Release Date

2014 BMW X5 Review

The BMW X5 was launched in its first generation in 1999, followed in 2006, the second generation. With 1.3 million units sold, the BMW X5 purchaser in its segment. In November, now is the third generation of the SUV at the start, which has been improved in detail without losing sight of its striking design.


Of course, the new X5 can do everything better than its predecessor and at the same time sporty, but also become more comfortable. More space for passengers and luggage, as well as many technical innovations complete the development of the proven SUV.

The design looks more elegant and brawny, and also in the interior makes you feel more comfortable now. Were also improves off-road performance, the power distribution of the xDrive all-wheel drive is variable on both axes, depending on the model even further customization to the individual wheels.

A total of five different suspension configurations are available for the 2014 BMW X5, which offer a very wide range of possibilities. In addition to the standard suspension, there is a comfort including air suspension chassis, which is designed to increase driving comfort.

With the dynamic chassis roll stabilization including the X5 is then optimally tuned for sporty drivers. Who even this is not athletic enough, you can pick up the M Sports Package.

If you want to enjoy both comfort and sportiness, the Professional chassis, which combines comfort and dynamic suspension is recommended.


Each X5 also has the driving experience switch, depending on the model has three or four modes. The driver can choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport + and select EcoPro mode (depending on version).

The saving was significantly improved it again to further increase efficiency. Between 50 and 160 km / h is in EcoPro mode "sailing mode" is available, the motor decoupled from the drive train during power-off and allows a petrol-saving sliding.

Also new is the "Forward-looking wizard" which checks in conjunction with the navigation system and a programmed destination in the navigation obstacles and speed limits along the route and recommends the driver in time to take the foot off the gas.


To start the X5 will be available in three different variants, as xDrive 30d with 258 hp (190 kW), as xDrive 50i with 450 hp (330 kW) and as xDrive M50d with 381 hp (280 kW). Efficient model is the 30d with a consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers, but also the M50d is with 6.7 liter very economical way.

In a first exit we were able to drive the X5 M50d and the xDrive 30d version. Already at the first meeting of the X5 looks very visually dynamic, especially when the optional LED headlights are fitted.

The interior presents very high quality and also provides more space than its predecessor. The tailgate is again divided and provides two-folded down seats up to 1,870 liters of storage space, making it the X5 can already compete with Vans. At full crew creates the SUV still very respectable 650 liters.


In addition to perfect workmanship and excellent ergonomics of the X5 also serves a very good noise reduction, even at high speed driving noise hardly penetrate into the interior.

Even the 3.0-liter diesel with 258 hp (190 kW) offers very good performance. Its maximum torque of 560 NM Engine provides the 1500-3000 rev / min, which is already out of the bottom felt much force - despite a curb weight of at least 2145 kg. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h is done in quick 6.9 seconds, and top speed is 230 km / h

Even the normal suspension offers a good mix of comfort and sportiness, a true poem is the X5 but then with the adaptive suspension package Professional and Active Steering.


Is activated then the sport + mode, the nearly 490 cm long SUV turned into an agile athlete. The steering is so direct that one can take even the tightest curves elegantly, and the car seems to literally stick to the road.

Here then the BMW slogan "driving pleasure" is perfectly implemented, and one is with a heavy SUV as fleetly as traveling with a go-kart, but it housed a lot more comfortable.

If you decide for the X5 M50d, then you have really been a sports car spare in the garage. In 5.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h done, the top speed is electronically limited 250 km / h The maximum torque of 740 Nm between 2,000 and 3,000 rev / min.


For individualized yet offer in addition to the options already mentioned to a new parking assistant, the Driving Assistant Plus including active cruise control, the new BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot or the ConnectedDrive options including concierge service, remote service and Internet access. For the first time the X5 is also available in different design lines, the customer can choose between "Pure Experience Design", "Design Pure Excellence" and the M Sports Package.

Photo Credit: © BMW