To figure out the changes made to the new X5 requires some pondering because it is difficult to spot the difference at first glance as the changes are minimal. The only noticeable changes are the white ‘corona rings' and the front bumper, which gets BMW ‘M' division's car-like air intakes. You can discount the wheels and lower-profile tyres because there is a range to choose from, and you'll need to switch the tail-lights on to see the additional detailing in them. The headlights get new white LEDs. So, for all practical purposes, the new BMW X5 looks very much like the old X5.
The interiors get the same subtle touch too. The steering wheel is chunkier but, strangely, the iDrive screen is smaller than the one in the pre-facelift version. Build quality is top-notch as always and the seats are really comfy; also, the switches are clear to read.
The big news is this X5 gets the 408bhp, 4.4-litre, twin-turbo petrol V8 that's in the X6 with the X5 xDrive50i. We're waiting to test it.
The car in these pictures is the more practical and completely impressive 3.0-litre diesel in-line six. It makes 10bhp more and 2kgm of torque over the old 3.0d and sounds more refined too. The massive 55kgm of torque hurls the two tonne plus beast forward, endowing it with excellent step-off, solid in-gear shove and a good turn of speed.
You can harness the 245bhp from the engine through a new eight-speed auto to all four wheels that operates in a more decisive and intuitive nature than the old six-speed unit.
The earlier X5's ride was ahead of its competition and we were satisfied with its ability to absorb bumps but the new X5 has managed to better that. There's a nice absorbent way it takes our roads in its stride and crashes only through the sharper potholes. We did get a bit of bobbing over expansion joints but, otherwise, there was no reason to complain. And, you don't have to worry — unlike a few recent BMWs, this still handles like you expect it to. It steers accurately, responds well and its body movements are tightly controlled. It really is as much of a hoot as you can expect a vehicle that weighs 2150kg to be.
BMW will charge you Rs. 53 lakh for the base model, which is Rs. 3 lakh less than the pre-facelift car. But basic in German terms means you get dual-zone climate control, a six-CD changer, cruise control, 12 speakers, powered seats, leather seats, a gazillion airbags, ESP, ABS, Hill Descent Control and the iDrive system.
