BMW X India front

New 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 30d Review: Bustling Behemoth

2014 BMW X5 xDrive 30d India review (1)

The car/crossover/SUV you see in the pictures is BMW`s X5, now in its 3rd Generation. Originally conceptualized as the E53, then E70 and now F15 which is its present nomenclature retains it beefy looks and imposing street presence, rather takes it a few notches further. We took this Bavarian behemoth for a spin and come back bewildered, it gotten more powerful, efficient, big and light all at the same time. Oh, and it looks stunning too! Rarely do movie sequel surpass the previous iterations, the X5 makes one beg to differ.

2014 BMW X5 xDrive 30d India review (8)
Desing and Style : Can’t take our eyes off!

Our test X5 came with gorgeous BMW Performance footwear which further accentuated the overall visual appeal of this crossover, full marks to the tasty  20 inch light alloy wheels (Style#375) shod with Pirelli PZero run flat rubber 285/35 R20 at front and 325/30 R20 at the rear.
The previous E70 had been around for a long time and by 2014, model looks were too dated despite its regular updates, with respect to the rest of BMW`s portfolio. The 2014 X5 incorporates all the key findings and innovations that power the current crop of BMW vehicles. The X5 was originally described as a Sports Activity Vehicle, and now it has become that and more. The kidney grille on the X5 could be the biggest ever on any BMW vehicle with that of the X6 being the closest contender and is “thrust forward” in contrast to the swept look of the earlier one.

2014 BMW X5 India front (7)

The fusion of the headlamp cluster melting into the satin finished kidney grille treatment is received by the X5 quite well, and enhances the wide track look of it. The fog lamps are mounted higher up in the front bumper closer to the headlamp washers with the lower half sporting the sculpted and chiseled look akin to sport versions of premium sedans. The chin of the bumper has been finished off in satin silver hinting at the sporty demeanor.

BMW X5 India (8)

With the relocation of the fog lamps, BMW has achieved the goal of infusing the “Air Curtain” in the design which demands large air intakes. Upon taking a closer look, the air ducts which reminds one of the brake cooling ducts on a F1 car, channeling the air into the wheel- well. The “air breather” slats placed behind the wheel arches along with the Air Curtain work in improving the dynamics as well as fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

2014 BMW X5 India rear (5)

The crease initiated by the air breather follows all the way till the rear door. This sports activity vehicle now uses LED lighting in its headlamps, fog lamps and tail lamps, a move over Xenon which was found in the headlamps earlier.

2014 BMW X5 grille (2)
BMW hasn`t stopped just there with the front apron, but they have also added the “Air Blade” on the D pillar to improve the airflow as well as make the car appear wider. In BMW speak the “Air Blade”, essentially is what we know as the tailgate spoiler with extensions on the D pillar. Talk about form and function, and BMW`s boffins exhibit this penchant to constantly evolve and improve.

2014 BMW X5 interior (34)

The trademark horizontally split tailgate remains, just that the top half receives electronic close function as an addition. Visually, the previous generation X5 was brilliant in its own right and marked an epoch, the new X5 creates a new one altogether. With all the cuts and creases that have been imparted over the earlier X5, the new car looks lithe, athletic and agile even at standstill unlike its competition which is purely big and bulky.

Next page for cabin space, comfort and features>>>

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