|
From the sides, the influences of the Range Rover are more evident; however, the BMW has more subtle detail elements such as the way the crease integrates with the front and rear fender flares, again adding a pat of manliness at the back. Inside, the opulence of the X5 will have P. Diddy satisfied as the quality is simply unbelievable: The fittings are similar in quality with the top-of-the-line 7-series. The plastics are as soft and plush everywhere—even in the most obscure of areas such as those in the foot well, helping somehow to justify the X5’s PHP 4,350,000 price tag. The splashes of wood, aluminium and leather here and there are all top-notch; the fittings are all tight and good to the touch, from the glove box to the push button sun glass holder. Ergonomically, the X5 is a high improvement from its BMW stablemates. The seating is set precariously high compared to the 3 and 5-series, giving the driver a feeling of absolute control. With the additional ride height, the X5 makes even the littlest Napoleons feel like world rulers. The controls are easy to reach (previous Bimmer owners will adjust in no time). Moreover, the dials are easy to read, though the print is on the small side. The steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are all within easy and comfortable reach. One small problem though: the horn buttons could have been placed a bit lower to make it easier to honk mere mortals out of the way. The ventilation and radio system is still as confusing as a Rubik’s Cube. The air con system has the confusing look-alike buttons that is the biggest problem with the 3 and 5-series. Good news on the radio system: it has been repositioned to make it easier to reach. However, it still takes an Einstein to figure out the functions of the buttons as the radio controls do not have permanent functions—meaning they change depending on what mode (radio, CD changer) you choose. Thus, it requires intimate familiarization, rather than an intuitive button press. Overall interior space is good and comfortable for five people. All seats are comfortable, and have features such as: rear air vents, rear cigarette lighter and ash trays. Passive safety is complete, too—all five occupants get three-point ELR seat beats; there are dual front airbags, side-impact airbags and curtain airbags. However, the chances of these safety devices having to work is almost as moot as Bill Gates having to beg for money as the X5 comes with a huge arsenal of techno-gizmos such as electronic brake force distribution, automatic stability control plus traction, hill-descent control and full-time all-wheel drive as standard, making this BMW one of the most stable cars / trucks on the road today. The only X5 variant officially available in the Philippines so far is the turbo diesel 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6. Do not let the specification ‘diesel’ turn you off. Mind you, this power plant is not just any diesel—but a BMW diesel, the finest a diesel could ever get. The engine pushes out a maximum of 184 bhp at a lowly 4,000 rpm and a whopping 410 Nm at 2,000-3,000 rpm, close to the 4.4-liter V8 petrol. This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds—an amazing feat for a 2,190 kilogram diesel car. |
|
||||||||
