BMW X5 great SUV but expensive insurance!
The original X5 introduced in 1999 turned the motoring world upside down and created a new type of vehicle – a sports 4×4 or sports utility vehicle. prior to the X5 4×4’s were crude and ungainly on the road and sporting was not a term that could be used to describe them.
The X5 changed everyones perceptions, here you had a large 4×4 that had around 90% of the dynamic ability, refinement and comfort of a BMW 5 series! This was a 4×4 that was better to drive on the road than many traditional slaoons and hatchbacks. This vehicle was largely responsible for the SUV boom of the last decade and rightly so. Over 600,000 X5’s have been sold and now after 8 successful years BMW have a new model on sale.
The most obvious difference with this new model is that there are 7 seat versions available for the first time. This was perhaps the single biggest failing of the old X5 as many SUV rivals have offered 7 seats for years to attract families out of MPV’s and into SUV’s. However 7 seats are only an option as the new X5 is a 5 seater in standard form.
To allow for 7 seat versions the X5 has had to grow in size, but to avoid this increase in size affecting the driving dynamics BMW have used lightweight materials and this new X5 despite being noticably bigger, is no heavier than the model it replaces.
The top selling model (in the UK and Europe at least) will be the 3.0 diesel, this upgraded engine now boasts 235bhp and 383lb ft of torque with a combined fuel consumption of 32.5mpg – compared to V8 SUV’s this consumption is positively frugal!
Despite the old X% having a chassis enabling it to rival sports cars BMW have bropught ina completely new design with active steering system (provides greater assistance at low speeds and less at high speeds to give more feedback) and adaptive drive ( reduces roll i while cornering) avaialable as options. This new model is even more stable at high speeds and better controlled through bends, it can be driven like a sporting saloon and responds to driver inputs accordingly.
Also new is the automatic gearbox, according to BMW the shifts happen twice as fast as the old system and are almost seamless, this has been confirmed by motoring journalists and the only way you can detect changes is by ear, and even then its difficult as the engines are just so refined, even the diesel!
Interestingly, despite the X5 being renowned for its on road manners, BMW have also improved its off orad credentials in this latest incanceration with the new BMW xDrive electronically controlled four wheel drive system which uses the cars engine management and stability control systems to apply power to wheels with most grip.There is also DSC which steadies car down hills and more impoetantly prevents “snaking” when towing.
The old X5 was king amongst SUV’s with sporting intentions and it was difficult to imagine any improvement in driving dynamics, but, somehow BMW have done it. If you are looking for a 4×4 that can cope with fast road driving as well as a sports saloon then there is no better car in this class!
If you are a young driver and are conteplating buying an X5 or similar high performance vehicle then please check out cheap young drivers insurance quotes
