Every now and then, I find myself considering changing my car for a 4×4. One of my preferred choices if budget would allow is BMW’s X5.
The €80,750 X5 xDrive40d SE is set in the premium 4×4 market. Tick some boxes on the extras list like sports suspension, satellite navigation, and third-row seating and the price rises to a tad under €96,000. On the outside BMW have made some subtle styling changes to the latest editions of their popular X5, which include revised front and rear bumpers with new LED headlamps and tail-lights. It’s a large 4×4, which is evident when driving through traffic as you peer down on the cars alongside you from the high seating position. There are three engine line-ups available to Irish buyers, the xDrive30d, 40d and the V8 petrol 50i. By far the best pick of the range will be their new xDrive40d which is the one I tested. Don’t be mislead by its name though, the 40d is actually a 3.0 litre diesel which is in use amongst other BMW models.
What’s most impressive about this engine is its turn of pace, pull out into the fast lane to overtake, put your foot down and the 306hp twin turbo diesel propels you past other motorists like you’re in a 335i, not a two ton seven seat jeep, this is aided by the engine producing a vigorous 600 Nm of Torque. All this power is harnessed by the new eight-speed automatic gearbox which makes seamless gear changes. Inside your surrounded by dark wood trim and cosseting leather seats which now come as standard, the fit and finish is first-class and will give Porsche’s Cayenne, and Audi’s Q7 some stiff competition.
If you’re in the market for a luxury 4×4, then I suggest you try BMW’s latest X5 before making your decision.
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