Being in the cabin of the all-new BMW X5 is just as luxurious as flying first class. Two months after the vehicle landed in the island the media was invited to a private viewing at Stewart Motors where we were able to test drive the beaut. Mark O’Sullivan, Service Adviser at BMW schooled us on the awesome features of the new machine. Most impressive was the automatic soft-close feature and the ease in opening the driver’s door with only a single touch. Immediately this vehicle scored high points on comfort as the lux cabin boasted a unique comfort access feature which could not be overlooked.
With the key tucked away, we headed to Long Mountain to put the X5 to the hill test. As I waited to join the line of traffic, with the vehicle at a standstill, the engine automatically disengaged and restarted as soon as I removed my foot from the brake pedal. This feature prevents unnecessary fuel consumption and battery energy and THAT should be good news for those big on saving for the New Year. Once the feature is activated, everything – including the radio and the air conditioning – turns down until the engine is re-engaged. My amazement heightened as we continued into the hills of Long Mountain and discovered the auto-hold function that prevents the vehicle from rolling off a steep section of the hill. With a simple press of a button the parking brake was applied automatically. I drove on to a slope and was able to release my foot from the brake for five seconds before the vehicle started to drift. This feature comes in handy in bumper to bumper traffic as it prevents the SAV from creeping in traffic .The X5 earned five more cool points for its Hill Descent Control: it literally felt like the SAV was glued to the road as we travelled downhill.
Worthy of mention is how smooth and quiet the engine is despite being a diesel. After engaging all driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport), it was quiet. The engine variants available now are: the BMW X5 xDrive50i with a new generation of the V8 petrol engine; BMW X5 xDrive30d with revised six-cylinder inline diesel unit, and the BMW X5 M50d M Performance Automobile with tri-turbo six-cylinder in-line diesel. The BMW X5 xDrive40d, BMW X5 xDrive35i, BMW X5 xDrive25d, and BMW X5 sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) will follow. Get the New Year Swag in the all-new 2014 BMW X5, available from between $10.7 million to $13.3 million depending on features chosen.
The redesigned Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now in its third generation and is a standout. Fourteen years after the X5 made its debut, the all new- X5 is poised to capitalize on the legacy of its predecessor. Kim Bernard, Sales and Marketing executive said it is the first model to arrive in the region, including the US. A lot of modifications have been made but they do not compromise the integrity of the brand. The new X5’s shape has changed a bit making it much bigger than its predecessor. It is lighter and returns better gas mileage. The front kidney grille has been designed as pedestrian-friendly and a lot more robust to match the muscular bonnet. The headlights have also been expanded and can produce daytime and LED lights. The kidney and the headlamps have been formed into one unit.
There is now a split in the front bumper to separate it from the front side fenders. The new design will allow easier access to the headlights by technicians. It also comes equipped with night vision for enhance collision prevention.
Greater detail has been crafted to foster the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, and air deflectors on the front wheel arches among others have been introduced to reduce dragging. The SAV is now lighter because of the single turbo. The engine is even quieter than a petrol engine – that should get some more nods.
Mode lighting has been introduced in the cabin. This means lights can be adjusted to produce different colours to reflect the driver’s moods. This feature has been borrowed from the Mini Coupe. The rear comfort seats can be used individually or together as part of an optional third row of seats. Additionally they can also be lowered separately into the load compartment floor.
The new BMW X5 also presents a separated two-section tailgate, the lower part of which can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Automatic tailgate operation for the upper section is a standard feature. For the first time, the tailgate can be closed as well as opened using the remote control and, at the touch of a button, from the driver’s seat. Your eyes must be gleaming to get a view of this lux yet sturdy machine. Go down to the friendly staff at Stewart Motors and test-drive it for yourself. It’s worth every penny!
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Being in the cabin of the all-new BMW X5 is just as luxurious as flying first class. Two months after the vehicle landed in the island the media was invited to a private viewing at Stewart Motors where we were able to test drive the beaut. Mark O’Sullivan, Service Adviser at BMW schooled us on the awesome features of the new machine. Most impressive was the automatic soft-close feature and the ease in opening the driver’s door with only a single touch. Immediately this vehicle scored high points on comfort as the lux cabin boasted a unique comfort access feature which could not be overlooked.
With the key tucked away, we headed to Long Mountain to put the X5 to the hill test. As I waited to join the line of traffic, with the vehicle at a standstill, the engine automatically disengaged and restarted as soon as I removed my foot from the brake pedal. This feature prevents unnecessary fuel consumption and battery energy and THAT should be good news for those big on saving for the New Year. Once the feature is activated, everything – including the radio and the air conditioning – turns down until the engine is re-engaged. My amazement heightened as we continued into the hills of Long Mountain and discovered the auto-hold function that prevents the vehicle from rolling off a steep section of the hill. With a simple press of a button the parking brake was applied automatically. I drove on to a slope and was able to release my foot from the brake for five seconds before the vehicle started to drift. This feature comes in handy in bumper to bumper traffic as it prevents the SAV from creeping in traffic .The X5 earned five more cool points for its Hill Descent Control: it literally felt like the SAV was glued to the road as we travelled downhill.
Worthy of mention is how smooth and quiet the engine is despite being a diesel. After engaging all driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport), it was quiet. The engine variants available now are: the BMW X5 xDrive50i with a new generation of the V8 petrol engine; BMW X5 xDrive30d with revised six-cylinder inline diesel unit, and the BMW X5 M50d M Performance Automobile with tri-turbo six-cylinder in-line diesel. The BMW X5 xDrive40d, BMW X5 xDrive35i, BMW X5 xDrive25d, and BMW X5 sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) will follow. Get the New Year Swag in the all-new 2014 BMW X5, available from between $10.7 million to $13.3 million depending on features chosen.
The redesigned Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now in its third generation and is a standout. Fourteen years after the X5 made its debut, the all new- X5 is poised to capitalize on the legacy of its predecessor. Kim Bernard, Sales and Marketing executive said it is the first model to arrive in the region, including the US. A lot of modifications have been made but they do not compromise the integrity of the brand. The new X5’s shape has changed a bit making it much bigger than its predecessor. It is lighter and returns better gas mileage. The front kidney grille has been designed as pedestrian-friendly and a lot more robust to match the muscular bonnet. The headlights have also been expanded and can produce daytime and LED lights. The kidney and the headlamps have been formed into one unit.
There is now a split in the front bumper to separate it from the front side fenders. The new design will allow easier access to the headlights by technicians. It also comes equipped with night vision for enhance collision prevention.
Greater detail has been crafted to foster the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, and air deflectors on the front wheel arches among others have been introduced to reduce dragging. The SAV is now lighter because of the single turbo. The engine is even quieter than a petrol engine – that should get some more nods.
Mode lighting has been introduced in the cabin. This means lights can be adjusted to produce different colours to reflect the driver’s moods. This feature has been borrowed from the Mini Coupe. The rear comfort seats can be used individually or together as part of an optional third row of seats. Additionally they can also be lowered separately into the load compartment floor.
The new BMW X5 also presents a separated two-section tailgate, the lower part of which can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Automatic tailgate operation for the upper section is a standard feature. For the first time, the tailgate can be closed as well as opened using the remote control and, at the touch of a button, from the driver’s seat. Your eyes must be gleaming to get a view of this lux yet sturdy machine. Go down to the friendly staff at Stewart Motors and test-drive it for yourself. It’s worth every penny!
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