BMW X5 is child's play

BMW X5 is child's play

A group of kids literally took a back seat in the development of BMW's second-generation luxury 4WD that now comes with optional third-row seating, writes TOBY HAGON. ...

Despite some of the best brains in automotive designs, BMWs second generation X5 relied on kids to help fine tune one of its newest sales pitches the third row of seats.

A group of kids spent a day in the X5 during its development in Germany before suggesting three key alterations; the addition of arm rests, hand grips and better side visibility.

The youngsters clearly werent as concerned about the side curtain airbags that stop at the second row of seats or the cramped leg room and difficult entry that mean the optional sixth and seventh seat in the X5 will most definitely be reserved for the little ones; BMW says the seats have been designed for people up to 170cm tall.

The third row of seats sells for $3000 on the X5, ensuring it now better competes with the likes of the Audi Q7, Mercedes ML and Volvo XC90.

Not that the X5 ever had an issue attracting a following; the car that set new benchmarks for luxury four-wheel drives and has remained popular throughout its relatively short life, which began here in 2000. Its most popular year on sale was in 2005 as the car approached the end of its life.

To accommodate the extra pews, the five-door wagon is 187mm longer and 61mm wider than the original. Despite the extra size, which is immediately evident from inside the car (particularly when it comes to width), the increased use of lightweight metals has helped keep the weight of the X5 almost the same as the outgoing model (the V8 has increased by 50kg).

BMW has also managed to offer more power across all variants and reduce fuel consumption, an important consideration in an era of uncertain fuel prices.

As before, there are three versions of the X5 available; a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel and a 4.8-litre V8.

With its muscular 500Nm of torque, the diesel is expected to account for 70 per cent of X5 sales locally. Its diesel engines uses up to 30 per cent less fuel than the petrol variants.

Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission (the X5 is no longer offered as a manual) with its unique electronically-operated pistol-grip gear shifter, the X5 is a smooth and accomplished performer.

After a brief hesitation as the turbo spins up, it quickly lurches the two-tonne-plus off-roader forward with enthusiasm. The diesel also charges up hills and makes for relaxed highway cruising.

But if its performance youre after, the X5 4.8i with its 4.8-litre V8 is the weapon of choice, albeit an expensive one....

At $118,300, the flagship of the X5 line-up gets to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds, with a characterful burble emitted from the twin oval-shaped exhausts as it reaches speed.

With bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, the X5 V8 is also extremely capable through corners, gripping impressively and providing a level of security few 4WDs can.

Indeed, theres little doubt the X5 is one of the most secure-feeling off-roaders when driven on-road. It uses a new suspension system with typically firm settings to minimise leaning through corners, with the downside being a firmish (but improved) ride, particularly on less-than-perfect surfaces.

Theres also a 3.0-litre six-cylinder X5 (with 200kW and 315Nm) that will arrive in June as the entry-level to the X5 line-up.

Despite the improvements, the second generation X5 still follows faithfully in the wheel tracks of the original, right down to the evolutionary styling that adds a few more curves, a cleaner overall appearance and the larger, more cohesive body.

The extra millimetres also - crucially - help separate the X5 from its smaller X3 sibling.

Its still very much oriented to on-road driving, with BMW admitting very few owners will ever venture beyond the security of bitumen. Thats why BMW has made the X5 the first off-roader to be sold here with run-flat tyres, which allow the car to be driven at up to 80km/h for up to 2000km.

However, X5s sold in Australia also come with a space-saver spare tyre, prompting BMW to cheekily claim the car has five spare tyres.

Unchanged is the price of entry into the X5, which kicks off at $85,000 and ranges to $118,300, plus on-road costs and any one of a number of options.

Equipment levels are generally improved for the new X5, ensuring the car maintains its high levels, including leather trim, curtain airbags, a stability control system and climate-control air-conditioning.

The top-line 4.8i comes equipped with everything from satellite-navigation and a higher quality sound system to rear controls for the air-conditioning and self-levelling suspension.

BMW has also added a number of new features to the X5 range, although many are optional on some model variants, including the reversing camera that was previously fitted as standard to help run-out the original model.

They include a four-zone climate-control system, a High-Beam Assist system that automatically dims the high-beam lights, xenon headlights and a Head-Up display system that projects the speedometer and other functions in to the drivers line of vision.

BMW has also added an Executive model available on the six-cylinder variants that includes the reversing camera, satellite-navigation, a TV, Bluetooth phone hook-up and electric seats for an extra $9500.

However, things like an alarm are still a $975 option across the range. So go crazy with the options on the V8 variant and you can be shelling out more than $150,000 for an X5.

Check drive.com.au for more images of the new BMW X5

1174153229197-theage.com.au http://www.theage.com.au/news/a-closer-look/new-bmw-x5-is-childs-play/2007/03/22/1174153229197.html theage.com.au drive.com.au 2007-03-22 New BMW X5 is child's play Toby Hagon A group of kids literally took a back seat in the development of BMW's second-generation luxury 4WD that now comes with optional third-row seating, writes TOBY HAGON. DriveHome Motorshow Acloserlook http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/03/22/22bmwChild_m.jpg 470 282 http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/03/22/22bmwage_t.jpg 50 50

p BMW X5 /p BMW X5

Source: [url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/a-closer-look/new-bmw-x5-is-childs-play/2007/03/22/1174153229197.html]The Age[/url]