BMW X5 - 4.8i Test Drive

CorpusCallosum

The old X5 was obviously a huge sales success for BMW, but was considered by most BMW enthuisist to be against the philosphy of the BMW nameplate. The E53 showed us how dynamic a SUV can be the E70 expands upon this stereotype as the X5 being a pumped up sporta sedan. The car tested was a space grey BMW X5 4.8i with beige interior.

The first thing you notice about the car is how dynamic it looks. The flowing lines and aggressive angles combine to form a both sport orientated and elegent look. In the reviewers opinion

the best looking SUV on the market. Space grey is a somewhat new colour and a favourite of mine.

I already had a high opinion about the X5 interior but after actually touching, smelling and sitting inside the cabin, you can't quite grasp the opulence and quality of the E70 interior. The quality was top notch and the overall design and ergonomics is better then any current BMW... I gave the interior 5 and it deserves 5...

Starting the beast engine up brought out the aussie heart in me.. Nothing like a stonking, big V8 burble to go with the meat pie and beer. AND WHAT A V8 IT IS... It's like a rolls royce jet engine... WHAM and your off... It explodes off the line whilst maintaining the luxurious control you expect of a BMW. Never did the engine seem unrefined and I now understand why BMW win so much egine of the year awards

The ride was three generations ahead of the previous X5. It was somewhat bumpy on Australian roads but my short test drive showed the improvements in the X5 suspension. It was both comfortable and relaxing as well as dynamic and entertaining. It cornered with ease and little if no body roll and just seemed like ti was born to be a sports car... in the body of the SUV... BMW engineers do no what they are doing

Overall the car is great, I recommend it to anyone interested in a SUV and when I left thinking how much ebtter then the E53 the E70 is, you just know that BMW have recreated a sheer genuise that offers sheer driving pleasure

PS. How is iDrive difficult to use??? HOW???

cawimmer430 · 07-05-2007, 04:20 AM

Nice review. To the point. Karma given.

I've never used i-Drive so I wouldn't know what the beef is with it. My sister's upcoming BMW 118i doesn't have i-Drive, so I guess I'll never know until I can convince the dealer to let me drive the X5 3.0d and that gorgeous 335i Coupe they have up there!

BMW_Dude · 07-05-2007, 08:38 AM

Nice review, thanks for posting!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

I've never used i-Drive so I wouldn't know what the beef is with it. My sister's upcoming BMW 118i doesn't have i-Drive, so I guess I'll never know until I can convince the dealer to let me drive the X5 3.0d and that gorgeous 335i Coupe they have up there!

When I went to the Frankfurt motorshow a few years ago, I had the chance to use both the I-drive and command in the w220 S class, and would say the graphics on the command where much nicer, and it seemed easier to use than the I-Drive without any practice. But I'm sure after you have owner the car for a few days, you'd get used to any system!

CorpusCallosum · 07-05-2007, 09:01 AM

^ the mercedes graphics are alot better, but I expect the new 7 series to have better graphics then the COMMAND system.. iDrive is simple if you understand the ipod and computers i guess haha... I didnt have any problems with it

Giannis · 07-05-2007, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the review BMW owner. I see you have only positive comments about the interior. I have to say that i am obsessed with interiors and this time BMW have blown me up..

I have not yet seen the new X5 IRL so i can't really comment on the exterior.

Have you driven the new ML? I'd like to see somebody who has driven them both.

PS. Hey folks, i have tested Audi's MMI once at a car show (in an A6) and it was extremely easy to use!

cawimmer430 · 07-05-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW_Dude

But I'm sure after you have owner the car for a few days, you'd get used to any system!

Exactly.

I've always thought that once you drive your BMW 7-Series for a week or two, you'll easily master i-Drive. Most complaints I've heard were from testers who drove the car for what? A couple of hours?

ateekt · 07-05-2007, 02:13 PM

Nice review & sharp observations

...!

I never had problems with i-drive but still, sometimes it's enough confusing to beat an "Algebra" exercise

...!

MoSs AMG · 08-27-2007, 12:27 AM

excelent review man, the new X5 is a beutifull car indeed, those sharp lights , the slick lines, the grill , and the interior is amazing. the new X5 is one of the greatest cars i have ever experianced in my life , we bought a new x5 3.0 like 3 monthes ago, sport pachage, the collor is navy blue, and beige interior, i drive it allmost aLL the time, and the more i drive it the more i love it .

Tycoon · 08-27-2007, 03:11 AM

Thanks for the review, mate!

Nice to hear such good things about my next car...

Mr. M · 08-27-2007, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis

Thanks for the review BMW owner. I see you have only positive comments about the interior. I have to say that i am obsessed with interiors and this time BMW have blown me up..

I have not yet seen the new X5 IRL so i can't really comment on the exterior.

Have you driven the new ML? I'd like to see somebody who has driven them both.

PS. Hey folks, i have tested Audi's MMI once at a car show (in an A6) and it was extremely easy to use!

MMI is quite simple to use but I feel it has the worst graphics of the lot. It's all just red and yellow, I hope to see a full colour screen in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TycoonGTR

Thanks for the review, mate!

Nice to hear such good things about my next car...

When is it coming bro?

Thanks BMW_Owner for the review.

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