Short Description
The new 3.0 litre six cylinder BMW X5 4WD wagon is a welcome addition alongside the 4.4 litre V8 version as it costs $25,500 less, provides commendable levels of performance, returns better fuel economy than the V8, and still provides most (but of course, not all) of the V8 model’s desirable features.

Quite apart from whatever value you put on the BMW nameplate, that’s good value when you consider what this vehicle provides. The X5 can be everything from a luxury car to a family wagon, a cargo hauler, and even a reasonably capable off-roader (provided you don’t mind getting it dirty!). Under the bonnet is BMW’s acclaimed 3.0 litre DOHC straight six cylinder engine that also powers the 530i, 330i and Z3 models. It gives quite a spirited performance, considering the X5 weighs in at 2030 kg, and even sounds great under acceleration. Technology abounds in the X5, with all manner of controls designed to provide high levels of dynamic safety. These include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III), Automatic Stability Control (ASC-X), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS).

The only suspension control system that the 3.0 litre model doesn’t get is self-levelling suspension with rear air suspension. Passive safety features in the X5 include 10 airbags, head restraints and lap/sash seat belts for all five occupants, and crash sensors included in the central locking system. Luxury equipment in the 3.0 litre X5 includes automatic climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, CD player, power operated windows, exterior mirrors and tailgate, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and roof rails. Compared with the 4.4 litre X5, the 3.0 litre version misses out on electric front seats, the onboard monitor with TV and trip computer, a rear mounted CD stacker, park distance control, aluminium running boards and anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors. All of these items, plus satellite navigation, are available as options. High standards of finish are expected in a BMW costing $80,000-plus and the X5 doesn’t disappoint. Inside and out, it looks to be very well built, and the attention to detail is excellent. As for the V8 model, the 3.0 litre X5 offers good space in all five seating positions and there’s no rear floor hump to hinder a centre rear passenger’s comfort. The seats are firm, but generally comfortable, though there’s not a lot of lateral support when cornering. The luggage area is a good size for normal family requirements and the seat backrest folds in a 60/40 split when more load length is needed. The two-piece tailgate provides easy loading, though you have to stretch across the lower section to reach forward-placed items. The bottom tailgate section lowers to a horizontal position and could handily double as a bench or a seat at picnics.