BMW X5 2010 review: first drive

To look at BMW's new X5 is pretty much the same as the previous one.  A nip here, a tuck there, a new eight-speed auto, with engines that have been tweaked to produce more power but better fuel economy.

Separately they don't amount to much but together they add up to a significantly better motor vehicle -- one that doesn't stray too far from the tried and tested formula.

It's a formula that has turned the soft road wagon into a landmark for the Bavarian car maker and one that has spawned plenty of imitators, many from within its own ranks.  The single biggest market for the car in the world remains the United States which once accounted for half of all X5s sold.

It's not surprising then that BMW chose the States to launch its new 2010 X5 lineup.  As car sales floundered in the wake of the global financial crisis, the X5 emerged from the economic ruin with its sales record virtually intact.

It says something about the popularity of this vehicle.  The new X5 is due to arrive here in Australia in June, but we got a taste of things to come this week.  Miami is home to the likes of J.Lo, canals filled with million dollar yachts and a rich mix of traditional American and Spanish cultures.  The flat, low-lying countryside is traversed by long, wide boulevards, roads that are just made for cruising.

X5 is BMW's secong biggest seller and these days it's looking more sophisticated and muscular than ever.

Variants and drivetrains

The previous entry level model, known as the XDrive 30i, has become the xDrive 35i, reflecting the higher output of its three-litre turbocharged straight petrol six.  Twin turbos have been replaced by a single, twin-scroller turbocharger, the same as in the GT and 5 Series.

The 3.0-litre direct injection engine now produces 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque -- 12 per cent more power and a whopping 27 per cent more torque.  The extra 85Nm of torque is reflected in the car's performance figures, particularly the dash from 0-100km/h which now takes 6.8 seconds instead of 8.1.

Although the car is up to 85kg heavier, the back room boys have still managed to trim fuel consumption, down from 10.2 to 10.1 litres/100km.  The story is repeated wit other models which now comprise the xDrive 30d and 40d diesels and the xDrive 50i V8 petrol model -- not to mention the firebreathing X5 M.

All of the car are force-fed in one form or another and all benefit from the introduction of fuel saving technologies, with brake energy regeneration standard across the range.

Appearance

You only have to park the new X5 next to one of the first generation 1999 models to see how dated the older car is looking, to see how similar yet different they at once are.  Front and rear bumpers along with the lights have been redesigned, large diameter tailpipes and lower profile roof bars fitted.  Inside there's a couple of new colour schemes.

Driving

We got to drive the XDrive 35i model both on and off road, although BMW readily admits few owners actually get the car's tyres dirty.  The free revving straight six is a willing worker with a turn of speed and angry rasp under hard acceleration, but can be a tad thirsty around town (we were getting 15.8 litres/100km.

It was the X5 that introduced car-like dynamics to the luxury SUV segment.  This one like the previous model is smooth and easy to drive, with little body roll to speak of.

The xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.  With eight cogs on call, the transmission is never found wanting but it does feel busy at times.

The real benefits are in performance and fuel economy, both of which have improved.  Disappointingly, the optional head-up display continues to be invisible to polarised sunglasses.

Prices for the X5 currently start at $86,000, the new pricing structure will be announced closer to launch.  As always there are a host of options, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that automatically brakes and accelerates the car to a set speed -- just the thing for city traffic.