Car Profiles - BMW X5

BMW X5

The first car in the X family receives a third generation model, the X5 has the same wheelbase as the previous model (don't get fooled). For a large SUV, it is refreshing to drive plus the cabin has decent space but refinement is not a suit.

The Good: Both a driver's and passenger's car

The Bad: Not refined

Price Range: P6,590,000-P6,990,000

Our Rating: ****

Last Update: September 23, 2014

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	30d xDrive Experience	30d xDrive Excellence	30d xDrive
Price	P6,990,000	P6,990,000	P6,590,000
Warranty	2 Years or 100,000kms	2 Years or 100,000kms	2 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	N57D30OL 3.0 DOHC 16V I6 TwinPower Turbo	N57D30OL 3.0 DOHC 16V I6 TwinPower Turbo	N57D30OL 3.0 DOHC 16V I6 TwinPower Turbo
Horsepower	258hp @ 4,000rpm	258hp @ 4,000rpm	258hp @ 4,000rpm
Torque	560Nm @ 1,500-3,000rpm	560Nm @ 1,500-3,000rpm	560Nm @ 1,500-3,000rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	85 Liters	85 Liters	85 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,886mm	4,886mm	4,886mm
Width	1,938mm	1,938mm	1,938mm
Height	1,762mm	1,762mm	1,762mm
Wheelbase	2,933mm	2,933mm	2,933mm
Curb Weight
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Independent Double Wishbones	Independent Double Wishbones	Independent Double Wishbones
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi Link	Independent Multi Link	Independent Multi Link
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Tires	255/50 R19	255/50 R19	255/50 R19
Wheels	19 Inch Alloy, Run Flat Tires	19 Inch Alloy, Run Flat Tires	19 Inch Alloy, Mixed Run Flat Tires
SAFETY
Airbags	6	6	6
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	Yes, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control	Yes, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control	Yes, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control
Other Safety Features	Adds: None	Adds: None	Automatic Lock While Driving, Dynamic Braking Lights, Acoustic Seatbelt Warning, Rear View Camera
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front and Rear LED	Front and Rear LED	Front and Rear LED
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Body Override Guards in Stainless Steel, Kidney Grilles in Titanium Finish, Pure Experience Exterior Design	Adds: Body Color Body Override Guards, Kidney Grilles in Chrome Finish, Pure Excellence Exterior Design, Satinated Aluminum Roof Rails	Rain Sensing Wipers, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Chrome Line Exterior, Kidney Grilles in Matte Finish, Park Distance Control, Black Roof Rails, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Power, Driver with Memory and Front Passenger	Power, Driver with Memory and Front Passenger	Power, Driver with Memory and Front Passenger
Seating Material	Leather	Leather	Leather
Other Interior Features	Adds: None	Adds: Fine Wood Finish Interior Accents, Dynamic Damper Control with Rear Axle Air Suspension	Matte Silver Interior Oxide Accents, Lights Package, Roller Sun Shades, Smoker's Package, Storage Compartment Package, Velour Floor Mats, Warning Triangle and First Aid Kit, Automatic Start/Stop Function, Comfort Access System
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering (Electric), Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold and Auto Dim, Tailgate	Steering (Electric), Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold and Auto Dim, Tailgate	Steering (Electric), Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold and Auto Dim, Tailgate
Climate Control	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual
Audio System	10.2 Inch Monitor with AM/FM/AUX/USB/Bluetooth/20GB Hard Drive/Smartphone Connectivity and BMW iDrive System	10.2 Inch Monitor with AM/FM/AUX/USB/Bluetooth/20GB Hard Drive/Smartphone Connectivity and BMW iDrive System	10.2 Inch Monitor with AM/FM/AUX/USB/Bluetooth/20GB Hard Drive/Smartphone Connectivity and BMW iDrive System
Speakers	6, with HiFi Loudspeaker System	6, with HiFi Loudspeaker System	6, with HiFi Loudspeaker System
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio, Cruise Control, and Telephone	Yes, Audio, Cruise Control, and Telephone	Yes, Audio, Cruise Control, and Telephone
Alarm	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes, with Automatic Start/Stop Function and Keyless Engine Start	Yes, with Automatic Start/Stop Function and Keyless Engine Start	Yes, with Automatic Start/Stop Function and Keyless Engine Start
RIVALS	Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus GX, Mercedes Benz M Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90

See previous generation models of the X5:

BMW X5 (2001-2007)

BMW X5 (2007-2014)

Used Car Review - BMW X5 (2007-2014)

This model is getting replaced and the previous model will have its last hurrah courtesy of Myk Belmonte.

2007-2014 BMW X5

History

SUVs - or sport utility vehicles - were in the rage until the Europeans (as a whole) joined the party in the late 00s. Mercedes Benz first fielded the M Class which despite some quality quirks, became popular. Then BMW rewritten the norm: marketing these vehicles as SAVs or Sport Activity Vehicles. First in the family is the X5 with the members expanded later on. See, you need not to be the same with others in order to be salable, sometimes being unique is the key.

Going to its second generation model under the codename E70, the E70 X5 model incorporated new technologies, a reworked interior, and an electronic gearstick known as the 'joystick' among others. The FlexRay, used to control the chassis damping system, first saw use in this vehicle. No more manual transmission available but it paved way for an M variant, which was only exclusive for the passenger car line-up. The F15 X5 replaced this one in late 2013.

The local BMW distributor brought in the E70 X5 in early 2007 to make battle with the newbie Audi Q7 and the updated Porsche Cayenne. M models were launched in 2010 while the gasoline models were discontinued in 2013. By this time, F15 models are now available at the nearest BMW dealer.

Value and Costs

With the introduction of the F15 X5, expect used prices to drop further with the oldest models lingering in the P1.5M range. Like we always say, going to the certified pre-owned route is the best way for your ownership experience. Diesels are the majority of units sold locally, which is what we choose (more on this one later).

Maintenance prices are at par with rivals from Germany, whether you choose a gasoline (with the exception of the M) or diesel model. Since this vehicle has tons of electronic gadgets, have an eye on them. If it has run-flat tires, do check them since replacing a set of them is very expensive.

Exterior and Interior

Although it looks smaller than the model it replaced in pictures, length, width and wheelbase were stretched although the height is still the same. If there are some sharp creases existed in the older model, some soft lines while remaining attractive is evident here.

The big news for the E70 X5 - which is totally relevant to the Philippine market - is the availability of a third row bench. Only children and people with short build are welcome to apply there as it is cramped and better used for emergency purposes only. As usual, interior quality is topnotch and the iDrive is much simpler than before. A joystick type shifter is the 6-speed automatic which looks quirky. Replacing the old interface is a touch screen monitor which houses the radio.

Engine 

Let us start with the popular (and our recommended) engine: the M57TU2D30 2,993cc diesel which carries 235hp at 4,000rpm and 520Nm giving out needed torque at the range of 2,000 to 2,750rpm. There are two options for a gasoline powered X5 and start from the N52B30 2,996cc V6 having 272hp at 6,650rpm and 315Nm at 2,750rpm. If you gotta go petrol, get this one but go on an extensive search since it was dropped in February 2010. Those who crave more power can opt for the N62B48 4,799cc V8 that possess 355hp at 6,300rpm and 475Nm with a range between 3,400-3,800 rpm. Any of the three are fast but the diesel is what we pick due to its blend of low maintenance costs and performance. The 3.0 gasoline is fine while the V8 is ferocious both in acceleration and fuel consumption.

Driving Impressions

Thank goodness, the drive is still as enjoyable as before especially when driven on twisty paths but body roll (which is minimal) and a firm ride is there. The latter can be rectified with an optional adaptive suspension, which may be standard in a unit you are looking for. Driving layout is flexible for every position one desires and no noise intrudes the cabin that disturbs the occupants.

Verdict

Luxury SUVs have their own unique traits and the second generation X5 has its own set of abilities and flaws. For those who want the prestige of a Bimmer while needing the added height (do not use it for off-road abilities) for less cash might want to consider a pre-loved unit.

The Good:

• Driver's delight
• High quality materials used
• Practicality

The Bad:

• Somewhat firm ride
• Tight third row
• Expensive maintenance costs

The Pick: 3.0d

THE SPECS

Engines: 2,996cc N52B30 V6 and 4,799cc N62B48 V8 gasoline, 2,993cc M57TU2D30 V6 diesel

Power: 272hp @ 6,650rpm (3.0 gas), 355hp @ 6,300rpm (4.8), 235hp @ 4,000rpm (3.0 diesel)

Torque: 315Nm @ 2,750rpm (3.0 gas), 475Nm @ 3,400-3,800rpm (4.8), 520Nm @ 2,000-2,750rpm (3.0 diesel)

Fuel Consumption: 4-7km/L (city), 7-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Suspension: Front independent double wishbone, rear independent multi-link

MORE INFO

Price (New): P5,250,000-P8,140,000

Price (Now): P1,800,000-P3,000,000

Rivals: Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes Benz M Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90

On Sale: 2007-2014

Resources:

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=87

http://www.bmwownersclub.com/forums/forum/14-bmw-x5-series-club/

Contacts:

Prestige Cars BMW - (02) 892-8127

Autohaus BMW - (02) 638-0734

Autozentrum BMW - (02) 772-6021

Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/37607170