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BMW X5 Diesel Executive Review

HerCar Rating:

Model Reviewed:
BMW X5 3.0L Diesel Executive
6 speed auto with Steptronic
$96,300*

Other models priced from:
X5 3.0Lsi
6 Speed auto with Steptronic
$85,000*

HerCar 3 word summary:

Prestige Family Car

HerCar Review

The BMW X5 is a stylish car for those who like the comfort and space of an SUV. Whilst you sit up high, the ride and handling is similar to a car. There are 4 engine variants to choose from: a 3.0 litre petrol, a 3.0 litre V6 diesel, a 3.0 litre V8 diesel and a 4.8 litre petrol. All models have 5 seats with the option of a third row for an additional $5,000. The model reviewed is a 3.0 litre diesel Executive which has plenty of power, smooth acceleration and an impressively quiet engine.

The BMW X5 offers plenty of very sophisticated (and very technical) features that make driving easier, more comfortable and safe. It’s also worth noting that there are many features that you can “add on” over and above the standard features of the model you have selected to have everything in your car that you want. These range from a panoramic sunroof to a rear DVD system. The following will touch on some of these and we highly recommend that you spend some time with a BMW sales consultant who can give you an in depth assessment of the options available and the vehicle’s true capabilities. Better still, take one for a drive and test out the features yourself.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

Visibility is great for both driver and passengers. Your rear passengers sit up nice and high and the large windows help them to see out. The driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable as is the steering column. The driver seat also has a memory function, perfect for when you share the driving. The dash is well laid out, with all instruments in easy reach and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The speed being reflected on to your windscreen just below eye level is an especially cool feature. This means that you will always know the speed you’re travelling without having to look down at the instrument panel. When you use cruise control (which is standard across the range), this is also reflected on the windscreen. The feature is called “Head-up display” and costs you an extra $4,710 as a package with Bi Xenon headlights and headlight washer system. The Xenon headlights are also a great feature as the light they emit is similar to that of daylight, which makes objects easier to see both on the road in front of you and to your side. Whilst the package is a bit up there in price, they do contribute to better visibility and consequently may help prevent accidents.

Safety

The X5 offers some great safety features to help keep you in control including: ABS, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Descent Control. Airbags include driver and front passenger front, side and head airbags with head airbags for the front and second row. To assist with visibility there are rain sensing wipers as well as auto headlights control.

Comfort

Dual zone climate control air conditioning is standard with vents in the second row. The leather seats are great quality and really comfortable with armrests in the front and middle row.

iDrive

This system controls the entertainment (radio, CDs, TV), satellite navigation and up to 700 comfort and driving functions. It’s controlled by a button located in the centre console and works hand in hand with a monitor in the dash. The model reviewed has an 8.8” colour monitor as standard and a 6 CD changer. Whilst you may need instructions initially to use this system, once you know how it’s pretty easy to use and can also be used through voice control. The satellite navigation is really easy to use and can be seen very clearly in both daylight and at night, unlike some other systems.

Storage

There are drink holders in the front centre console, bottle holders in the doors and 2 drink holders in the rear at the end of the centre armrest. There are door pockets in the front and rear and pockets on the back of the driver and passenger seat. The front centre console box is split into 2, which limits the amount of usable space. The glove box automatically opens with a push of a button in the dash, but the amount of space inside is a little limited. While the boot space is reasonably wide and long, it is not very deep, due to the option of having 7 seats. Overall, the storage options on the X5 are OK, but would be the weakest overall area in the car.

Kids’ Comfort

There’s plenty of room in the second row, with an armrest and cup holders to divide 2 children if necessary. There are 3 child seat anchorage points and safety locks on the rear doors. Kids can put their goodies into the door pockets or the pockets on the rear of the front seats. With 2 baby seats in the rear, a small adult can still fit into the middle seat. The windows are large in the rear, helping the kids to see out and reduce the likelihood of car sickness!

Green Factor

BMW is committed to producing cleaner, more fuel efficient cars and the diesel X5 is no exception. It consumes about 8.7 litres per 100kms highway cycle which is impressive for an SUV of this size and power output. There’s a fuel consumption gauge located in the instrument cluster that lets you know how much fuel you’re using when you’re driving. This serves as a good reminder that your car becomes a lot thirstier when you put your foot down.

Overall View

The X5 is stylish, easy to drive and offers plenty of features. It’s well built and has quality finishes throughout. It has plenty of power and has great fuel efficiency for a car of this size.

Test Drive Tips

  • The hand brake is a button located in the centre console. You simply push down or lift up to engage.

  • The gear knob is a simple shift system. You hold the button on the right hand side and push the clever forward to go into reverse or push it back to go into drive. To put it into park, you simply push the button on the top. Whilst it may be different to other cars you have driven, you only need to be shown once. It’s really easy.

  • As a European car, the indicators are located on the left hand side of the steering column.

Features of Model Reviewed

Airbags: Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, head airbags 1st and 2nd row
Seats: 5 (optional 7)
ABS: Yes
EBD: Yes
ESP: Yes
Driver visibility: 4.5 stars
Storage compartments: 3.5 stars
Drink holders: 6
CD player: 6 CD changer
Air conditioning: Yes, climate control
Power windows: Yes
Power steering: Yes
Power door mirrors: Yes
Child restraint anchorage points: 3
Transmission: 6 speed auto
Engine capacity: 3.0L V6
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel consumption: 8.7 litres/100kms
Greenhouse rating#: Not available
Green Vehicle Guide rating: 3.5 stars
Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kms
Price: $96,300

 

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local BMW dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: June 2008

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