cawimmer430

AMS did a quick drive of all the new X5 models. The article wasn't very detailed so I just scanned a front shot, an interior shot and a quick technical chart.

Mentioned twice in the article was the fact that BMW insists that this SUV isn't a "luxury SUV" but a "sports SUV". Albert Biermann, the X5 project manager said that: "The X5 isn't really a car for driving offroad, it's a car made for driving on the track."

However, BMW did aim at improving comfort in this X5 while at the same time making it even sportier than the last generation model.

The 2.2-ton SUV handles pretty well for an SUV, especially with the optional ACTIVE DRIVE package which allows the suspension to be electronically adjusted for different road surfaces in no time. The system is capable of transferring 10 MB of information per second to a computer who controls the suspension setup. Without Active Drive, handling is noticebly not as good, but still good for an SUV.

AMS also recommended ACTIVE STEERING to be ordered with the Active Drive package as it makes the X5 drive and handle really nicely and easily.

There will be no more manual transmissions offered on the X5 base models. The only transmission available is the 6-speed automatic. AMS said this was a good decision as the transmission harmonizes perfectly with all engines.

Interior quality and workmanship are top notch. Lutz Eckstein, part of the BMW interior ergonomics department, says that the X5 has the best interior ergonomics of all current BMW's, a true drivers cockpit.

Towards the end of the article, AMS quoted Biermann once again: the X5 is a sports SUV, not luxury.

Other Facts
-90% of German buyers expected to go for the 3.0d model
-the 286-hp 3.5 biturbo diesel might be installed in the X5

Just_me

Excellent!!!

Interior quality and workmanship are top notch. Lutz Eckstein, part of the BMW interior ergonomics department, says that the X5 has the best interior ergonomics of all current BMW's, a true drivers cockpit.

Towards the end of the article, AMS quoted Biermann once again: the X5 is a sports SUV, not luxury

Giannis

Isn't this a bit strange? How can an SUV be made for the track? It is supposed to be a SAV, not a track car...

Just_me

he probably the car is better on a track than offroad but it doesnt mean its a trackcar, its still a streetcar but not offroad.

Bruce

Thanks for the stuff Christian

Sounds like a great vehicle and the spec sheet looks fantastic. I haven't really kept my eye on the X5 because BMW's aren't exactly my thing, i'm surprised to see the 4.8 has 355PS Fast too!

Hopefully that 3.5 litre Desiel with 286PS gets in the X5, as it is right now ideally i want the 4.8, but the two variants with 3 litre engines offer excellent power.

Yannis

The new X5 is one of my favorite cars right now. It looks great and i 'm sure it also drives very well.

A guy i know has ordered a 3.0 diesel one and when he takes delivery (in 4 months or so) i will get to drive it.

cawimmer430

Those were the words from the BMW X5 project manager Albert Biermann. He's basically saying that the X5 is a sports SUV and perhaps not as luxury oriented as the competition.

cawimmer430

No problem.

I'd avoid the V8, I hate to refill my cars every 2 days.

I think the 3.0d is hands down the best choice. The performance is more than adequate for everyday sporty driving and the fuel economy is good too. The 3.5d, should it be made, will be faster, but possibly less fuel efficient (still more efficient than the 3.0i and 4.8i though). Either way, you can't go wrong with a diesel.

cawimmer430

Things to bring along:

1) Digital camera
2) Spare batteries
3) Smart Media cards

Just_me

he is saying X5 is better on a track than offroad (it was the same with old X5) but X5 is obviosly not a trackcar and suit the streets better than on a track.