Now in its fourth generation. The X5, which in
1999 was BMW’s first SUV, sought the right mix of on-
road dynamics and off-road capability. With this newest
edition, BMW has delivered a five-passenger SUV
designed to thrill on any surface.
The X5 is certainly fun to toss around helped by
the fact it has the new CLAR architecture to help it carve
corners in a way once unheard of in an SUV.
Dynamically, the new X5 is a huge advance over the
outgoing model. Handling is agile and responsive, body
roll better contained and the full-throttle acceleration
through the gears is acoustically very satisfying. And
note, the smooth transmission is simply “sublime.”
The turbocharged V-8 sounds as good as it goes,
even if it is but a half-second faster to 60 mph than the
base turbo I-6 model. There are gobs of power at nearly
any rpm, and it pairs well with the eight-speed automatic
transmission that fires off quick, smart shifts.
The responsive suspension is precise and crisp.
In fact, the superb chassis was a champ on rough and
cracked pavement. It has responsive rear-steering and
a gem of an engine paired with the right transmission
allowing it to be comfortable when you need it to be
and sporty when you want it to be.
It’s a rare SUV that easily leans into curves with
agility. I liked the clear, natural steering feel and lightness
in the way it drives, one of the nicest-handling BMW
SUVs to date.
The iDrive infotainment interface continues to
improve and has become fairly intuitive to use, offering
both touch and knob controls. But I had trouble with
CarPlay connectivity, which often crashed and is
complicated to reconnect.
The 50i I tested had coffee-blonde leather seats
with light caramel stitching, aluminum tetragon trim
around the center console and iDrive controller dial.
Typical BMW quality materials and finish. The Harman
Kardon stereo thumps with authority.
Overall, the X5 offers not only a sublime but a terrific
all-around package and strong value for a luxury SUV at
the top of it’s game.
QUICK LOOKS Timothy Miller
ModernLifestyles.vip 91