Just so we're clear, the legendary four wheel drive systems that Mitsubishi produces is soon to come, but BMW is a brand that I've always admired. The combination of class, style and quality are rarely found all in one vehicle, but BMW has proved that it is possible. As soon as the chance arose to test their X5 SUV, I jumped at the opportunity. As usual I start by doing a quick walk around and check out the exterior. Up front we find the BMW decided to take their styling from their sedan lineup, a design trait that's becoming more and more popular these days. One thing that you'll notice is that it's rather reserved considering it's category. The styling is there but it's subtle. Moving around to the back you'll find that the ride height is aimed more towards road driving, but still has enough clearance for moderate off road trips. The only disappointing part of the exterior that I found was the back end. In contrast to the front it's big and bulky and none of the styling seems to quite fit. Overall though it's a nice looking SUV and yet isn't too over the top like the Denalis and Escalades and the like.
Stepping inside you're greeted by a full leather interior complete with all electric controls and of course memory settings. One thing that I found particularly striking with the interior was the massive glass roof, even more delightful was the fact that it actually opens as a sunroof. To be perfectly honest I was quite pleasantly surprised with the layout of the dash. In past BMWs that I'd driven there wasn't a square inch of dash that didn't have button, switch or knob on it, but this one was very nice and clutter free. Aside from climate control, audio and four wheel drive controls there actually isn't much there. I fired up the engine and turned on the super bright HID headlights. Immediately the dash lit up in orange lights and I was greeted by the premium sound system. After setting up my equalizer and volume I shifted into drive and set off.
The BMW engines have always been legendary in every way, so the power and responsiveness was impressive, but expected. Steering, as with all BMWs was fairly heavy but responsive. The main thing I was looking for in this one was the suspension though. I wasn't disappointed. The cornering was very good with little body roll for something this big and top heavy, but at the same time the ride was smooth and comfortable as well. Ride height was very nice and well and made me feel much more safe along side highway traffic. Driving through town was a concern for me at first, mainly because I'm used to driving a midsized car, but I found that the turning radius was very good and it negotiated the tight spots very well. I would have liked to do a full test off road as well as city driving, but unfortunately all I had access to was a grassy hill that had just been rained on. Based on the limited testing that I was able to do, I found that the four wheel drive system was very good quality. The wheels never really lost any traction on the slippery grass and the slope descent mode is a helpful feature in a pinch as well.
Well it's that time again for overall findings. I found the exterior pretty nice. The back end could have stayed on the designers desk a little bit longer but I do like the subtle styling and the functionality of the overall design. The interior had a very nice and open feel to it thanks to that glass roof, and I was pleased to see that BMW finally downsized their button and switch department. Finally I found the performance of the vehicle to be excellent and can't really think of anything to nitpick about that part of the test. Well I plan on continuing every day from now on and you can expect a LOT of really cool and exciting vehicles here in The Fast Lane.
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