If you did NOT come across it at funerals, social gatherings or meetings, top political figures would make sure it’s a special feature on their to-do list, stru!
My late friend (May His Soul rest in -Peace Tshepo Sekese) owned one and the day never passed without him taking a diss at us “that’s the power of ownership folks”, he’d retort boastingly.
In 2019 this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) celebrates its 20th years on the road -as a fourth generation.
Mzansi last year experienced the launch of xDrive30d that we had an opportunity to test drive. Yes, it was a pleasurable xPerience!
Monstrous, brash, agile, head-turner or ‘panty’ dropper -are some of the superlatives associated with the all new BMW X5.
The xDrive30d claimed 195kW and completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds, as we revved it from one province to another.
It comes packed with a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
The new wheelbase is 42mm longer than its predecessor’s (now 2975mm), a 36mm increase in vehicle length (to 4922mm), an extra 66mm of width (now 2004mm) and a 19mm increase in height (to 1745mm) gives the new BMW X5 both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.
A powerfully sculpted bonnet, a short front overhang, lightly hexagonal wheel arches and the dynamic sweep of the roofline add to the sporty yet rugged character of the new X5.
Yes, I might be disadvantaged in terms of height but this beau turned me into something unforgivable…And why NOT?
“The BMW X5 embodies the origins of the BMW X family and, in its fourth generation, sends out its most powerful message yet in terms of presence and modernity,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President BMW Group Design.
“It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.” Need I say more…
It comes standard with LED headlights, while BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified as an option. This system employs a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam to optimise the high beam function, and as a result the range of the non-dazzling high beam has been
increased to around 500m.
My Aunt was taken aback by its Blue x-shaped elements, which split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights, that makes a distinctive visual statement.
The precise character line in the car’s flanks, which rises up at the rear door, contributes to the modern appearance of the new X5. It defines the car’s powerful shoulders and feeds into the rear lights, which extend well into the flanks. All the lights feature LED technology in the rear too.
Yes, this is “an airplane” she nodded unflinchingly, as if everyone care to know, whenever we took a turn for a break, as she further probed features associated with it. “Button-ridden all over that’s my Boy”, she went on.
The xDrive30d model uses exterior cues including kidney grill bars in aluminium matt, an underguard, roof rails and side window surrounds in Aluminium satinated, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome, to accentuate the off-road character of the new BMW X5.
The extra-large air intakes at the front end, the aluminium matt kidney grille bars, and the roof rails, side window surrounds and other trim elements in high-gloss black flag up the dynamic potential of the X5.
It comes standard with its own 19″ light-alloy wheels.
Interior: The instrument panel is broken up by sweeping horizontal lines, which combine with classy electroplated trim elements to emphasize the width of the interior.
And with its large trim finisher and surrounds likewise made up of electroplated elements, the centre console – rising up to the instrument panel – also contributes to the handsome overall impression.
The raised seating position, driver-focused cockpit and new design and arrangement of the controls offer the person (my height) at the wheel the best possible view of proceedings and enable the driver to maintain supreme control over the task of driving.
The fully-digital instrument cluster and the Control Display are connected visually by consistency of design and also share the same graphics.
The centre console hosts the Controller, the newly designed transmission selector lever and all other driving-related controls – i.e. the Driving Experience Control switch, the start/stop button and the buttons to activate the air suspension settings and off-road modes.
A similarly new-look control panel for the heating and air conditioning is also on hand, and the light functions in the new X5 are likewise operated using buttons.
The carefully selected materials in the interior include the new Vernasca variant for the standard leather upholstery. Like the optional BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, it is available in five colours.
It is fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Customers can also specify optional multifunction seats with massage function and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. My Gran, as old as she is, enjoyed the passenger massage seat that made her call for another test drive to be conducted. Working on it Gogo…
The new xDrive system also offers a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a particularly dynamic style at the wheel.
The electronically controlled rear differential lock (available in conjunction with the M Sport equipment line and the Off-Road package) gives the handling an even sportier edge.
By limiting equalisation of the rotational speeds of the inside and outside wheels through corners, it is able to optimise the transfer of power to the road in dynamic driving situations.
As a result, the new BMW X5 can power out of bends with exceptional élan. Governed by the Driving Stability Control (DSC) system, the locking function for the rear differential improves traction and power transmission when driving over loose ground or on road surfaces offering differing levels of grip for the left-rear and right-rear wheels. That’s safety par excellence for YOU!
The SAV comes as standard with the Dynamic Damper Control system, whose electronically controlled dampers sharpen the car’s handling dynamics at the same time as increasing ride and suspension comfort.
The driver can select from two performance maps – for a more comfort-oriented or sportier driving style – using the Driving Experience Control switch. In my situation both were used.
Thanks to the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, the interior shows itself from its best side, true to that.
For convenient loading and unloading, the lower and upper sections of the split tailgate can be opened and closed fully electrically. In combination with the Comfort Access, all it takes is a brief targeted movement of the foot below the rear bumper.
The luggage compartment package guarantees order and safety. When the tailgate is opened, the electric luggage compartment cover retracts and disappears below the floor insert at the touch of a button, the sliding and anti-slip rails give the luggage the necessary support during movement.
As in every manufacturer there’s something untoward but in this instance nada, since fuel has increased it behaved particularly well on diesel.
With the latest generation of BMW connectivity technologies, the Intelligent digital services and driver assistance systems create a seamless connection with the outside world and offer you maximum comfort and the greatest possible safety thanks to intuitive operation.
Motorplan is built-in for 5 years or 100 000 km and may be extended to a maximum of 7 years or 200 000 km. In addition, BMW Premium Selection Approved Used Cars come standard with a minimum of 1 year or 25 000 km Motorplan cover.
Confession time: during a funeral the villagers lost it as they whistled and cajoled at its PRESENCE. My apologies Bakolobeng!
The xDrive30d X5 retailing price start from R 1 194 296.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Diesel 1-10 (7)
Image SLM (The all new BMW X5 xDrive30d boast too much power).
