PRICE :For 2014 BMW X5 $52,800
The 2014 BMW X5 ranks 3 out of 19 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the BMW X5, as well as reliability and safety data.
Test drivers agree that the redesigned 2014 BMW X5 offers elegant interior styling, as well as athletic handling and powerful engine choices that few luxury SUVs can match.
The 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i comes standard with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that reviewers say delivers plenty of power. A turbocharged V8 is available in X5 xDrive50i models, and auto writers note that this model offers thrilling acceleration. Still, many test drivers write that their favorite model is the turbodiesel X5 xDrive35d, which offers ample power and gets great fuel economy for the class. The base 2014 BMW X5 gets an EPA-estimated 19/27 mpg city/highway, which is good for the class, while the turbodiesel model gets an excellent 23/31 mpg city/highway. Test drivers agree that the X5 has very sharp handling for a luxury midsize SUV, and they praise its accurate steering system and strong brakes.
Reviewers report that the 2014 BMW X5’s interior has top-quality materials, a sophisticated design and front- and second-row seats that are comfortable and spacious. Auto writers write that the optional third row is only roomy enough for children, though that is not unusual for a three-row midsize SUV. The 2014 X5 also earns praise for its high-tech features, which include a large, attractive display for infotainment functions and an iDrive controller that they think is easy to use. The 2014 BMW X5’s standard features include a panoramic moonroof, navigation, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, leatherette upholstery and power-adjustable heated front seats. Optional features include leather upholstery, a 360-degree Surround View parking camera system, lane departure warning and a night vision system.
EXTERIOR
Up front, it gets a broad-set kidney grille that extends all the way to the headlight clusters, a new four-set of round headlights trimmed by LED accent rings and numerous chrome inserts. BMW BMW also installed a new front apron with the air intakes positioned in the outer edges. From here you will see the same familiar BMW swage lines, going all the way to the door pulls and into the tail lights.
For the rear, the model adopted the usual L-shaped taillights and, as a first for a BMW model it comes with Aero Blades - black air-channeling elements that are contiguous with the roof spoiler and help it to optimize the car’s aerodynamic properties.
For the exterior customers can choose between eleven paints, including a new Sparkling Brown Metallic and Mineral White Metallic.
INTERIOR
The iDrive interface works well for controlling and adjusting all of the X5's systems, and this year's version includes a touchpad on the control knob for handwritten inputs. In our experience, though, iDrive typically take a few more clicks and twists of the control knob to get what you want; some rival systems are easier to use.
Utility can also be a concern. The second-row seats are comfortable, but rear legroom is merely adequate. The optional third row is even more cramped and really only accommodates children. With both rows folded, cargo space measures 66 cubic feet, which is below average compared to many other models in this class. One distinct attribute of the X5 continues to be its split two-section liftgate. The lower, smaller section pulls down flat, making it easy to sit on for tailgating.
SPECIFICATION
► Make:BMW
► Model:X5
► Price: $52,800
► Engine:V8
► Horsepower @ RPM:445
► Torque @ RPM:480
► Displacement:4.4 L
► Weight: About 5,000 pounds
► Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
► 0-60 time:4.9 sec.
► Top Speed:155 mph
FEATURES
► Standard Equipment :
Spend the least on a 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i, and you'll find plenty to like, but a few things still missing for your roughly $54,000. Making the list are 10-way power and heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, navigation with a 10.2-inch high-res screen, a power tailgate, a power-adjustable steering column, a 9-speaker audio system with HD Radio, and xenon adaptive headlights. Unexpectedly, leather seating and a rear-view camera cost extra. The top-line X5 xDrive50i models add the aforementioned leather and rear-view camera along with 19-inch wheels and luxurious, 20-way power front seats. All new X5s come with four years/50,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
► Optional Equipment :
Whether you want a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats or a night-vision assist system, options and packages come in abundance for the 2014 X5. To start off the configuration process, BMW offers three optional "lines" – Luxury, xLine, and M Sport. The first two bundle aesthetic upgrades and 19-inch wheels, while the M Sport adds performance-oriented features such as steering-wheel-mounted gear shifters and launch control for high-speed takeoffs. Our ears were very pleased with the up-level harman/kardon 600-watt/16-speaker sound system. Those craving extreme sound can get it in a Bang & Olufsen system boasting 1,200 watts.
DESIGN
► Presence and Robustness Design :
With stylistic underbody protection elements in brushed stainless steel, newly designed air intake bars in matt silver and a rear trim strip which, like the kidney grille bars, comes in matt silver, the Design Pure Experience package adds distinctive touches to the exterior and once again emphasises the SAV character of the BMW X5. This design world also includes exterior mirror bases and B-pillar and C-pillar trim in high-gloss black, as well as BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium satinated trim for the side windows. The exhaust tailpipe embellishers have a matt chrome finish.
The Design Pure Experience line uses a dark yet warm colour scheme to bring a classically stylish and luxurious ambience to the interior of the new BMW X5. It offers Exclusive Nappa leather trim, including extended features in Mocha/Black with contrast stitching, plus interior trim strips in textured Fineline Pure high-quality wood. The fulled leather surfaces of the instrument panel and upper-arm trim panels come in black with contrast stitching in Nut Brown. The lower section of the instrument panel is in Mocha.
► Modern and Luxurious Design :
COMFORT & QUALITY
The X5 hasn't gained appreciably in terms of interior space, but there's better accommodation for up to seven passengers--especially those in the first two rows.
In the front, the standard power heated seats can be upgraded to multi-contour or sport seats on the six-cylinder gas and diesel models. There's enough adjustment and space in any direction, but like many other ventilated seats we've sampled, the X5's front buckets are flatter and less comfortable across the bottom cushion than without that feature. Between the driver and front passengers is a wide console split down the middle, good for smartphone storage, and on the console itself, there are two bins for possible keyfob storage--the fob wars have left the X5 with one of the heftier, fatter remotes in the industry, so prestigious it's hard to fit in skinny jeans (whatever they might be).
Move to the second row, and the basic setup is a bench with reclining seat portions split 40:20:40, an ideal setup for anyone trying to wedge five adults in the most basic X5. Four will be happier: with the standard panoramic sunroof, there's not much headroom left for six-footers until the seat's reclined, so folding down the middle 20-percent seat as an armrest becomes a de facto standard setup. Better yet is BMW's rear comfort seats, with finer stitching, a 10-degree recline, and a sliding feature that moves the seat along a 3.1-inch track.
Behind that second-row seat is about 23 cubic feet of space--which you can choose to fill with a fold-away third-row seat. It's as small and unwelcoming to adults as the third-row seats in a Dodge Journey, and tough for anyone not into Garanimals to step into with any grace. The saving grace is the seat folds away in portions, and flattens out of the way along with the second-row seat for up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space. The X5's tailgate is power-operated, and it's kept its unique tailgate/liftgate setup: the lower section drops like a pickup, the top section powers open and closed like a pricey minivan.
The revamp of the X5 has brought interior trim up to a new standard. Like the slightly smaller X3, the X5 now has a stylish cockpit with swooping curves and two--!--different interior palettes of coordinated interior colors and trim to go with the usual choices of aluminum or wood and leather. The basic seat upholstery is synthetic, and some minor switchgear looks less lovingly attended to than it should, but those blips get overlooked in favor of the rich, colorful dash-mounted screen, and the soft glow of ambient interior lighting.
CHASSIS
Sports Activity Vehicles are a vehicle segment first defined by BMW. Their combination of confident, sure-footed off-road traction and sporty but comfortable on-road driving has made them a global success. The new BMW X5 represents a further evolution of these qualities, incorporating refinements to the all-wheel-drive system and chassis technology.
Using the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console, the drive settings can be matched to the requirements of the moment or to different driving situations. The COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes, which can be selected at the press of a button, allow the driver to customise the accelerator response characteristics, the power steering characteristics, the characteristics of the automatic transmission and also, on vehicles fitted with the optional Comfort and Professional Adaptive Suspension packages, the characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control. On vehicles with the optional Dynamic and Professional Adaptive Suspension packages, the characteristics of the active roll stabilisation system and the Dynamic Performance Control can also be customised.
The suspension packages available for the new BMW X5 cater to individual requirements in terms of comfortable or sporty driving styles. The Comfort Adaptive Suspension package comprises Dynamic Damper control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling rear suspension. The electronic control logic adapts the damping characteristics to changing road conditions and driving situations. Two different damping modes can be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch. The same functionality is also provided by the Adaptive M suspension, which is standard on the BMW X5 M50d and also part of the M Sport package for the other model versions. In this version, SPORT or SPORT+ modes offer extra-firm suspension and damping characteristics.
The various components of the Dynamic Adaptive Suspension package provide significantly sportier cornering dynamics. Dynamic Performance Control and the Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation optimise directional stability and reduce body roll. Finally, the Professional Adaptive Suspension package maximises both comfort and dynamics. This option combines the components of the Comfort and Dynamic Suspension packages into an integrated system offering highest levels of driving enjoyment in all situations.
All versions of the new BMW X5 are equipped as standard with Electric Power Steering. For the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the BMW X5 xDrive30d, active steering is optionally available which, in addition to varying the power assist, also adjusts the steering input required to turn the wheels in relation to vehicle speed. This reduces the steering effort required when parking and provides precise response and feedback at high speed. The electromechanical parking brake with Auto Hold function is standard specification on the new BMW X5. The BMW X5 xDrive30d and BMW X5 xDrive50 are supplied with 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels respectively, while the BMW X5 M50d comes as standard with 19-inch "M" alloy wheels with mixed tyre sizes. Optionally, other 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels are available. Run-flat tyres are standard or optional, depending on the model. A Tyre Defect Indicator is standard on all versions of the new BMW X5.
The powerful braking system offers stable and consistent braking performance even under heavy braking, assisted by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Among other functions, the DSC system includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X). Further functions include Brake Assist, the Brake Standby feature, Start-Off Assistant, Fading Compensation, the Brake Drying function, trailer stability control and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
BMW X5 INFOTAINMENT
BMW's iDrive infotainment controller is standard on the X5. It operates the available navigation system and other ancillary functions, and displays on a new freestanding 10.2-inch screen. The iDrive controller now has a touchpad-style surface on its controller for text entry, Palm Pilot-style.
On the smartphone-connectivity front, BMW Apps (now with various audio-app options) are now standard, with a little help from Apple's iTunes. Connecting to the infotainment system via the iTunes-available, iPhone-based app allows drivers to hear their Facebook and Twitter feed, listen to web-based audio streams, and to tap into apps like Pandora and Stitcher. They're woven into the iDrive controller, which has a puck-shaped dial for navigation through commands and settings, and a touchpad surface for entering text Palm Pilot-style. Voice commands go deeper into the X5's audio and navigation than before: the combination of options of voice controls, dial entry or scratchpad writing, and steering-wheel controls can be overwhelming until you've spent hours upon hours at the controls.
Buyers have a choice of two premium-audio systems—Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen, the latter of which has 1,200 watts of power and 16 speakers. There's also a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with twin screens roughly the size of an iPad Mini, attached to the headrests of the front seats. Those systems always beg the question for us: why not just invest in a pair of mobile tablets and an indestructible case?
PERFORMANCE
The new BMW X5 occupies that performance space typical of German SUVs like the Mercedes M-Class and VW Touareg and Jeep Grand Cherokee. There's diesel power available, insanely plush spin-offs with V-8 thrust, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems that provide moderate amounts of off-road capability, and extravagant suspension systems meant to muddle the crossover roots enough to make it more than palatable on-road.
At times, the diesel X5 seems built to be all the SUV you'll ever need--while at other times, it's palpably straining to be the X5 M it's been built to be from Day 1.
► Power :
The lineup starts with the base X5 and its familiar 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. Offered either in sDrive35i rear-drive form or as the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i, it makes its peak torque from a low 1,200 rpm to 5,000 rpm. BMW promises 0-60 mph times of 6.2 seconds. We haven't had a chance to drive this version of the X5 yet, but have sampled the brilliant powerplant in BMW's sedans, and can't imagine dissatisfaction with its strong acceleration--but we'll describe it more thoroughly when we've driven one.
We've spent all our time in the 2014 X5 thus far in the diesel and V-8 models. The xDrive35d is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 255 hp and 413 lb-ft. BMW promises 0-60 mph times of 6.9 seconds, and it's believable. We spent a half-day driving the X5 from Vancouver to its extra-urban Olympic ski village, and got into an easy rhythm with the turbodiesel, accelerating quickly into holes in city traffic and settling into a relatively quiet cruise. It develops its peak torque before 3,000 rpm, giving it the swift responses of the gas six, for the most part--with a moderate amount of the usual diesel drivetrain noises.
Opt into the most expensive X5 xDrive50i--as we did for the return leg of our Canadian-based test drive--and you'll strap on BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, which spins off 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, at engine speeds as low as 2,000 rpm. Peak torque arrives swiftly, and the X5's estimated at 4.9 seconds from 0-60 mph--but the perception of speed isn't as much of a rush as the numbers spell out. In part, it's because the standard all-wheel drive and adjustable suspension on the V-8 model manages the power delivery so well, and because the twin-turbo's so muted by the X5's sound-deadening materials.
All X5s are equipped with an eight-speed automatic with paddle shift controls, which accounts for smooth shifting and some of the fuel-economy gains made this year. The X5's also lost between 170 and 230 pounds over the last generation, and the transmission is part of a suite of controls that are affected when the driver chooses Eco Pro mode on a console-mounted switch. Eco Pro mode slows down throttle response and triggers earlier upshifts into the eight-speed's more economical gears, and it also lets the X5 coast under some conditions by decoupling the engine; it even chooses some navigation routes for the optimum fuel efficiency.
RIDE HANDLING
All X5s now have electric power steering throughout the model line, and choosing Eco Pro also lightens the effort and heft engineered into it. Like most systems of its kind, the X5's electric power steering doesn't offer much in the way of feedback, and dithers on-center no matter if it's in Eco Pro or its Comfort setting. In Sport and Sport+, the steering has the meaty feel that's become common to most BMWs: pause the wheel at a point midway through a corner, and there's immediate buildup, a wall of return force to climb as you unwind it. With Active Steering, the ratio varies as speeds and cornering forces build: it can be an unwelcome variable in sports cars, but in sport-utes like the X5, it's more useful, making size and overall length less of a liability when parking or driving in town.
The techno feel of the rack flows through to the X5's strut and control-arm independent suspension, which in most cases and configurations, gets augmented by adaptive dampers and rear air springs. Dynamic Damper Control puts automatically adjusting shocks at the corners; they're set to work in concert with the steering and throttle and transmission, through the same Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. Adaptive shocks give the X5 a constant sense of stability; we weren't offered a non-adaptive X5 to drive, but with its mass and performance capability, the adaptive setup's likely to be the preferred one, as are the add-on self-leveling rear air springs that make it Dynamic Damper Control+. It makes the X5 a resolutely flat handler in corners, not entirely forgiving with its ride quality but only truly harsh with the biggest wheels in the most aggressively controlled modes.
Move a step closer to the inevitable X5 M, and BMW will fit the ute with active roll stabilization, which masks some of the body lean generated in deep corners via the adaptive dampers; with an Adaptive M suspension, which tightens up the suspension above and beyond base settings when in Sport and Sport+ modes; and with Dynamic Performance Control, which puts a finer degree of control over the all-wheel-drive system in the driver's hand.
Not every X5 comes with all-wheel drive, but those with the xDrive system have a sophisticated system with a variable torque split front to back, not to mention interaction with traction, stability, and hill-descent control systems. If you're truly using the X5 just as a commuting vehicle, you may never encounter any instance so exotic as to need the upgraded Dynamic Performance Control setup, but like other similar systems, it lets the X5 vary the torque split between the rear wheels, to let it turn in more crisply and change lanes more cleanly--which become more critical attributes as power output climbs and performance and price hit their zeniths.
If you're truly planning to take the X5 off-road, xDrive will show how it apportions power on the big LCD screen atop the center console. We climbed some moderately challenging lumps on the trails surrounding Vancouver 2010's ski jumps, and slogged through some mud without a misstep. It's more in the Explorer/Touareg camp of light off-road capability than in the Range Rover Sport take-no-prisoners talent pool, but the X5 should have no problem making it to a remote-ish cabin in the woods.
TRANSMISSION
All engines in the new BMW X5 line-up are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, whose high internal efficiency, precision and short shift times help to improve both efficiency and driving enjoyment. The extremely fast-shifting eight-speed sports automatic version used in the BMW X5 M50d comes with steering-wheel shift paddles, which are optionally available for the other new BMW X5 models as well. In vehicles with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission, the new "launch control" function is also available, a high-precision traction control system which allows engine power to be translated as efficiently as possible into road speed when accelerating from standstill.
In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-rpm driving style. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrically powered functions like the climate control, heated seats and heated exterior mirrors for extra-efficient energy management. In ECO PRO mode, a coasting function periodically decouples the engine from the rest of the powertrain whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (approx. 30 - 100 mph) and does not apply the brakes at the same time. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximised fuel efficiency. In conjunction with the optional Navigation system Professional, highly fuel-efficient ECO PRO navigation routes can be selected. When the navigation system is activated, the Proactive Driving Assistant function also tells the driver exactly when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or a speed-restricted section of road, in order to save fuel.
Along with the additional ECO PRO mode functions, the new BMW X5 also comes with many other BMW EfficientDynamics features. These include Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, low roll-resistance tyres and a variety of weight- and drag-reducing features. Along with other measures, use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, thermoplastics in the side panels, aluminium in the bonnet and magnesium in the instrument panel support make the new BMW X5 the lightest vehicle in its class. Intelligent lightweight design also means that the significantly increased standard specification compared with the previous model does not translate to increased vehicle weight. Indeed, depending on the model, the new BMW X5 actually tips the scales as much as 90 kg lighter than a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous X5 generation.
The BMW X5 also offers best-in-class aerodynamic design. Active upper and lower front air flap control, Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and a range of other detail improvements reduce the drag coefficient (Cd), depending on the model, to as low as 0.31 (BMW X5 xDrive30d).
DRIVETRAIN
The 2014 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers around. Whether driving on back roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ, feeling secure and stable yet also relatively nimble and fun to drive. Road and wind noise are pleasantly muted (depending on speed and the surface, of course), but buyers looking for a Lexus-like comfy-couch ride may find this Bimmer a bit firm.
Engine performance is strong throughout the lineup, even with the base six-cylinder. The turbocharged V8 is a beast, and acceleration isn't that far off from the previous generation's X5 M model. But our favorite is the 35d's diesel six-cylinder. Its prodigious torque output gives you quick acceleration around town, yet it's still strong enough for easy passing on the highway. The top fuel economy is just a bonus.
ENGINE
The xDrive 30d drivetrain, which includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and engine start / stop function, has been given boosts in power output, fuel economy and cleanliness. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine takes advantage of the latest in BMW TwinPower turbo technology and common-rail direct injection.
The result is maximum power of 190kW, 10kW up on the previous motor, and maximum torque of 560Nm, an advance of 20Nm. This is enough to push the vehicle to 100 kilometres an hour from rest in just 6.9 seconds, 0.7 seconds quicker than before.
Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has been improved by 1.2 litres per hundred kilometres to 6.2 litres per 100km, with carbon dioxide emissions of 162 grams per kilometre, 33 grams per km better.
Standard equipment for the BMW X5 xDrive 30d goes beyond its $100,000 price tag with particular attention being paid to keeping the driver in touch with his or her surroundings.
Primarily a five-seater, a third row of seats is among an extensive list of cost options to prise open the potential owner's wallet.
SAFETY
Every 2014 BMW X5 includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes, automatic brake drying, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. Also standard is the BMW Assist emergency communications system, which provides automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery and on-demand roadside assistance. In a simulated panic stop from 60 mph, we recorded a shorter-than-average 117-foot distance.
Optional safety features are effectively grouped into the Driver Assistance packages, and they include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, a top-down camera system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and a collision mitigation system that can apply the vehicle's brakes automatically to prevent or minimize a head-on impact at low speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
The X5's fuel economy climbs significantly with this new generation, thanks to more efficient engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and stop/start. We're still waiting to find out the turbodiesel's ratings, though.
This year, the X5 xDrive35i steps up its game from 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway to18/27 mpg, or 21 mpg combined. It's a 2-mpg improvement on the combined side, and 4 mpg on the highway cycle--a substantial jump that gets even better if you order the rear-drive model. It's rated at 19/27 mpg, or 22 mpg combined.
The V-8-powered xDrive50i model doesn't move forward as briskly in gas mileage. It's rated at 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 17 mpg combined--up slightly, and somewhat better than many of the V-8 SUV alternatives.
The xDrive35d diesel model has returned, but arrives late in the year. Its EPA ratings are still undisclosed, but the outgoing model was rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for 22 mpg combined. We'll make a casual prediction of 20/30 mpg and 23 mpg combined--and we'll update this section when more data is produced.
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By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars
Posted by : Shahen Tharammal
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