The 2010 BMW X5d: More than 10,000 km later...
During a prolonged test drive covering more than 12,000 km, our BMW X5d consumed an average of 10.6 L/100 km – a veritable feat when you consider that this sport-utility vehicle weighs more than two and a half tons! In fact, that’s 30% less fuel than an X5 that runs on gas. What’s more, the X5d doesn’t lag behind when it comes to performance either, as its engine produces 425 lb-ft of torque. This is far superior to the 4.8-litre V8 that is capable of 350 lbs-ft Basically, the X5d not only gives you top-notch performance during accelerations (taking just 7.5 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h) and upshifts, but it also boasts the same fuel consumption rate as a conventional intermediate sedan. You just have to learn to live with a slight delay for the turbochargers to kick in on sudden accelerations. Other than that, it’s the best of both worlds.
There’s no doubt that a diesel engine is better than a conventional gas engine for this type of vehicle. In fact, it’s pretty surprising that so many drivers choose gas engines for SUVs available with diesel. Add to the equation the fact that diesel fuel is currently cheaper than regular gas, and you come out a winner on all fronts. The only drawback being that the X5’s diesel engine is a little noisier. But that’s one fault among so many strengths.
And speaking of strengths, since this vehicle is a notch more dynamic than the direct competition that makes the X5 the best SUV for sporty driving. The Porsche Cayenne, the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Audi Q7 are more about comfort and smooth driving.
Driving up a highway ramp or exit – practically the only places where you can have fun nowadays – is always a pleasure in an X5d. The front end enters curves quickly, while the rest of the vehicle follows the trajectory perfectly. And this is even in a test vehicle with standard 18-inch wheels. In fact, our X5d proved to be extremely stable and agile, despite its considerable size and weight.
Finding an efficient and comfortable driving position was fast and easy thanks to the super comfy seats in our test model. They offered exemplary support, even during sport driving. Also worth mentioning is the telescopic tilt steering wheel and the good-size foot rest, which add a lot to the vehicle’s ergonomics. The fit and finish was excellent, and the aesthetics were a success with the Saddle Brown Nevada leather seats. Not to mention the tactile quality of the leather, and the equally rich appeal of the dark bamboo wood trim.
The starting price for an X5d (at the time of the test drive) was $62,800. But the model we tried out had several options packages (Executive, Technology Package, Premium Package, Premium Sound Package), bringing the price to $74,800 dollars, but also making this vehicle all the more pleasant. The huge panorama roof and heated seats (front and back) were particularly appreciated by all passengers. Plus, we gave the vehicle a perfect score for reliability, as absolutely no problems cropped up during the extended test drive.
