DRIVE
POWERFUL LUXURY
With space for up to seven people and a 0 to 100 km / h dash of 7.7 seconds, the
new BMW X5 25d delivers space and power, with a huge dollop of luxury. By staff writer(@ travelupdatersa)
The BMW X5 has become somewhat of an icon in the segment for large 5- and 7-seater vehicles. It’ s been around for close to 20 years and was one of the first vehicles to combine the space of an SUV with the handling and speed of a sporty sedan. For this reason, BMW never called it a Sports Utility Vehicle, but a Sports Activity Vehicle.
Now in its third generation, the new X5 builds well on this legacy. The diesel engine powering the new X5 25d is‘ only’ a 2-litre, but delivers a staunch 170kW and 500Nm of torque. Compare that to something equally sporty, like the two-litre diesel Jaguar F-Pace, with 132kW and 430Nm torque, and you can see why the X5’ s stats are nothing to scoff at.
Your right foot can thank two turbos under the hood for the X5’ s power, but your wallet will be equally grateful for BMW’ s Efficient Dynamics. Thanks to that, the X5 is remarkably frugal. The system combines a quick 8-speed gearbox with clever technology – energy gets harvested from the brakes and sent back into the system, the engine automatically switches off and on at intersections and it even tweaks things like power steering to conserve energy. And less energy means less fuel. The manufacturer claims as little as 5.6 litres / 100km( under controlled
circumstances), and I managed 9.5 litres / 100km in a week of combined city and open-road driving. Not bad at all for a vehicle of this size and power.
On the road
The first-class interior swaddles you in a snug, but spacious environment with very little road or wind noise. It’ s also a connected car, and through the Connected Drive system can do just about anything from reading your emails to suggesting the nearest restaurant. It even tells you the weather!
Behind the wheel, it’ s a joy. The X-Drive system can deliver power to all four wheels individually. This all-wheel drive system, combined with sporty suspension, makes it a soft yet firm and fun drive on tar or gravel. And with ground clearance of 209mm, there are few gravel roads in South Africa you won’ t enjoy – in comfort and luxury.
Take a drive!
To enjoy the X5’ s handling, power and comfort, we drove from Cape Town to Wellington, through the curvy Bainskloof Pass and Slanghoek Valley, and back to Cape Town over Du Toitskloof Pass.
Specifications
Engine: 1995cc, four cylinder twin turbo diesel. Power: 170kW @ 4 400 r. p. m. Torque: 500Nm @ 2 000 r. p. m. Fuel consumption: 5.6l / 100km CO 2( g / km): 146 Price: R945 700
52 Travel Update | issue 9