BMW X5 3.0d

The X5's magical mix of driving pleasure and seven-seat practicality give it the edge

Published on Sep 06, 2009 07:00:00 AM

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The old X5 set the benchmark for SUV agility and we expect this car to live up to its billing and reputation. Take off from rest and the heavy steering feel and sheer precision of the controls instantly tell you that little has changed. The weighty steering may not be traffic-friendly, but once congestion opens up, it is a treat. There is almost no slack in the steering and, even as you go faster, the feel and instant responses remain. And grip is insanely high as well, the X5 being able to hold onto speeds that few SUVs can attain while cornering. The brakes are phenomenal as well, but the much-heavier new car is not as agile as the lighter, earlier X5. BMW has made the car longer to accommodate the extra third-row seats and this, among other features, means the X5 feels a touch more ponderous. It feels taller and rolls more at the rear as you hurl it around corners, and this initially feels disconcerting. As you go harder, the car settles down after that initial bit of roll and you can really push this SUV’s limits more than you would believe. BMW has a solution for this called Adaptive Drive – basically active anti-roll bars that stop the car from rolling; like the system you get on the Porsche Cayenne. This, however, is an option that, along with the windscreen-mounted heads-up display and active steering, costs in the region of Rs 5 lakh. And even though the Q5 misses out on adjustable suspension, its ride will not give you any reason to complain. The damping is almost perfect for Indian roads and the high-profile rubber plays its part in further isolating you from road surfaces.