Nineteen years ago, BMW rolled out the first X5. It was an instant success.It was a sheer joy to see a BMW of such proportions, and even car-jaded onlookers would stop in their tracks to gaze at this never-seen-before big Beemer. BMW has not looked back, and they have kept perfecting it. And it seems they’re doing something right.
The first-generation X5 was a stunner as it took the market by storm being in almost every rap music video in the US. The second generation X5 lost its wow factor but maintained its poise, while the third generation maintained its standing, coming back with the charm thanks to its bold menacing design.
The fourth generation and the featuring X5 have come with a little less aggression but full of elegance and massive presence thanks to the new X family grille and general design.
The first and second generations sold a combined 1,3 million units, making it one of the highest-selling SUVs in history. As a result of its successful first impression, BMW has not deviated too far from the original concept. In terms of design, they have maintained a steady evolution.
The carmaker has kept on perfecting its SUVs and broadening its line-up with the likes of the X1, X3, X4, X6 and recently the X7 and X2. All X5s are assembled in South Carolina in the US at the same facility that produces all BMW X models, apart from the X1, which comes from the Netherlands.
Over the years, BMW has embraced two design concepts: Pure experience and pure excellence. The pure experience concept further accentuates its macho looks while the pure excellence concept evokes its timeless elegance appeal; this combination seems to balance its appearance, without which it would have been an exaggeration.
Like its siblings the X7 and X3, one thing the X5 does well is to exude presence. The massive grill is a display of awesomeness and is complemented by a tall ride height. Its design details are spot on as well, making it as sporty as its smaller siblings; you can clearly see the elegance of the
7 Series and the charisma of the smaller X3 throughout.
Entering the interior, I was greeted by ivory Vernasca leather. The X5 is simpler than ever, strongly mimicking the X7 interior. It is plain to see that BMW is serious about simplicity and easy driving.
In general, the interior design theme is minimalistic – the vents, parallel flowing lines, very few knobs, a few buttons and tucked-away functions.
BMW was the first to introduce the iDrive concept. As the originators, they seem to further simplify and perfect it. BMW has the easiest, most user-friendly driving interface, connecting the driver, the car and the outside world very well.
The X5 is loaded with the newest infotainment from BMW, it includes two infotainment screens, one central and the other behind the steering wheel. All infotainment features can be controlled via the iDrive knob on the centre console, steering controls, gesture controls (sweeping and pointing in the air) or voice command, if you feel like chatting.
Other connectivity goodies include: Wireless charging, hotspot, an HDMI socket and headphone jacks, to name a few. The X5 also has a set of optional packages such as glass application ‘crafted clarity’ for interior elements, electric seat adjustment with memory foam, a panorama glass roof, a Harman Kardon surround system, a BMW key with display, fine wood trim, ambient interior lighting and a four-zone automatic aircon.
The refined interior has a quality ride and suspension to match; the X5 is a full-house and leaves nothing to be desired.
Our test car is driven by a potent
2 993 cc diesel-powered engine with an output of 194kW at at 4 000rpm, generating a torque of 620NM between 200 and 2 500rpm, allowing it to run from 0 to 100km/h in 6,5 seconds.
It achieved a five-star safety rating under Euro NCAP, thanks to its semi autonomous crash-avoidance and mitigation systems, which fall under the collective tag ‘BMW Personal CoPliot’. The X5 is capable of autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and lane departure assistance.
