BMW X5 35i 2010 Review

Whatever you want to call it - a Sport Utility or Activity Vehicle - the BMW X5 is a yardstick for the big wagon market.  The updated family truckster from BMW has adopted some new engines as well as a styling tweak and it reunites Carsguide with a much-loved engine.

The X5 35i is propelled by the sweet twin-turbo straight six and the chassis has lost none of its capability in the bends.

PRICING & DRIVETRAIN

The X5 35i might not look like value for money at $103,900 before it gets plates and a sticker, but there's a features list that takes a bit of the sting out of this versatile machine's pricetag. 

As you'd expect for that money, there's a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, keyless go, front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation (with hard drive), anti-dazzle mirrors, a sound system which shares the 80gig hard drive with the satnav, Bluetooth phone link that can be upgraded for Bluetooth audio, cruise control with braking function, 19in alloys, parking sensors front and rear, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights.

The test car was fitted with a number of options totalling about $12,000, including bi-xenon adaptive headlights with high-beam assist and the head-up display - which is informative (speed and satnav directions are handy) but the display doesn't show up at all well if the driver is wearing polarising sunglasses.  The lighting package isn't cheap but it is clever and effective.

TECHNOLOGY

The 35i (which replaces the near-$20,00 cheaper 30i) is powered by the direct-injection twin-turbo variable-valve straight-six petrol engine - one of the best powerplants in the BMW range, adding 20kW and 85Nm.  Despite a kerb weight over two tonnes, the 35i can still hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, and sings a sweet tune while doing so.

Featuring the double-VANOS variable camshaft control system, BMW claims that despite such good outputs and the 35i can return 10.1 litres per 100 km, down from the outgoing 30i by 1.6 l/100km.

That's probably due in no small part to the presence of the eight-speed automatic.  The BMW regenerative braking system is new to the X5, putting energy back into the electrical system and reducing the load on the powertrain.

DESIGN

There's no mistaking the X5 for anything other than the latest incarnation of the big Beemer - its sculpted and has bulges in all the right places, with the daytime running lights giving it even more menace than the already-aggressive road stance - it's gone up a size in wheel to 19in and that adds to the handsome looks.

Inside there's not an over-abundance of cabin space but enough for four adults - provided none are too tall - to be comfortably seated, with the boot able to swallow a reasonable amount, although it is not a cavernous load bay.  The optional third row is a kids-only bench and would eat into the luggage space - if you're needing a third row there are probably better options.

SAFETY

The X5 has all manner of passive and active safety systems, the most obvious being three-point seatbelts, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags.  There's also the stability control system, which comprises anti-lock brakes, traction control, roll-over sensors.

The big Beemer does have the off-road hill descent control system but given the vehicle is not really set up for off-roading it's a little superfluous.  It's all-wheel drive system is one of the more intelligent systems on offer, using all four wheels - running a front to rear 40:60 split most of the time - rather than running front-wheel drive and reacting to traction changes.

The system also sends drive to the rear end for corner exits, which contributes to its cornering prowess.

DRIVING

The X5 is without doubt one of the best SUVs to drive ... on the right road.  Tatty road surfaces that are becoming the norm are not flattering to the ride quality of the X5, due in part perhaps to the run-flat tyres on its rims.

But it gets better the harder you push it and can be swifter than appearances would suggest.  The turbo powerplant takes a smidgin longer to huff and puff and get underway than it does in a 1-Series coupe, but then extra lard will do that.

But once up and running, the seamless outputs put the big wagon well into its stride and it can be quick and pleasantly planted, a well-balanced machine to drive.  If it wears an SUV tag then it needs to be able to get a little dirty and A-grade dirt doesn't phase the big German (it's a Yank actually, built in Alabama).

Endowed with a well-controlled body, more-than competent chassis and clever four-wheel drive system - as well as the aforementioned grunt - the X5 makes back road trips fuss-free regardless of the surface.

VERDICT

A talented machine that - mostly - keeps getting better with every update - it's easy to see why the X5 outsells the smaller and cheaper X-models by more than two to one. 85/100

BMW X5 35i

Price: from $103,900.
Engine: three-litre 24-valve variable-valve twin-turbocharged petrol six-cylinder.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive.
Power: 225kW @ 5800rpm.
Torque: 400Nm between 1200 & 5000rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 6.8 seconds. Top speed 235km/h.
Fuel consumption: 10.1litres/100km, on test 14.9, tank 85litres.
Emissions: 236g/km.
Brakes: four-wheel ventilated discs, with stability, brake assist, hill descent and traction control systems.
Dimensions: length 4857mm, width 1933mm, height 1776mm, wheelbase 2933mm, track fr/rr 1644/1650mm, cargo volume 620/1750litres, towing capacity 750kg unbraked/2700kg braked, weight 2070kg.
Wheels: 19in alloys.