Pleasant road manners
A short drive on the road next to Rideau Canal allowed me to make comparisons between BMW's first two diesel-powered models in Canada.
First of all, soundproofing is much better in the 335d. With the X5, anything more than moderate pressure on the throttle will translate into a loud groan. Also, small yet parasitical vibrations produced by the engine are felt through the steering and pedals -- something you don't experience with the 335d.
Having said that, we're a far cry from the 524td! The ride is generally smooth, while accelerations and passing maneuvers are strong. Moreover, the brakes are progressive and easy to modulate.
It's a shame, however, that this SUV doesn't get the newly-updated version of iDrive. The old system is not particularly user-friendly, so much so in fact that it quickly becomes irritating!
Like every other X5, access to the cabin is made harder by the tall step-in height and the useless running boards (optional). Plus, rearward visibility is affected by the fairly high beltline. On the plus side, the interior layout is clean and well-executed, the bucket seats are large and accommodating, and the array of features is comprehensive.
Unlike the BMW 335d, whose starting price is slightly more attractive than the gasoline-powered 335i xDrive, the X5 xDrive35d is $4,000 more expensive than the regular xDrive30i. Choosing the turbodiesel will essentially be a matter of towing!
photo:Luc Gagné
A short drive on the road next to Rideau Canal allowed me to make comparisons between BMW's first two diesel-powered models in Canada.
First of all, soundproofing is much better in the 335d. With the X5, anything more than moderate pressure on the throttle will translate into a loud groan. Also, small yet parasitical vibrations produced by the engine are felt through the steering and pedals -- something you don't experience with the 335d.
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| It's a shame, however, that this SUV doesn't get the newly-updated version of iDrive. |
Having said that, we're a far cry from the 524td! The ride is generally smooth, while accelerations and passing maneuvers are strong. Moreover, the brakes are progressive and easy to modulate.
It's a shame, however, that this SUV doesn't get the newly-updated version of iDrive. The old system is not particularly user-friendly, so much so in fact that it quickly becomes irritating!
Like every other X5, access to the cabin is made harder by the tall step-in height and the useless running boards (optional). Plus, rearward visibility is affected by the fairly high beltline. On the plus side, the interior layout is clean and well-executed, the bucket seats are large and accommodating, and the array of features is comprehensive.
Unlike the BMW 335d, whose starting price is slightly more attractive than the gasoline-powered 335i xDrive, the X5 xDrive35d is $4,000 more expensive than the regular xDrive30i. Choosing the turbodiesel will essentially be a matter of towing!
photo:Luc Gagné
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