BMW X5. Beware, crocodiles! / BMW test drives

In the American state of Florida, where the updated BMW X5 was being tested, drivers were warned about crocodiles. Each car had a memo with rules of conduct when encountering a reptile. Among the prohibitions were hugging an alligator, feeding it ice cream, and, pardon the expression, trying to relieve oneself on the dangerous animal.

Test pilot
Stanislav Pavlov, 38 years old, editor-in-chief of a magazine, 20 years of driving experience, personal car Mazda6

2010 BMW X5
© Photo: BMW

Oddly enough, the crocodile and the BMW X5 do have common features. The predator can spend hours pretending to be a motionless log, waiting for its prey, then strike with lightning speed and begin to spin furiously, literally tearing out a piece of flesh. The Bavarian crossover also looks harmless for the time being — but only until the driver presses the gas pedal. When that happens, the modestly parked car turns into a real monster, ready to overtake, crush, and literally tear apart any rival.

Honestly, while flying across the Atlantic to the presentation, I imagined the new model differently. I was scared: what if the Bavarians decided on radical changes? After all, the previous X5, which essentially created the Sport Activity Vehicle class, became the benchmark. Any careless interference with its appearance could destroy the image and hit sales. Apparently, the creators themselves understood this and chose the evolutionary path. And rightly so — a revolution would have been superfluous here.

The work of the designers can be compared to the work of a plastic surgeon: the person seems the same, but looks fresher and younger. In automotive terms, this means "dynamism" and "modernity." At the same time, the Bavarians do not chase trends — they set them themselves. The body still pleases with harmonious proportions, emphasizing elegance and swiftness. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, and large wheels visually balance the front and rear. The angles of the pillars are perfectly coordinated with each other, converging at a single imaginary point. As a result, the car resembles a powerful, squat beast firmly standing on its wheel-paws. Isn't that a crocodile?

The German artists clearly bet on using the crossover in urban conditions. And this is logical: in essence, the X5 is a hybrid of an SUV and a fast car for the metropolis. Practice shows that the car has firmly established itself on the streets of the world's largest cities. So why try to become a one hundred percent "off-roader"? On the contrary, the emphasis has shifted towards a fast and agile "city dweller" that, however, does not mind feats in nature. The characteristic contours of the hood, the large "nostrils" of the radiator grille, and the twin round headlights only emphasize the solidity of the model.

A new reading of the signature X-series image is visible in the structure of the front bumper and the placement of fog lights, which are now included in the base configuration. More body-colored details visually press the front end to the road. Large air intakes hint at the increased power of the engines. The black cladding along the lower edge of the body has become visually narrower, and the matte silver underbody protection plate adds rigidity to the appearance. At the new stage of evolution, the X5 remains a decent SUV, although we did not manage to test it on the perfectly smooth American highways. But we fully appreciated the V-shaped "eight," which gained new strength thanks to TwinPower Turbo technology and direct injection. Now this turbocharged 4.4-liter unit produces 407 hp. Torque reaches a peak of 600 Nm in the range from 1750 to 4500 rpm. In practice, this means that the two-ton monster accelerates to a hundred — oh my god! — in 5.5 seconds. Unlike our prime minister, I have not flown fighter jets, but I think the sensations are similar. When you are behind the wheel yourself, the g-forces are easier to bear. But if a colleague takes the wheel — get ready for strong impressions. My cerebellum categorically refused to believe what was happening. To understand what we are talking about, remember the scariest American roller coaster in your life and multiply the emotions by two. Horror! The maximum speed is, of course, limited by electronics and is 250 km/h. But the most surprising thing is not even the crazy acceleration seconds that the crossover can achieve and then just as effectively dissipate. Attention: the average fuel consumption does not exceed 12.5 liters per hundred. Think about it: not 20 and not even 15, but only 12.5. Now that's really cool.

2011 BMW X5
© Photo: BMW

Paired with the "eight" is a flawless 8-speed automatic transmission, which is included in the base configuration of all X5 versions. It is this automatic transmission that is largely responsible for such a modest appetite of the engine.

As for handling and stability, no revolutions have occurred here. The intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive, introduced back on the first generation X5, has only been consistently improved. But this is precisely the phenomenon of this crossover. Having made a breakthrough, the engineers did not make cardinal changes that would cross out previous achievements. For that — many thanks!

Love it — don't love it

With a small remote control, passengers can control the monitors built into the headrests. Convenient
White suits it — the BMW X5 interior has never been so luxurious. Light
The elegant design of the wheel rims indicates a tilt towards urban use. Elegant

2011 BMW X5
© Photo: BMW

Driving
Having once founded the SAV segment, the BMW X5 crossover still sets the standards for handling.

Interior
The X5 interior can be compared to the apartment of a music lover, stuffed with a variety of fashionable gadgets.

Comfort
It is hard to imagine that at the current stage of automotive development, anyone has managed to create a more comfortable crossover.

Safety
There is no doubt that in terms of safety parameters, the new model will receive the highest ratings in Euro NCAP tests.

Price
High prices have never stopped BMW fans.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Excellent dynamics, luxurious interior, good off-road capability.
- Problems may arise when transporting crocodiles.

Specifications

Make and model — BMW X3 3.0si
Dimensions — 4569x1853x1674 mm
Engine — petrol, inline, 6 cylinders, 2996 cm3, 272 hp/6650 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — 232 km/h; 7.2 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz ML, Volkswagen Touareg

Our opinion

By choosing the path of evolution, BMW engineers and designers minimized the risk of failure. Surely the new X5 will continue the glorious path of its predecessor without serious problems. Especially since the dynamic characteristics, so valued by fans of the brand, have significantly increased.