers more involvement. It's firm, but there's still body roll and feedback through the seat of your pants. The steering is meatier and seems quicker while the ride is a little more compliant.However, bringing the X5 M's dynamic performance into line with its powertrain ability does involve a huge array of physics-defying technology. This is based around hardware that's common to many high-end BMWs such as active anti-roll bars, electronic dampers and air springs. The newest addition is Dynamic Performance Control, which splits torque between the rear wheels to enhance handling in corners, pulling the car around when required.Although the X5 M is more engaging than the Q7 V12 from behind the wheel, both experiences feel heavily fenced around by the software and hardware required to make the notion of a performance SUV work at all. Unavoidably, it's a more mediated experience than M versions of coupes or sedans and there's something contradictory -- almost absurd -- in trying to chuck a tall off-roader around like a sports car.There is, however, a market for SUVs with attitude and with its new breed of M division SUVs BMW is effectively saying, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.''If it means the original M mantra has to be tweaked a little, that's a compromise BMW is prepared to make.BMW X5 M - $172,900-plus on-road costs

To look at BMW's new X5 is pretty much the same as the previous one.  A nip here, a tuck there, a new eight-speed auto, with engines that have been tweaked to produce more power but better fuel economy.Separately they don't amount to much but together they add up to a significantly better motor vehicle -- one that doesn't stray too far from the tried and tested formula.It's a formula that has turned the soft road wagon into a landmark for the Bavarian car maker and one that has spawned plenty of imitators, many from within its own ranks.  The single biggest market for the car in the world remains the United States which once accounted for half of all X5s sold.It's not surprising then that BMW chose the States to launch its new 2010 X5 lineup.  As car sales floundered in the wake of the global financial crisis, the X5 emerged from the economic ruin with its sales record virtually intact.It says something about the popularity of this vehicle.  The new X5 is due to arrive here in Australia in June, but we got a taste of things to come this week.  Miami is home to the likes of J.Lo, canals filled with million dollar yachts and a rich mix of traditional American and Spanish cultures.  The flat, low-lying countryside is traversed by long, wide boulevards, roads that are just made for cruising.X5 is BMW's secong biggest seller and these days it's looking more sophisticated and muscular than ever.Variants and drivetrainsThe previous entry level model, known as the XDrive 30i, has become the xDrive 35i, reflecting the higher output of its three-litre turbocharged straight petrol six.  Twin turbos have been replaced by a single, twin-scroller turbocharger, the same as in the GT and 5 Series.The 3.0-litre direct injection engine now produces 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque -- 12 per cent more power and a whopping 27 per cent more torque.  The extra 85Nm of torque is reflected in the car's performance figures, particularly the dash from 0-100km/h which now takes 6.8 seconds instead of 8.1.Although the car is up to 85kg heavier, the back room boys have still managed to trim fuel consumption, down from 10.2 to 10.1 litres/100km.  The story is repeated wit other models which now comprise the xDrive 30d and 40d diesels and the xDrive 50i V8 petrol model -- not to mention the firebreathing X5 M.All of the car are force-fed in one form or another and all benefit from the introduction of fuel saving technologies, with brake energy regeneration standard across the range.AppearanceYou only have to park the new X5 next to one of the first generation 1999 models to see how dated the older car is looking, to see how similar yet different they at once are.  Front and rear bumpers along with the lights have been redesigned, large diameter tailpipes and lower profile roof bars fitted.  Inside there's a couple of new colour schemes.DrivingWe got to drive the XDrive 35i model both on and off road, although BMW readily admits few owners actually get the car's tyres dirty.  The free revving straight six is a willing worker with a turn of speed and angry rasp under hard acceleration, but can be a tad thirsty around town (we were getting 15.8 litres/100km.It was the X5 that introduced car-like dynamics to the luxury SUV segment.  This one like the previous model is smooth and easy to drive, with little body roll to speak of.The xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.  With eight cogs on call, the transmission is never found wanting but it does feel busy at times.The real benefits are in performance and fuel economy, both of which have improved.  Disappointingly, the optional head-up display continues to be invisible to polarised sunglasses.Prices for the X5 currently start at $86,000, the new pricing structure will be announced closer to launch.  As always there are a host of options, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that automatically brakes and accelerates the car to a set speed -- just the thing for city traffic. 

The surge in popularity of the so-called Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, meant that every carmaker was eventually going to get involved in what has been the fastest growing market segment in the last decade or more. It’s been the sales phenomenon of the new century and looks like there’s no slowing the momentum.Four-wheel drive wagons have long been popular for rough tough going out back o’ beyond, but with the development of electronics has come the ability to refine them for city use. It’s allowed carmakers to build vehicles that have a degree of off-road credibility, while giving them the power to refine them to a level of a town car. With this ability it was only time before the likes of BMW and ’Benz got in on the act and built benchmark cars like the X5 and ML.The X5 was one of the first of the new breed luxury SUVs and was received with rave reviews, even by those who doubted you could build a big heavy car with such road manners as the X5 had.MODEL WATCH The SUV has been an attempt to blend bush ability with town manners; it’s the taming of the old bush basher and giving it the refinement to cope with town traffic. Carmakers like to toss around terms such as car-like when they’re talking up their SUVs, but it’s something that’s hard to achieve when in reality you’re talking about a vehicle weighing all of two tones and some.BMW got pretty close with the X5, not surprisingly given the sporting nature of the brand. There’s no escaping the body roll and sway that came with the territory, but the six-cylinder model set a standard with a balance and responsiveness belying its mass and physical dimensions. The V8s tended to be a little front heavy, which dulled the response somewhat.The X5 began life here as a 4.4-litre V8 in 2000. It had double overhead camshafts, 32-valves and put out 210 kW and 440 Nm. It was joined a few months later by a 3.0-litre double overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine that produced 170 kW and 300 Nm. Finally, in 2002 a 4.6-litre V8 that delivered 255 kW and 480 Nm was added to the engine choices. All of that was directed through a five-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels as required.Modern electronics gave designers the capability of controlling each wheel individually, so systems like traction control and ABS could be used to brake individual wheels as needed and direct traction to other wheels that weren’t spinning or losing traction.The X5 handled slippery roads with ease, and stood up beyond the black top as long as the going isn’t too tough. Like you would expect the X5 was fully equipped with every that opened and shut in a car so you wouldn’t be left wanting for anything.IN THE SHOP Even BMWs break down on occasion so don’t buy an X5 thinking you’ve got something that’s absolutely bulletproof. That said they’re pretty good with few flaws that regularly strike them down. If you need to do some repairs, be prepared for a sizable bill for parts, as they are very expensive.It’s best to find a BMW specialist to keep your X5 running smoothly. They might not have a glossy showroom, but they will be able to source parts that are more affordable than the factory parts, and will often be able to repair components instead of simply replacing them, as dealers are wont to do as a matter of course. A BMW catalytic converter, for example, can cost more than $2500 if you have to replace it, but most specialists can source converters for as little as $400.IN A CRASH Mass will always win out when it comes to the crunch and the X5 is well endowed in that area, but it handles, steers and stops well so it has pretty good dynamic safety. It also has all of the safety items you would expect of an expensive car as the X5 surely is. Look for an array of airbags on all sides to intervene in a crunch.AT THE PUMP Pushing a vehicle weighing around two tonnes around town isn’t going to be cheap so don’t expect miracles from the X5. The 3.0-litre six should return 11-13 L/100 km, the V8s one or two more if you can keep your right foot under control.LOOK FOR • BMW badge cred.• Good looks• Regular visits to the pump• Good performance for size• Luxury at all turnsTHE BOTTOM LINE If your budget allows the X5 sets the standard for luxury SUVsRATING 78/100

We looked forward to being seen in the latest edition of BMW's X5 with the special enthusiasm one might reserve for being clamped in stocks and pelted with rotten vegetables by a jeering mob of vigilantes.It's not for nothing that the regular reader (happy Mother's Day, honey) has begun to suspect we're not altogether in favour of fat SUVs in the city.So, just to clarify: we do not advocate persecuting owners. Gosh no. They should have a fair trial first. Then on to the persecution.It isn't that SUV owners are necessarily worse drivers than the rest of us — the Australian standard is universally awful. Which is a bit like the roads, actually.It's just that when an SUV-head lurches down the City West Link (mobile clamped to ear and two wheels in each lane) or U-turns at a red-light intersection, or can't be bothered indicating before lane barging, they're liable to inflict a lot more damage on an innocent road user than the idiot who does likewise in a Yaris.Possibly the best that can be said for the X53.0sd (“super diesel”, for heaven's sake) is that it almost overcomes the prejudice of even so vehement a critic of SUVs in the suburbs as we.It's hardly BMW's fault that this country's mad tariff and tax regime would make a behemoth such as this more affordable than a sedan fitted with the same stonking 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel. Not that the hugely-praised-in-Europe 335d is on the cards for this part of the planet.And that's a pity because, in typically clinical Bimmer fashion, it's mightily impressive — even more so in its way than the marque's much babbled-about (by us) twin-turbo petrol engine.As harnessed to the 3.0sd, it achieves an impressive 200kW and a truly alpine torque peak of 565Nm from way down low in the rev range.Near as frugal and low-emitting as the lesser X5 3.0d Executive, the uber version is almost sports-sedan quick. A neat 7.2 seconds is claimed for the 0-100km/h dash and it feels it — you have to look hard to detect any substantial lag when leaping off the line.And it gets about as close you could reasonably expect something of this size and displacement to sports sedan-like handling.BMW likes the X5 to be known as an “SAV” — for sports activity vehicle — as opposed to the utilitarian SUV. This isn't just the jargon you expect from a car company: the X5's rear-biased all-wheel-drive, balance and general dynamic surety are enhanced when pushing on a bit by electronic safety devices that presume the driver has some slight idea of what they're about.Still, as we say, that's a generous assumption in a country of non-existent driver training.In oppressive city conditions (and let's face it, most X5s leave town once a year to go to Thredbo), the reversing camera and all-around visual proximity sensors make it easier to reverse park than certain hatchbacks we've driven lately.Though the vehicle is well-endowed with kit by BMW standards, the options list is long and varied enough to fill one of these columns.Suffice to say, our loan vehicle came with the $4500 sports package which adds sport suspension settings (which, just for once, manage not to wreck the ride), a fat steering wheel, 19-inch light-alloys, nicer seats, poncey trim and even tarted-up roof lining.None of these niceties disguises the stark fact that this is basically a Bimmer interior, comfortable enough to be sure, but some way from the MLs, Q7s or Cayennes of this world.Of all the German marques, it's the current generation of BMWs that serves most to remind us of Blackadder's immortal remark that “there's no word in the German language for fluffy.”Frippery aside, the newest X5 is remorselessly impressive — a better idea in most circumstances than the substantially more expensive and thirsty V8 petrol jobbie.Yet for everyone sitting smug in an X5, there's always going to be someone who sees you as a complete knob. Even if they don't lob an old spud at you. Snapshot BMW X5 3.0sdPrice: from $105,800Engine: 3L/6-cylinder turbo diesel; 200kW/565Nm and 0-100km/h: 7.2secondsEconomy: 12.4L/100km, as tested