X5 Comes Alive (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_bmwx5_2018

By Jonathan Crouch

BMW's X5 was the original 'Sports Activity Vehicle'. And this improved version of the fourth generation model is more sophisticated than ever before. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 67

This updated version of BMW's fourth generation X5 demonstrates the brand's latest advances in technology, design and safety, with sharper looks, a completely upgraded cabin and extra equipment. The key changes though, lie beneath the bonnet, with big advances in electrification, particularly for the now larger-battery xDrive50e Plug-in Hybrid model. So it's all change - but very much business as usual. You wouldn't expect anything less really.

Backgroundword count: 175

The BMW X5. It was the car that, back at the turn of the century, completely changed the way we thought about large, plush 4x4s, the car that, more than any other, defined the modern luxury SUV and the one that since the turn of the century, almost every other prestige brand has sought to copy. Nevertheless, 2.2 million X5s have been sold since this model line first appeared back in 1999. BMW doesn't actually like the term 'SUV' with its clunky connotations and has always marketed this car as an 'SAV' or 'Sports Activity Vehicle', though the tag has never really caught on. As you'd expect, this fourth generation version moves the game on a little further again, offering what, on paper at least, BMW claims to be the best combination of performance and efficiency in its class. But the competition's tougher than ever before, with rivals claiming better driving dynamics, extra practicality and greater luxury. With all that in mind, is this still the most complete car in its segment? Let's find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 405

As before, xDrive 4WD comes fitted across the range, but otherwise quite a lot's gone on under the bonnet as part of this facelift. The 3.0-litre six cylinder diesel variant most will choose (still badged xDrive30d) gains a revised 48V mild hybrid system, adding 12bhp and 200Nm of torque via a gearbox-mounted electric motor. That xDrive30d diesel puts out 298hp and makes 62mph in 6.1s. The other conventionally-powered model is petrol V8 M variant, now badged 'M60i' (which also gets the 48V mild hybrid system); that M60i offers 530hp and makes 62mph in just 4.3s, courtesy of a prodigious 750Nm of torque. At the very top of the range is the X5 M Competition, which has 625hp and makes 62mph in just 3.9s. The biggest mechanical changes though, are reserved for the Plug-in Hybrid version, now badged 'xDrive50e'. This gets a newer generation turbocharged 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol engine putting out an extra 26hp. There's also a more powerful 84hp gearbox-mounted electric motor, creating a powertrain total output of 490hp and a 0-62mph capability of 4.8s. Yet because battery capacity has also risen (by 3.4kWh to 25.7kWh), if you drive more conservatively, an official WLTP-rated EV driving range between 58 and 68 miles is apparently possible. All X5s get an updated eight-speed Steptronic Sport auto transmission with a host of innovations over and above the electric motor integrated into its housing. The unit's internal efficiency, vibration damping and shift timing have all been optimised, while shift characteristics are now adapted to the Driving Experience Control switch setting. The gearbox also includes a Launch Control function, plus using the gearshift paddles, drivers can activate a Sprint function for a quick burst of speed. Otherwise, things are much as before. A two-axle air suspension system is standard, as is a 'Dynamic Damper Control' set-up to tailor ride quality, this accessible through the usual Driving Experience Control driving modes system. If you want to go further, the 'Adaptive M suspension Professional' package delivers two key enhancements. First, there's 'Active roll stabilisation - which compensates for cornering roll. And second there's 'Integral Active Steering' - which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction, depending on the vehicle speed. This optimises cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic. The few customers likely to venture 'off piste' can also specify an Off-Road package.

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