Versatile interior
Despite a firm suspension better adapted to speedy highways, our X5 handled its improvised van function well.
The asymmetrically divided rear seat backs fold down easily, which considerably enhances the cargo area: the original 620 litres of storage space expand to 1,750 litres. The Mercedes-Benz tops the X5 in this department, however, with a cargo area that varies between 833 and 2,050 litres.
The X5's high ground clearance is also a nuisance when loading the cargo area. Once open, the lower part of the two-piece tailgate is 90 centimetres up from the ground. Which is relatively high, especially when you have to lift heavy objects.
However, the BMW engineers' choice of a two-part tailgate was a wise one. Also used by Volvo on its XC90 SUV, this design considerably reduces the clearance space required when opening the tailgate, making the cargo area accessible even in confined spaces.
For music lovers
Still, probably not that many buyers are thinking that the X5 would be the perfect official transporter of a Scout unit.
Despite its "occasional" ATV qualities, you'll spot only a few X5s on those rough dirt roads. They're much more common in the city and on the highway, where the optional LOGIC7 audio system (+ $1,900) can be better appreciated. Thanks, among other things, to its effective sound proof interior, our test vehicle treated us to a rich acoustic experience. It seemed perfect for a symphonic bivouac!
In addition, the standard features of the X5 4.8i include an oversized glass roof called Panorama, which will allow us come summer to take full advantage of the sunshine and sweet breezes.
Despite a firm suspension better adapted to speedy highways, our X5 handled its improvised van function well.
The asymmetrically divided rear seat backs fold down easily, which considerably enhances the cargo area: the original 620 litres of storage space expand to 1,750 litres. The Mercedes-Benz tops the X5 in this department, however, with a cargo area that varies between 833 and 2,050 litres.
 |
| Despite a firm suspension better adapted to speedy highways, our X5 handled its improvised van function well. |
The X5's high ground clearance is also a nuisance when loading the cargo area. Once open, the lower part of the two-piece tailgate is 90 centimetres up from the ground. Which is relatively high, especially when you have to lift heavy objects.
However, the BMW engineers' choice of a two-part tailgate was a wise one. Also used by Volvo on its XC90 SUV, this design considerably reduces the clearance space required when opening the tailgate, making the cargo area accessible even in confined spaces.
For music lovers
Still, probably not that many buyers are thinking that the X5 would be the perfect official transporter of a Scout unit.
Despite its "occasional" ATV qualities, you'll spot only a few X5s on those rough dirt roads. They're much more common in the city and on the highway, where the optional LOGIC7 audio system (+ $1,900) can be better appreciated. Thanks, among other things, to its effective sound proof interior, our test vehicle treated us to a rich acoustic experience. It seemed perfect for a symphonic bivouac!
In addition, the standard features of the X5 4.8i include an oversized glass roof called Panorama, which will allow us come summer to take full advantage of the sunshine and sweet breezes.
 |
| The BMW engineers' choice of a two-part tailgate was a wise one. |