The BMW X5 is a classic SUV and delivers in its fourth edition again many arguments for this genus. Weaknesses we found in detail.
When the BMW X5 came on the market in the year 1999, the SUV offer was still clear. Twenty years later, he has to face many competitors. We wanted to know how the veteran rock, now available in the fourth generation since the end of last year, is now doing. For the test he started with the base engine.
The term base could be a bit irritating. The entry-level unit on the X5 is the xDrive30d, a six-cylinder in-line engine with 195 kW / 265 hp, which is available from 69.200 euros. If the 265 hp is not enough, you have to go for the M50d with 294 kW / 400 hp (from 92.200 euros) and - as the only petrol engine currently on offer - the xDrive40i with 250 kW / 340 hp (from 70.700 euros).
The 30d has dynamically met our expectations. Who passes the accelerator, creates the standard spurt in 6,5 seconds; up to tempo 230 km / h, it goes on a free highway forward, without the driver would notice any effort of the engine. However, the strength of the 30d is on this side of the maximum speed. In the range between 130 and 180 km / h, the diesel simply conveys powerful sovereignty. Due to the design of the six-cylinder convinced by smoothness; The power output of 620 Nm, which comes into play between 2.000 and 2.500 revolutions, contributes to travel comfort. The fact that you are traveling with an 2,2 ton heavy vehicle is not noticeable. The relaxed and powerful appearance is also due to the eight-speed automatic, which selects the right gear for every driving situation and does it all quickly and unobtrusively. With the gas pedal left, we came to an average consumption of 7,8 liters, a good liter more than the standard value. However, if one exploits the acceleration potential, it is, not surprisingly, in the direction of two-digit consumption. The chassis usually filters out bumps; But if you want to be comfortable, you should give up the sporty vote and set it to "comfort".
When it comes to comfort, the X5 seats also come into play. These are often electrically adjustable and actually provide the right setting for every body length and every back and neck anatomy. Unfortunately, the seat developers did not think of the less well-trained users. In other words, who has a little more meat on the ribs, feels uncomfortable from the seat pads and Seitenwulsten. We notice again and again that the side cheeks of the seat are pulled pseudo-sports, which always leads to annoyance at longer driver's legs, because the edges then press under the thigh. BMW is no exception, but it can do a lot better, for example with the 7er.
The current X5 is a bit more discreetly advanced compared to the predecessor models. The designer managed to skilfully hide the actual dimensions. Only a look at the technical data sheet shows that the SUV stretches to 4,92 meters in length. With unfolded exterior mirrors it comes across in proud 2,22 meters. So he is not necessarily predestined to feel at home in tight parking garages and narrow parking bays. His territory is rather everyday than a travel "sedan". Lots of space for the passengers is given; BMW also does not save on luxury. For just under 70.000 Euro, the clientele can expect a lot, and also receives features such as three-zone air conditioning, LED headlights, leather, heated seats including the heating of Türarm- and Mittelarmlehme and a comprehensive assistant package. Underneath is a rear-access helper, which backs up the last 50 driven meters in the forward direction on request backwards independently. Options such as laser matrix light, head-up display, chic livery, striking Alus, a better music system and other wizards let the price of X5 like to increase the cost of a well-equipped small car.
And not all assistants may seem sensible to the not very young driver. Why should one change the volume of the music system by means of gestures, especially as one likes to use one's hands while talking? After "manipulating" the volume several times unintentionally, the search for the deactivation option of the gesture control went into the bottom of the menu setting. Finally, we found the appropriate tick to turn this setting off.
Speaking of service. Of course, X5 has now become much more modern and stylish. The voice control works pretty well, where there were problems understanding when searching for a navigational address, a concierge offered to help. The navigation system worked perfectly and quickly. Audio, climate and connectivity settings are as usual via a central rotary push button and buttons for quick finding Media, navigation and main menu selected. Whereby an extra keypad is placed under the screen for the air conditioning, which is easy to operate, especially in the dark, because it is illuminated. In the bright medium buttons, because milled in aluminum, barely identifiable.
Using the large luggage compartment of 650 liters is not that easy. If you fold out the second divided tailgate, a flat sill is created. The lower tailgate is traditionally used as an outdoor seat in British camping tradition, but has the disadvantage in everyday life that objects that are in the trunk of the rear seat backrests, are not accessible to small people. Even tall people have to stretch to reach them.
Ultimately, the criticized points, however, are trivialities that do not detract from the quality of the large SUV travel, but just show room for improvement.