Off the beaten path, on the gas
Something odd happened as soon as I crossed from Germany into the Czech Republic. First, the scenery changed dramatically. Whereas the German towns close to the border appear every 10 km or so, there were immediately far fewer settlements in the former Communist country.
Next, the navigation system diverted me off the auto routes and onto secondary roads, presumably to avoid traffic tie-ups. No matter: This gave me the chance to test the handling of the X5 3.0d and see a bit of the Czech countryside at the same time.
The roads featured reasonably good pavement - undulating but unbroken. They were also narrow, but wide enough to squeeze in two cars side-by-side. Best of all, there was hardly any traffic to contend with: no errant tourists, no slow-moving trucks, no farm vehicles, just locals motoring from one town to the next.
On such a playing field, the BMW really proved its worth. The torque from the engine facilitated quick acceleration out of the corners and overtaking manoeuvres of varying degrees of difficulty. The active steering and independent suspension system (new dual-link wishbone front and revised four-link rear suspensions) made for the efficient carving of corners. And the latest version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system held fast, even when a light downpour left the roads slick and treacherous.
The xDrive system, with its rear-wheel drive bias, makes this BMW feel like any other modern BMW, except taller. Sure, it's too lofty to be thrown into the corners with reckless abandon, but the X5 still has the measure of a lot of so-called sports sedans out there.
In a nutshell, the BMW X5 3.0d was a blast to drive.
Stellar qualities, patience required
Judging from the European-spec 2008 BMW X5 3.0d, drivers in North American have much to look forward to with the new BMW diesels. When you take traditional BMW qualities and combine them with more engine torque, increased fuel efficiency and more eco-conscious motoring, you have the recipe for one tasty treat.
The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d and the BMW 335d are scheduled to reach Canadian showrooms this fall. As of this date, there have been no definitive statements on the likelihood of an X6 diesel appearing in North America, but it remains a distinct possibility.
Great engine torque
Slick interior and exterior redesign
Excellent handling characteristics
Genuine luxury vehicle cachet
Tricky gear lever action
Limited top-end power
It's not in Canada (yet!)
photo:BMW
Something odd happened as soon as I crossed from Germany into the Czech Republic. First, the scenery changed dramatically. Whereas the German towns close to the border appear every 10 km or so, there were immediately far fewer settlements in the former Communist country.
Next, the navigation system diverted me off the auto routes and onto secondary roads, presumably to avoid traffic tie-ups. No matter: This gave me the chance to test the handling of the X5 3.0d and see a bit of the Czech countryside at the same time.
 |
| This new iteration of the X5 benefits from a stiffer chassis and a longer wheelbase. |
The roads featured reasonably good pavement - undulating but unbroken. They were also narrow, but wide enough to squeeze in two cars side-by-side. Best of all, there was hardly any traffic to contend with: no errant tourists, no slow-moving trucks, no farm vehicles, just locals motoring from one town to the next.
On such a playing field, the BMW really proved its worth. The torque from the engine facilitated quick acceleration out of the corners and overtaking manoeuvres of varying degrees of difficulty. The active steering and independent suspension system (new dual-link wishbone front and revised four-link rear suspensions) made for the efficient carving of corners. And the latest version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system held fast, even when a light downpour left the roads slick and treacherous.
The xDrive system, with its rear-wheel drive bias, makes this BMW feel like any other modern BMW, except taller. Sure, it's too lofty to be thrown into the corners with reckless abandon, but the X5 still has the measure of a lot of so-called sports sedans out there.
In a nutshell, the BMW X5 3.0d was a blast to drive.
Stellar qualities, patience required
Judging from the European-spec 2008 BMW X5 3.0d, drivers in North American have much to look forward to with the new BMW diesels. When you take traditional BMW qualities and combine them with more engine torque, increased fuel efficiency and more eco-conscious motoring, you have the recipe for one tasty treat.
The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d and the BMW 335d are scheduled to reach Canadian showrooms this fall. As of this date, there have been no definitive statements on the likelihood of an X6 diesel appearing in North America, but it remains a distinct possibility.
 |
Slick interior and exterior redesign
Excellent handling characteristics
Genuine luxury vehicle cachet
 |
Tricky gear lever action
Limited top-end power
 |
It's not in Canada (yet!)
photo:BMW
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