BMW X5 4.4i
The Backbone Of The X5 Range Is A Car That May Be More Relevant Than Ever. Andy Enright Reports
Many predicted that the arrival of the
BMW X3 would relegate the X5 to a mere supporting role but things havent worked out that way. Some rather bizarre pricing decisions by BMW has seen the X3 priced uncomfortably close to its X5 sibling and it just serves to throw the X5s superior build and all round superiority into sharper focus. The car that built the X5s reputation in this country was the 4.4-litre V8 version, but it was subsequently overtaken in the popularity stakes by the more affordable 3.
0-litre variants. Now the 4.4-litre car is back and better than ever.
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Most will notice the edgier front headlights but closer inspection reveals that virtually everything forward of the windscreen pillars has been subtly revised. The bonnet has been resculpted with sharper edges that run into the trademark kidney grilles. The front spoiler features bigger air intakes and the front fog lamps now look a lot neater. The front lights also look a lot more like the baby Z3 4x4 with the pineapple ring sidelights that debuted on the 5 Series.
So, a midlife facelift to keep the X5 from appearing a little shop worn then? Far from it. The 4.4-litre V8 that many still see as the backbone of the X5 range has come in for some serious fettling. With the Valvetronic inlet control system that effectively replaces conventional throttle butterflies and BMWs trick Bi-Vanos valve timing, this is a seriously high-tech bruiser of an engine.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox as seen in the
BMW 7 Series, this 320bhp powerplant will power the X5 4.4i to 60mph in 6.8 seconds and on to 149mph in Sport trim. For those who subscribe to the view that you can never get too much of a good thing, BMW are also taking orders for the 4.
8iS, a range topping model that replaces the existing 4.6iS model. The four-wheel drive system has also been uprated to offer more sophistication and extended capability. Whereas the old X5 system was based on a simple fixed front to rear drive ratio with DSC traction control used for critical interventions, the latest system is a whole lot cleverer.
Dubbed xDrive, this intelligent four-wheel drive system varies drive between the front and rear axles depending upon traction requirements. A series of wheel sensors and data collected from the DSC system, xDrive predicts any loss of traction and an electronically controlled mid-mounted clutch reacts in milliseconds to direct drive to the wheels that most require it.
"The 4.4-litre X5 will always be the definitive article"
Many will wonder why BMW have bothered. They will point out that the X5 isnt built on the kind of separate ladder-framed chassis previously deemed necessary for heavy-duty work. They will point out its lack of a low ratio gearbox and the fact that its ground clearance (just 180mm) is less not only than off road rivals but also of some car-based 4x4s. In short, they will suggest it to be a 5 Series in a trendy new suit.
Even if that were true - and it isnt - the X5 would be a truly excellent car. Many owners have long yearned for a more versatile version of the 5 Series Touring, with all-wheel drive, a bigger body and a lofty driving position. Thanks to lessons learnt in their period of
Land Rover ownership however, BMW have been able to do much more than that. Self-levelling air suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and a hill descent control system to keep the car at manageable speeds on steep, muddy slopes: all these concepts have been borrowed from Solihull and put to good use in a car with more off road ability than most owners will ever need. Granted, the independent rear suspension limits the axle articulation, which might become significant should you make it to the jungles of Borneo. Still, that wont be a factor in your nearest ploughed field or muddy carpark. Having said all of that, BMW arent pretending this to be the ultimate vehicle you can buy off the tarmac.
Just the best car of its kind you can buy on it. You dont have to drive an X5 very far to realise that new standards have been set in this respect. The rack-and-pinion steering is a world apart from anything previously seen in this sector. So is the lack of body roll and the impressive level of grip.
If you want more, theres a Sport pack option that includes a rear anti-roll bar, 19" alloy wheels, plus stiffer front springs and dampers. Even in standard form however, this was the first off roader that an enthusiast could honestly enjoy driving on road and still sets class leading standards. To say that the arrival of the BMW X5 was a significant development in the luxury 4x4 sector would be a huge understatement. Think instead of the sector pre-X5 and post X5.
It really is that much of a landmark vehicle. Before the BMW appeared, 4x4s were mainly big, slow and agricultural. Other manufacturers were just beginning to see that it was possible to build in a little refinement and elegance but when the X5 first appeared in 1999, it changed everybodys perception. Although most of us round here are champions of the 3.
0-litre diesel engine, the big banger that is the X5 4.4 has a great deal to be said for it, especially with the latest package of revisions. If youve got the budget to keep it juiced up, youll be treated to a car that feels utterly unburstable. Some of BMWs latest developments point to the fact that the X5 may be remembered as the last of the overengineered models.
Get one while the gettings good.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW X5 4.4i
PRICES: £48,110-£48,785 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 18-19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 335g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.8s/ Max Speed 149mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 20mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags, ABS, DSC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 4667/2190/1707mm
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