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. 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. 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+. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking are bundled with blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control.Īll X5s now have electric power steering throughout the model line, and choosing Eco Pro also lightens the effort and heft engineered into it. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the X5 but it offers standard Bluetooth, while a rearview camera is an option, as are surround-view cameras. Despite an easy-entry function, the third-row optional seat is Oompa-Loompa sized, more useful as a fold-away cargo space behind the X5's two-piece flip-up/fold-down tailgate. There's ample head and leg room in the second row some models can slide the second-row seat on a 3.1-inch track, and the seats split and fold along 40/20/40 sections. The front seats can feel flat, especially with ventilation, but sport seats and multi-contour seat can be fitted. With seating for up to 7 people, the X5 is best hauling four adults. Steering feedback is a notable low point, and an active anti-roll system leaves the driver with conflicting signals as to how much grip is available. The dampers go to creamy in Comfort mode, while Sport and Sport+ tweak everything for quick, hefty responses. In Eco Pro mode, the upshifts come more quickly and the steering uses less assist. All models sport an 8-speed automatic and most have variable-torque-split all-wheel drive, some with a torque-vectoring rear axle for crisper handling.Įlectric power steering, adaptive dampers, and intelligent throttle and transmission programming gives the X5 a huge range in personality. A rorty twin-turbo V-8 drops acceleration times to below 5 seconds with a muted roar. A diesel edition with gutsy low-end torque adds a second but also adds many miles per gallon to the EPA ratings. The base twin-turbo 6-cylinder drops 300 hp and 6.2-second 0-60 mph times. In the same niche as the Benz GLE and VW Touareg, the X5 touches all the right powertrain bases. Inside, the sweep of BMW's latest designs transforms the cabin into a better workspace, with base synthetic leather giving way to rich combinations of mocha and ash and aluminum. It's a sport wagon in spirit, if not in footprint. Outside, the sculpting on its body is more graceful, with a clear link to the smaller X3 in its tapering roof and low beltline. With no dramatic styling changes this generation, the X5 impresses drivers more with a handsomely reworked cabin. The X5's off-road-ability is outweighed by its superb on-road manners, but that's on purpose-it's a luxury family wagon tailored for comfort, meant for gated communities everywhere. The 2015 BMW X5 continues to be a benchmark for any automaker contemplating a new luxury mid-size SUV.
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