BMW X5 40d Sport 2011 Review

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 ML-Class, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg and even the Lexus RX.

TECHNOLOGY

We got hold of probably the most desirable X5, the 40d Sport that sells for $113,300.

It's a whole lot of car for the money offering stupendous performance from a 3.0-litre (not 4.0-litre as the name suggests) straight six diesel with twin variable geometry turbos that's good for 225kW and a whopping 600Nm from down as low as 1500rpm.

This latter statistic translates into serious performance across the entire engine operating range including off-idle. It's due to the smaller turbo spooling up at low revs while the larger unit adds its boost above 2500rpm.

The 2110kg X5 40d Sport can put away a 0-100kmh sprint in a scant 6.6 seconds while using as little as 7.5-litres/100km— amazing.

The eight-speed auto sounds like overkill but you can't tell when it's changing gears so the point is irrelevant. It is never caught out in the wrong cog unless you have opted for the paddle shift mode and forgot to flick down or up.

Drive is permanent to all wheels — variable electronically and in sync with the stability control system.

Though a big beast, the X5 40d Sport benefits from BMW's EfficientDynamics program with low rolling resistance tyres, a decoupling air conditioning compressor, regenerative braking, demand controlled ancillaries and a specially calibrated transfer box.

Aerodynamics are optimised and feature an active front vent control.

DRIVING

The X5 40d is an excellent vehicle to drive — distinctly sporty accentuated by a firm suspension and quick steering response.

It doesn't feel like you are piloting a 2110kg SUV, that's for sure.

The test vehicle had a range of options including the high end Top View satnav and reversing camera system that is highly recommended.

It rolls on rubber of gargantuan proportions to rival the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari.

The electric clamshell tailgate is impressive as is the way the third row of seats fold completely into the floor, easy to deploy too.

There's an incredible array of electronics under the X5's sculpted sheet metal including what is called Adaptive Drive that alters the suspension by means of small electric motors and electro-magnetics to suit any given driving environment.

It even has a particle filter in the exhaust to clean up emissions on the way to passing stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations.

It might be big but the X5 sure ain't bad.

BMW X5 40d sport

Price: from $113,300
Engine: TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line diesel engine
Power: 225kW/4400 revs
Torque: 600Nm/1500-2500 revs
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Body: Five-door wagon
Seats: Five (seven optional)
Dimensions: Length 4857mm, width 1933mm, height 1776mm, wheelbase 2933mm, tracks 1644front/1650rear mm/mm
Steering: Power-assisted 
Suspension: Fully independent
Fuel tank: 85 litres
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km
CO2 emissions: 198g/km
Weight: 2110kg
Spare: Spacesaver
Brakes: ABS four-wheel discs
Wheels: 9x19 front, 10x19 rear alloy
Tyres: 225x50 front, 285x45 rear
Safety: Front-side-head airbags, ABS with brake assist, dynamic braking lights, rear-view camera, ESP, hill-descent control, rollover sensor.