It's all about the drive
What does a car builder need to get buyers into its dealerships? First of all, you need a brand name. BMW; check. Second of all, you need products that people want to be seen in. BMW; check. And thirdly, you need vehicles that people want to drive. BMW, well, you get the idea. The Bayerische Motoren Werke Company has, over the years, firmly established itself as one of the makes that consumers want to associate and be associated with. These consumers want a little bit of everything and therefore, they receive. A manufacturer should be able to fully furnish one of their customer's driveways and or garages and to fulfill their desires.
In 2000, BMW took a closer step towards fulfillment by introducing the X5 SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle. The X5 was basically a real Sport utility with the emphasis on the drive, what else could be expected from the Ultimate Driving machine? In one swift movement, with a Chris Bangle design, BMW supplanted all other builders. Here is why.
It is and isn't
From the outside, the X5 takes the shape of the previous E39 5 Series
BMW wagon with extra ground clearance. Unless the vehicle is in "is" trim, the X5 is no more than a tall pleasant luxury family mover. From front to back, the vehicle carries all the usual BMW attributes starting with the twin-kidney grill to the creased body lines. The X5 was a big step forward at the beginning of the century and it is starting to show its age; no one will argue though and say that it is no longer handsome.
The cabin receives the same attention to detail as any other BMW. The materials and craftsmanship are excellent and the comfort level is supreme. The one single item to stand out for me while I was behind the wheel of the X5 was how low the beltline was. All other bimmers and many modern cars have a window that rises from my mid-shoulder whereas the X5's begins just above my elbow. To be frank, the X5's interior is quite nearly flawless and its simplicity and functionality may have been lost in more modern BMWs. As expected, every seating position provides plenty of comfort and support.
To go or to GO!
My Executive Edition sported the tried, tested and true 225 hp 3.0L inline 6-cylinder. Because of the impeding arrival of a new X5, BMW thought it wiser to reserve the new R6 I-6 for the next generation. Coupled with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the X5 3.0i manages to move the 2 130 kg truck fairly well although when loaded with three passengers and some gear, maintaining momentum becomes an expensive 16.5L / 100 km affair. The 4.4L V8 on the other hand, revels in passing and accelerating.
An SUV that handles
Whether making your way through the tight Plateau streets or flying on the highway at plus-legal speeds, the X5 is never at a loss for what it can do. It is very nimble and agile, more so than its girth would belie. Its suspension features an ideal calibration: it is able to absorb nasty road conditions and deliver impressive handling capabilities. In fact, the X5 is still, after six years, one of the best if not the best driving SUVs. Lexus, Infiniti and Audi have impressive products but they do not match the tactility of the BMW. Consequently, steering is reassuringly communicative and the braking system performs faultlessly.
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In 2000, BMW took a closer step towards fulfillment by introducing the X5 SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle. The X5 was basically a real Sport utility with the emphasis on the drive, what else could be expected from the Ultimate Driving machine? In one swift movement, with a Chris Bangle design, BMW supplanted all other builders. Here is why.
It is and isn't
From the outside, the X5 takes the shape of the previous E39 5 Series
 |
The cabin receives the same attention to detail as any other BMW. The materials and craftsmanship are excellent and the comfort level is supreme. The one single item to stand out for me while I was behind the wheel of the X5 was how low the beltline was. All other bimmers and many modern cars have a window that rises from my mid-shoulder whereas the X5's begins just above my elbow. To be frank, the X5's interior is quite nearly flawless and its simplicity and functionality may have been lost in more modern BMWs. As expected, every seating position provides plenty of comfort and support.
To go or to GO!
 |
An SUV that handles
Whether making your way through the tight Plateau streets or flying on the highway at plus-legal speeds, the X5 is never at a loss for what it can do. It is very nimble and agile, more so than its girth would belie. Its suspension features an ideal calibration: it is able to absorb nasty road conditions and deliver impressive handling capabilities. In fact, the X5 is still, after six years, one of the best if not the best driving SUVs. Lexus, Infiniti and Audi have impressive products but they do not match the tactility of the BMW. Consequently, steering is reassuringly communicative and the braking system performs faultlessly.