The BMW X5 40d sits plumb in the middle of the X5 range and as a whole the X5 is now into its third generation. It has evolved impressively from an Estate substitute to a key figure in BMWs world domination plans. This latest X5 at first glance looks like a pure evolution of its predecessor, hoping to succeed on the coattails of its past success. We got behind the wheel for a week and sought to find out for ourselves how BMWs latest luxury SUV copes.
Its all in the Details
Whilst the X5 initially doesnt look all that different from its predecessor when you get down the details of it, the small changes do a great job of modernising the overall package. The headlights for instance have a new sleeker, angrier design which gives the X5 a less gormless and more aggressive demeanour. The slightly curvier waist line optically lowers the centre of gravity and it appears less top heavy. Small touches like these have improved the X5s design without stretching too far into the unknown.
Twin Turbo
This BMW X5 40d is equipped with the middle specification power output of the 3-litre straight-six twin-turbo diesel engine. When I say middle, thats not to say its down on power, or torque for that matter. 230 kW and 630 Nm is plenty, no matter how much weight youre trying to tow around.
Zero to 100kph takes just 5.9 seconds and is backed up by a throaty engine note that doesnt sound much like a clattery diesel. You dont even have to feel guilty about the excessive power either as thanks to BMWs eight-speed automatic gearbox, the X5 40d drinks at a claimed rate of 6.2l/100km. The surplus of lowdown torque means the X5 can shift continuously at low RPM without bogging down which, results in decreased fuel consumption.
Lap of Luxury
The luxury SUV segment is not short of competitors building lavish interiors worthy of a room in a Sol Kerzner hotel. BMWs X5 is ensconced in leather from top to toe, even the third row of seats, which spend most of their life folded into the floor are leather. Rear passengers are also treated to 9.5-inch screens built into the front headrests, capable of many things including playing DVDs, TV, radio or the Internet through the stand alone rear entertainment system.
The rear loading space holds 650-litres and that sounds like a lot but is a bit down on competitors like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz ML. The drivers seat is the best place to sit though, the X5 is kitted to the hills and back. Safety seems to be the primary concern as systems in place range from radar detection of pedestrians and animals in the dark to lane departure warning, birds eye view parking assistant and anti-dazzle high beam assist. Watch how good BMW’s parking assistance is here.
Our BMW X5 40d was fitted with a Bang and Olufsen high end sound system. This is an absolute must for any music connoisseur as the 16-speakers littered throughout the cabin provide the most crisp and pitch perfect sound Ive ever heard.
Drive
There was never going to be many complaints about the X5s drive and road prowess. The X5s on road talent is impressive, it soaks up bumps, holes and manhole covers superbly, conveying a supremely comfortable yet subtle ride. Theres no excessive lean in the corners and you can get a move on with confidence nothing underneath you is going to surprise.
It is quite a heavy beast at two-tonnes and most of that weight feels like its on the nose of the X5, emergency turns and manoeuvres do tend to force the front end to dive and results in quite nasty understeer.
Final Thoughts
The new BMW X5 40d has improved the breed, the looks are sharper and more modern, the diesel engine is an absolute pearl and the package handles well. It has strong competition from rivals that have relatively new models in the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. You cant forget the Mercedes-Benz ML either. The X5 seems to find middle ground in all of them without necessarily trumping any of them. Its the Jack of all trades SUV and likely to be the default choice for consumers looking for a strong value proposition in the luxury SUV market.
Second Opinion
The BMW X5 40d is a vehicle you want to splash out for. With an assortment of engines and spec to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. I do feel the 40d bridges the gap between the flawless and pick-of-the-range 30d and the monstrous M50d, which offers incredible performance. I’m happy to report ‘our’ X5 sipped diesel at 9l/100km and was a lovely vehicle for four people to make a Winelands weekend excursion.-David Taylor
BMW X5 40d quick specs
| Price | R986 000 |
| Engine | 3-litre 6-cylinder twin-turbodiesel |
| Power | 230 kW |
| Torque | 630 Nm |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Automatic |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloys |
| 0-100km/h | 5.9 seconds (claimed) |
| Fuel economy | 6.2 l/100 km (claimed) |
We like:
. Evolutionary design
. Spectacular performance with impressive fuel economy
. On road ability defies size and weight
We dislike:
. Overseas models get more tech
. Less load space than rivals
Also consider:
Porsche Cayenne
Range Rover Sport
Mercedes-Benz ML
