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BMW 2002

BMW 318 (3 Series E36 1992-1998)

(MORE BMW E30,E36, E46 INFORMATION TO COME, INCLUDING THE 325, 328 AND M3)

The BMW X5

The Ultimate 'Sport Activity Vehicle'

By Bill Siuru
SeniorWorld Online Auto Writer

BMW is quick to point out the difference between its new X5 and the rest of the SUVs. First, it calls it a "Sport Activity Vehicle," or SAV. Secondly, it is not truck-based, but uses the platform from the highly acclaimed BMW 5-series sedans as recognized by the '5' in the title.

The 'X' stands for 'cross country.'

Like virtually all BMWs, styling is excellent and understated. Styling cues like the kidney- shaped grille, round headlights, and BMW roundels immediately tell everyone this is a "Bimmer." The styling will age well and will still look great two or three decades in the future.

Initially, the X5 is available with only a 4.4-liter, dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC), 32-valve V-8 engine shared with the BMW 540i and 740i luxury sports sedans. A six-cylinder engine will be available in a less expensive X5 later in 2000. The V-8 is rated at 282-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 324 ft-lbs of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The only transmission available is a 5-speed automatic with "Steptronic" that allows clutchless manual gear shifting. There is no low-speed range like found in SUVs meant for more serious off-roading. There is no getting around it, the X5 is a gas guzzler -- a penalty that comes with high-performance in a vehicle that weighs nearly two-and-a-half tons and with all-wheel-drive that is always in four-wheel-drive.

The EPA numbers are 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Fortunately, the X5 has a 24.6-gallon fuel tank for the recommended premium grade gasoline.

The interior, with an abundance of leather and wood, shouts 'luxury,' but in the typical understated German manner. The familiar dashboard layout is easy to read. Other controls like the radio and climate control are a bit complex, but are easy to use once their locations and functions are mastered. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel is electrically operated.

Like all BMWs, the X5 is built to last with a solid feel and top-of-the-line materials. The doors are very heavy feeling and take a bit of effort to open and close. And just like SUVs (it's easy to call this an SUV, instead of BMW's preferred SAV), you sit high with a very good view of the road ahead.

It is easy to enter and exit the front and rear passenger compartments with excellent headroom and good leg room. Though five will fit, the X5 is best appreciated by four.

Like all BMW engines, the V-8 is silky smooth and even in the nearly 5,000 pound vehicle provides outstanding acceleration. Likewise, the Steptronic automatic transmission is flawless.

When it comes to suspension and chassis engineering, BMW has few equals. Like other BMWs, the X5 uses a very sophisticated and capable four-wheel independent suspension system like used In BMW 5- and 7-series cars that includes struts suspension up-front and a 4-link rear setup with self-leveling air springs.

Handling and road manners are very good. Because of the higher profile, it took me awhile to build up the confidence to drive this Bimmer like I would drive other BMWs. Once I had the confidence, I found the X5 was up to the task. However, the ride is considerably harsher, even truck-like when compared with the world-class ride of a regular BMW car. However, the X5 I tested was fitted with the optional $2,470 Sport Package that includes a stiffer suspension.

Other components of the package include more supportive front seats and 19-inch wheels and tires. The stock setup includes 18-inch wheels and tires. The engine speed is sensitive, and the variable ratio power steering was on the heavy side, compared to the 'just right' feel found in other BMWs. Though heavier feeling, it was still very communicative and with excellent road feel.

As expected, the X5 is chocked full of advanced technology. For example, Dynamic Stability Control ensures that the X5 stays on the course steered during the most aggressive cornering. The X5 has Dynamic Brake Control, anti-lock braking and an electronic traction control system that automatically reduces wheel spin by cutting engine torque, applying brakes to the spinning wheel or both.

he Hill Descent Control applies the brakes subtly to slow the X5 at low speeds when going downhill on steep declines to prevent sliding. Besides dual front and side airbags, the X5 has BMW's Head Protection System that deploys from the ceiling in a crash. Rear side-impact airbags can be ordered for $385.

The X5 does not have an immense amount of cargo carrying capacity -- only 16.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 60/40 split rear seats fold down to increase this to 54.4 cubic feet. The tailgate is interesting in that it opens in two-parts, much like the old station wagons to provide a short tailgate. For $380, you can get a retractable load floor that rolls out on ball bearings to make loading/unloading easier.

All this comes with a pretty hefty price tag -- $50,540 including destination charge. An Activity Package that adds heated front seats costs $850 also includes xenon headlights, headlight washers, and windshield wiper rain sensors. You can get a heated steering wheel for $150 more. Other options include a glass sunroof ($1,050), on-board navigation system ($1,990), and Park Distance Control ($300) that alerts with beeps when approaching too close to an object in the back or front.

All-in-all, BMW has done an excellent job combining high-performance with off-road, albeit limited, capability in a single design. However, like any multipurpose vehicle, there are compromises. The X5 does not quite match the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' handling, ride quality and performance of a BMW sports sedan, coupe or even station wagons. Nor is it the vehicle for demanding off-road duty.

Indeed, a 5-series station wagon might be a better choice if you only need the added cargo capacity. With BMW's excellent traction control, the wagon will handle most on-road driving and bad weather-demands with virtually no compromises.

 

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