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By
BARRY LAKE
2 April 2007
Although six years old the outgoing BMW X5 "Sports Activity
Vehicle" (SAV), still is considered by many as the epitome of
sports luxury all-wheel drive wagons.
There have been numerous challengers from such esteemed
manufacturers as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi, as well as
others. But most experts agree that the BMW X5 was still the pick
of the crop - particularly for on-road performance, handling and
braking.
So what could BMW do for an encore?
They have come up with a slightly longer and wider replacement
that now (optionally) seats up to seven occupants and which
outperforms its predecessor on all fronts.
Similar in appearance at first glance, this vehicle is entirely
new.
With extensive use of lightweight materials, such as plastic
for the front mudguards, and aluminium suspension components, as
well as detailed design, the new, larger X5 comes in at only 50kg
(approximately) heavier than its forebear in the V8 version, but
about equal in weight for all other models, specification for
specification.
Considerably stiffer in construction, it is faster, safer,
better handling, better braking, and more economical on fuel,
whether it is petrol for the 4.8i V8 or the 3.0Si in-line six, or
diesel for the 3.0CD turbo-diesel models.
With all the hullabaloo in the media about new cars being sold
in Australia with "space saver" spare tyres, which are
generally regarded as less than ideal for Australian conditions,
it is interesting to note that the new BMW X5 has no spare wheel
at all.
It is fitted with the latest technology "run flat"
tyres. BMW claims that with a slow deflation, the most common type
of puncture, these tyres are good for up to 2000 km at up to 80
km/h.
To prove their point, on one part of the extensive first local
test of these vehicles, BMW fitted a deflated run-flat tyre on the
left-rear corner.
The electronic self-levelling system for the suspension senses
the deflation and increases the load on the other three wheels.
The car feels a little squirmy but, with the added assistance of
stability control and anti-lock braking, it handles remarkably
well on both bitumen main road and gravel forestry trail - even at
speeds greater than that recommended.
A BMW spokesperson told us that, while there are cheaper tyres
available, the run-flat tyres cost them less than would the
alternative high quality conventional tyre they would otherwise
have fitted.
A bonus is that a major feature of the run-flat tyre is its
thicker than normal sidewalls - by about five times - which makes
the tyre more puncture proof to begin with than a conventional
tyre.
The turbo diesel and V8 powered versions of the X5 will be
available from April; the in-line six 3.0-litre petrol variant
will arrive here in June.
All three models are fitted with the latest six-speed automatic
transmission system with Steptronic that shifts faster than
previous versions, with manual shift via an electronic gear
selector.
In most situations the auto was superb, but we caught it out on
a twisty dirt trail when we wanted to hold second gear and it
insisted on grabbing first or third gears to the detriment of
performance, even when in manual mode.
Luggage capacity is greater than in the previous model and
still is good even when the optional third row of seats is fitted.
The 3.0si in-line six petrol engine develops 200 kW of power
and 315 Nm of torque. The 3.0d turbo-diesel has 160 kW and a
healthy 500 Nm of torque. The 4.8i V8 has 261 kW and 475 Nm.
Acceleration of all three is between seven and nine per cent
quicker from zero to 100 km/h than for the previous models.
Prices start at $85,000 for the 3.0si and $86,800 for the 3.0d,
add $9,500 to each for the Executive versions. The 4.8i lists at
$118,300.
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Marque Publishing Company
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