C O V E R     S T O R Y

BMW—a name synonymous with the synergy of sport and luxury, a name that has become the benchmark in every segment in which the company competes.  The continued success of the 3-series and 5-series are testaments to the engineering genius of Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works).  Their recent re-entry into the world of Formula One as an engine manufacturer is an addition to their long line of technological credentials. 

So when news that this exclusively sport-oriented luxury car maker decided to make an SUV or Sport Utility Vehicle—what did people think?  Two words: cash cow.  In a world where having an off-roader meant instant financial success, most people cast their doubts as to the engineering prowess behind the X5, especially in the key areas of handling and performance.  To add insult to injury, the press shrugged off BMW when the latter claimed that the 4.4i petrol version could lap the Hockenheim racing circuit as fast as the previous generation M3. 

Even without the press yakking, the X5 was facing some stiff competition and comparison from the Lexus RX300 and the Mercedes-Benz ML-line. To make their products different, both of BMW’s competitors decided to make their SUVs more car-like rather than a farmer’s tractor and the sales figures said that it worked. Now, should BMW continue on with the trend or should they go a different route?

The answer came easily for BMW—the so-called car-like SUVs from Merc and Lexus were still not car-like enough. What BMW wanted was to create a vehicle that handled like a 5-series sedan, but had the gutsy on-court attitude of Shaquille ‘O Neal. They wanted to intimidate with both looks and handling.   

The result is the SAV or the Sport Activity Vehicle moniker.  Though it is nothing more than a marketing gimmick, the term does make some sense after a drive in the X5. 

The proportions of the X5 are a generous mix of, get this, BMW and Land Rover Range Rover. The car carries the same short front overhangs and side creases that blend perfectly into the door handles, that are design elements of the 3-series sedan.  On the other hand, the roof rails and the rear part of the car (beginning from the B-pillar) look unerringly similar to the Land Rover Range Rover, the parent company of which BMW used to own. Overall, the curved front-end somewhat clashes with the sharp and angular rear, although this kind of design does greatly improve boot and loading space. 

Nonetheless, the boot space of the X5 is still on the smallish side. Despite having a two-piece hatch, the space at the back is not even enough for a Labrador (a pair of poodles would fit though). On the positive side, the load space is easily reachable, flat and wide, the wheel wells not intruding into the bay.

Up front and at back, more telltale design elements from BMW especially the kidney grille and the cut-out headlamp.  The smoothly angled bonnet, with aggressive folds leading to the air vent intakes for good measure, shouts 5-series.  The front fog lamps is on the upper part of the bumper, creating an illusion of towering height and reducing the slab-fronted look of the car, although in reality the X5 has the same ground clearance as the petite RAV4. The standard 235/65 HR 17 Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires do a great job of increasing road stability and creating a muscular appearance.

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