That X5 Drive

(Second of two parts)

Last week, we published a story about the current model BMW X5 and its many attributes — especially when driven along well-paved roads that stretch for miles. As promised, we follow that story up with a sneak peek at the new model that’s set to make its mark along Philippine roads sometime in the first half of next year.

First off, how in the world did we get our filthy hands on a next generation X5, you ask? We took a plane to where it was being introduced to journalists from all over the world, of course. BMW, bless their ingenuous marketing-savvy international media relations group, decided that the best place to introduce their new and improved SAV was Athens, Greece. With its fair share of mountainside roads, seaside roads, small town streets and sprawling highways as well as fairly challenging gravel roads, Athens was indeed the perfect venue to stress what we would find out were some significant improvements from the current X5.

Another stroke of genius was the scheduling of the entire exercise and the routes that were carefully planned out for the entire driving experience. What we did was fly into Greece on a Friday afternoon, drive all around the city and its outskirts the entire Saturday after, then fly off the next Sunday. The result? Pleasant drives throughout a sunny yet breezy weekend sans Greek traffic. The entire scenario gave us the chance to truly appreciate the striking new X5 model.

Okay, so how is the new model different from the one that we see in our streets now? First off, it’s slightly longer and wider (by 18.7cm and 6.8cm respectively) than its predecessor. Next, it is defined by more harmonious lines that seamlessly flow from one end of the X5 to the other — the kind that add a new sense of elegance to the vehicle. And, though the new X5’s overall flow may seem softer, its more muscular wheel arches juxtapose to balance the vehicle’s entire "activity vehicle" feel. In other words, when viewed right beside a current model X5, the new iteration somehow exudes a more ruggedly elegant charm. Significant contributors to this include new dual round headlights and a seemingly higher rear bumper and more robust rear light clusters in the typical yet refreshingly new BMW L-design. With the higher rear bumpers, in fact, the larger and wider rims are stressed, giving the standard 18-inch rims with run-flat tires more time in the sun, at least when viewed from behind (both figuratively and literally).

The new X5’s ride and drive characteristics, meanwhile, are significantly different from that of the current model on two fronts: suspension and steering. Double wishbone front axles, specifically added in this new X5 iteration, allow for better stability and (more significantly) noticeable improvement in roll comfort. So while it may be true that we did describe the current X5’s ride as "slightly harsh", we’re more inclined to describe the new X5’s ride as "soft and luxury car-like". The X5’s steering, meanwhile, is now enhanced (as an option) with BMW’s patented Active Steering system. This unique steering system adjusts the vehicle’s steering transmission ratio additionally to the road speed, improving agility to noticeable degrees. Pushing the vehicle to close to 200 kph one moment, then slowing it down as we suddenly enter a small town road, we couldn’t help but be in awe of the technology. We actually had no complaints with the current generation’s steering system but driving the new X5 with the Active Steering system is like having some chocolate syrup on top of one’s Häagen-Dazs ice cream — you don’t really know how much better it can get until you’ve tried it.

The X5’s intelligent xDrive system still manages the entire shebang of gee-whiz all-wheel drive technologies that bring in the entire safety alphabet into the picture: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and finally Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) are all in to join the new X5 party. All these amazing technologies, though hard to pinpoint from behind the steering wheel, add significantly to the entire safety package of the new X5.

Technologies (abbreviated or otherwise), of course, aren’t the only new additions to the new BMW X5. Standout interior enhancements include a new electronic gear selector and foldable third row seats. Since the transmission is not anymore mechanical but electronic, ergonomic shift travel is made possible, making available significant space in the center console for storage and the like. Two additional third row seats, meanwhile, can fold into the rear. When set out, they can comfortably accommodate passengers of up to approximately 5 feet 7 inches in height. The more telling statistic in this writer’s mind, however, is the added legroom made available to the second row passengers because of the vehicle’s added overall length. The 1.6-inch increase from the current X5 model may not seem like much on paper, but step inside and you’ll notice the significant comfort accorded by the added knee room.

All in all, the Filipino contingent was in agreement with most of the other Asian delegates who were fortunate enough to have attended the International Media Preview of the new BMW X5. This new iteration seems to approximate the performance of BMW’s flagship 7Series more than anything else. With the technologies and appointments made available in the new vehicle, it’s a virtual limousine in SAV clothing. Yes, it can take on well-paved roads and not-so-well-paved roads with as much panache, but instead of coming off as more macho than before, it seems more luxurious than ever. And, if our computations on pricing are right, it’ll narrow that price gap between the current generation X5 and the 7Series too. It’s very similar to yet very different from the current X5. At least that’s this writer’s verdict. By the latter part of the first half of next year, you can be the judge yourself.