German Car Zone

Rolls Off Your Tongue, Doesn't It? New BMW Diesel Makes Its Way into X5


Forget the clunky name. It doesn't do the X5 with BMW's new-generation, 50-state-legal diesel engine on-board justice. Far removed from the smelly, noisy, American stereotype, the engine serves as an excellent ambassador to the U.S., offering a glimpse at the available civility of the powerful -- and fuel-efficient -- diesels coming ashore lately.

During our recent test of the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d, we found BMW's 3.0L turbodiesel straight six (also available for the 3 Series) smooth, quiet, and potent. The last should come as no surprise, but most consider the other two concepts alien in good-old-fashioned oil burners. Though the engine produces a stunning 425 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm, the forward surge doesn't feel dramatic. It's progressive, but nonetheless quick. At 6.7 sec from 0-to-60 mph, Civic Si owners should think twice before trying to out-accelerate this 5111-lb SUV from a stoplight. X5 owners shouldn't feel too cocky though, as they'll have to keep an eye out for lead-footed Lexus RX 450h drivers; the hybrid RX we recently tested will hit 60 mph a couple ticks faster.

The situation changes when the road bends -- at least in the case of the Lexus. The RX 450h is unable to muster the same grip, falling over a second and a handful of lateral g short of the X5's 27.5-sec and 0.62g MT figure-eight result. But here the Civic zooms away, as it bests the BMW by 1.0 sec and 0.3 g. While the X5's 2.5-ton mass relegates its figure-eight performance in between the Mazda3 and Acura TSX, with a weight distribution of 51/49, it is better balanced than both.


Full Test: Motor Trend - Quick Test: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d



M