BMW X India front

New 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 30d Review: Bustling Behemoth

 Engine, Trasmission and Performance

BMW X5 xdrive 30d engine

The 2014 BMW X5 is powered by the BMW`s trusty M57 3L six pot engine which develops 258hp@4000rpm and 560Nm@1500-3000 rpm. This TwinPower Turbo inline 6 cylinder workhorse has undergone a lot of tweaking and refinement over the years, and does a splendid job along with the 8 speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission capable of 0-100kmph in 6.9 seconds. The TwinPower Turbo concept was introduced back in 2007 and has seen its reach across BMW`s range of engines. It is equipped with Double VANOS as well as Valvetronic which coupled with the Twin Scroll turbos deliver power with hardly any lag.

BMW X5 xDrive 30d India details (20)
Emphasis on fuel economy is loud and clear as the X5 also sports “ECOPRO” mode which sounds oxymoronic to the “Sport+” which remains accessible at the press of a button. What you also get as standard equipment are Auto Start/Stop, Park Distance Control (PDC), ABS, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Hill Descent Control, Rain Sensors and Automatic driving lights amongst list of other features.
The drive..

BMW`s xDrive makes the best use of power without wastage by employing Torque Vectoring across its all wheel drive configuration. What may sound jargons are rather simply explained via the car`s onboard “Vehicle Information” option mentioned earlier.

BMW`s engineers have gone to great lengths to maximize sound deadening and weight reduction. For instance the bonnet is made from Aluminium while the front fenders are formed out of thermoplastic. The BMW Efficient Dynamics is not only aimed at reducing the coefficient of drag to improve performance and fuel economy, but also aides in wind noise reduction in the process. This remains the X5`s highlight, that wind noise and road noise (despite wider low profile rubber) barely infiltrates the cabin.

2014 BMW X5 grille (1)

The straight six however sounds grousy at low revs and remains unobtrusive until the revs start building up. Despite being an oil burner, this one doesn’t resist revving and rather revs easily and sounds best above 4000rpm. The flat torque curve between 1500-3000rpm translates into superb driveability, and the 8 speed auto takes care of other things if any.

2014 BMW X5 interior (10)
The X5 comes with Adaptive suspension package with self-leveling air suspension at the rear. Electronically controlled dampers that constantly vary the damping based on the driving style, driving mode as well as the road conditions. The Dynamic Damper Control instantly varies the damping at each of the 4 shock absorbers along with Active Roll Stabilization and Dynamic Performance Control (Torque Vectoring) to deliver maximum stability, agility as well as comfort.

2014 BMW X5 India front (6)
The earlier generation car was a terrific handler, but how`s the F15? In itself, the F15 is a brilliant handler with pronounced body roll only beyond triple digit speeds. It agility of this 2+ tonner shines in the manner it drives around curves never mind the undulations. The Adaptive suspension package works tirelessly delivering a supple ride unless in Sport or Sport+ modes. What the X5 dislikes are bigger potholes and sharp ridges where it simply crashes through harshly, we would partly blame the low profile rubber for that. With the stock footwear, the X5 should be a lot more pliant over broken patches. Driving it quickly over a rough patch the DDC seems to cut the dampers out completely resulting in violent nose pitch and dive. The rear with the air springs however, keeps movements under control.

2014 BMW X5 review (5)
Even though Servotronic power steering promises great feel, it eventually shows its electronic roots with slightly vague feel at dead centre. The steering also exhibited a bit of tendency to follow ruts and undulations under heavy braking which didn’t seem quite right. Shuffle between the drive modes and the X5 transforms from a waft-y feeling car in Comfort mode to a taut handling brute with a weighty direct feel to its steering in the Sport+ mode. The minor niggles apart, the X5`s suspension setup soaks up pretty much everything in its path and 209mm of ground clearance only helps its case.

Next page for Verdict, Price and Tech Specs>>>

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