| Motoring Discussion > BMW X5 E70 SUV - X5 | Miscellaneous |
| Thread Author: Ian (Cape Town) | Replies: 1 |
|
New Thu 7 Oct 10 07:34
BMW X5 E70 SUV - X5 - Ian (Cape Town)
|
|
Story of last week's drive. The new BMW X5 hasn’t just had a facelift – it seems to have had the nutritionist in for a few visits as well. Not only has the look of the new range been enhanced, but the Bavarians have taken a massive step towards acceptance in a world which has sneered on obvious excess following the recent recession. The X5 has been targeted by many as a gas-guzzling beast since its 1999 launch, but the new range has gone a long way towards facing that challenge with many innovations which have addressed the issues of consumption and emissions. BMW boast up to 10 percent reduction in both, as well as a significant boost in performance from powerplants across the range. Diesel engine variants are the xDrive30d – with straight six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, with a 2993cc pushing out 180 kW; the superb xDrive40d: straight six- twin turbo 2993cc diesel boasting 225 kW; the xDrive35i, with straight six petrol engine (2,979 cc, 225 kW) and the XDrive50i, with Twin turbo V8 petrol engine (4,395 cc, 300 kW). Top of the range is the 408 kW X5M variant, which is in a whole different ballpark. Sadly, BMW can’t brag about emission and consumption reductions in the latter two –- the company admits to being hamstrung by due to local fuel technology, which prevents them using more efficient engines which demand ‘cleaner’ petrol. Vehicles of this caliber show up the government’s new fuel tax to be a joke – as the tax is emissions-based, and if cleaner fuel remains unavailable, obviously the emissions (and taxes) will be higher. So there’s no incentive to force companies to clean up their act, as it will kill the golden goose. The new 8-speed automatic transmission, coupled with other innovations, add to the efficiency and performance. It is probably one of the most seamless automatics I’ve driven, and even over two days of on-road and semi-rough stuff during a trip through the backroads and plantations of the Southern Cape, it wasn’t necessary to ever shift it out of ‘D’. However, for those who like gadgetry, ‘flappy paddle’ shifters are available as an option. An active steering function is available, which changes the steering transmission according to speed. This means less wheel movement and exertion are required in tight manoeuvring, but at higher speeds, a more indirect response is achieved and the effect of power steering reduced. Another plus is the xDrive set-up, with permanent four-wheel drive with electronically-controlled torque distribution between the front and rear. The system constantly feeds power as required to the axle that has the best contact with the surface, ideal when negotiating bends at higher speeds, as it anticipates any oversteer or understeer and counteracts these forces effectively – in addition, it doesn’t wait until a wheel begins to spin, but anticipates loss of traction, so the vehicle is stabilised before the driver even notices the need to take action. The company boast, and rightly so, about their EfficientDynamics measures which include brake-energy regeneration to convert the stopping power to electrical charge and electric ‘on demand’ coolant and oil pumps. Every little bit helps, as they say. Stylistically the facelift X5s, though still instantly recognisable, have undergone some subtle – and not so subtle - changes. More of the elements now match the vehicle’s body colour, size of the air intakes has been increased, the foglights have been moved inboard, and raised slightly, and the use of LED technology adds a futuristic feel. Bi Xenon headlights are an optional extra, as are adaptive headlights, which produce an extra cone of light when cornering, raises or lowers the beam according to the stance of the vehicle – for example when driving over hill crests or over ramps - and optimises the forward beam according to road speed . All very clever stuff indeed. LEDS are also incorporated in the rear design, and again the use of base colour, as well as a new rear apron gives a crisper feel, mirroring the front end. The interior has also been upgraded, and the best of the ‘new’ stuff is the facility for two more seats, making the X5 a seven seater. The ‘third row’ – another optional extra – can be stowed in the vehicle floor, but even when in use, there is still 200 litres of luggage space available. This makes it an ideal long-trip vehicle, with the option to include the in-laws during excursions when you get there. Driving position is again excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the Head-Up display, which projects information such as speed and navigation data onto the windscreen ahead of the driver, thus sparing him distraction. Active cruise control is another innovative driver aid – radar allows the vehicle to maintain its distance from the vehicle ahead in traffic, braking or stopping when necessary. This stop-and-go system can be used from 30km/h upwards, so will be ideal on the day-to-day commute. One cynical friend said this would be a great boon – set the stop-and-go so that there is just slightly less than a car’s length between the car in front, to stop the lane jumpers. Speed limit recognition is another great feature – a camera fitted in the X5 can ‘read’ road signs, compare the data to that in the on-board navigation system, and warn the driver when he is exceeding the posted limit. Lane departure warning causes the steering wheel to vibrate if the X5 drifts from its chosen lane – unless, of course, he has signalled his intentions – FINALLY BMW have done something to make Beemer drivers use their indicators! |
|
New Fri 8 Oct 10 19:59
BMW X5 E70 SUV - X5 - Skoda
|
|
>> FINALLY BMW have done something to make Beemer drivers use their indicators! Haha v good :-) I enjoyed reading that. |
Forum Version 3.0 - By Khoosys
Car4play Forum
