Full steam ahead
There are more and more sport utility vehicles on market. Why? It's simply because we keep buying them. Obviously, more there are, more the competition is ferocious. And even SUVs can't avoid the horsepower wars.
The second generation of the X5 comes along sporting dimensions that are slightly bigger and a simplified model range--for now, at least. The 3.0si model with its 260-hp 6-cylinder engine is the base X5, while a V8 is offered in this test vehicle, the 4.8i.
A German interpretation of a Detroit V8
I can't get over how the engine of the X5 sounds like an American V8. It's got horsepower by the truckloads, but delivered in utter smoothness, until you mash the gas pedal to the floor. When you do just that, the 4.8-liter roars like a lion whose tail has been stepped on, and gets this truck moving with mind-blowing forward motion. At over 2,400 kg (5,300 lbs), it isn't exactly a featherweight, but its 350 horsepower make it a rocket in a straight line. My fuel consumption average is 16.8 L/100 km.
You'll feel the weight more in the twisties, and the SUV is less agile than its smaller brother I've recently driven, the X3. It nevertheless handles itself quite well, in part thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution. The optional Active Steering gives an unusual sensation at first; its boost is variable, and when you swing into a curve or turn on a street corner, you'll feel the system give you a helping hand. It's a little strange during the first hour of driving, but you get used to it.
The X5 brakes as if it hit a wall. And since this model isn't equipped with the Sport package, the ride is very pleasing. In general, you feel in control and gain confidence behind the wheel is this machine.
Talking about the xDrive system isn't complicated: you press on the gas and the SUV moves forward accordingly. Snow, rain, freezing rain, mud, molasses, name it, nothing stops the X5 and not much can slow it down. In my opinion, it's one of the most capable all-wheel drive systems.
There are more and more sport utility vehicles on market. Why? It's simply because we keep buying them. Obviously, more there are, more the competition is ferocious. And even SUVs can't avoid the horsepower wars.
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| The X5 in Black Sapphire Metallic. |
The second generation of the X5 comes along sporting dimensions that are slightly bigger and a simplified model range--for now, at least. The 3.0si model with its 260-hp 6-cylinder engine is the base X5, while a V8 is offered in this test vehicle, the 4.8i.
A German interpretation of a Detroit V8
I can't get over how the engine of the X5 sounds like an American V8. It's got horsepower by the truckloads, but delivered in utter smoothness, until you mash the gas pedal to the floor. When you do just that, the 4.8-liter roars like a lion whose tail has been stepped on, and gets this truck moving with mind-blowing forward motion. At over 2,400 kg (5,300 lbs), it isn't exactly a featherweight, but its 350 horsepower make it a rocket in a straight line. My fuel consumption average is 16.8 L/100 km.
You'll feel the weight more in the twisties, and the SUV is less agile than its smaller brother I've recently driven, the X3. It nevertheless handles itself quite well, in part thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution. The optional Active Steering gives an unusual sensation at first; its boost is variable, and when you swing into a curve or turn on a street corner, you'll feel the system give you a helping hand. It's a little strange during the first hour of driving, but you get used to it.
The X5 brakes as if it hit a wall. And since this model isn't equipped with the Sport package, the ride is very pleasing. In general, you feel in control and gain confidence behind the wheel is this machine.
Talking about the xDrive system isn't complicated: you press on the gas and the SUV moves forward accordingly. Snow, rain, freezing rain, mud, molasses, name it, nothing stops the X5 and not much can slow it down. In my opinion, it's one of the most capable all-wheel drive systems.
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| Our tester was equipped with the powerful and refined 4.8L V8 engine. |