BMW X5

Step inside the cabin and you’d know that this luxury BMW crossover oozes class and sophistication. The standard sport seats, steering wheel, and indoor trims are covered in leather to create a two-tone effect to set visual highlights. The clean, slim model instrument panel with the multi-function steering wheel coupled with the ambient lighting all adds up to set the mood of the drive. Directly on the right side of the instrument cluster is the infotainment cluster. Putting it on the same line of sight reduces eyestrain while allowing the driver to make the most of its functional features. The only negative thing about the interior would be the optional third-row seats. Which to be honest, though a cheap upgrade, seems more like an afterthought as it has little regard for passenger comfort but more on maximizing sitting capacity. But on the flip side, luggage capacity is leading on its class at 650 liters with all seats up but can be expanded to 1,870 liters with the back seats folded.

The BMW X5 has an unmistakable presence. The first thing you’ll notice is the large front grille. It looks like two grilles but actually a single, kidney-shaped grille with vertical chrome line details. On the sides are distinct LED headlights with daylight running lights. Below the grille is an air dam to complete the rugged SUV look. On the sides are aerodynamic creases for optimization and reduce aerodynamic drag. At the rear is a roof spoiler with LED stop lamp and shark fin antenna. The base model of the X5 rides on a set of 18-inch, V spoke-style light-alloy rims wrapped in 255/55 R18 W rubber. Laser light beams on the headlights, panorama glass roof, aluminum running board, trailer tow hitch, bigger wheels, aluminum roof rails, and certain exterior colors are some of the exterior upgrades that allow customization to an already elegant design.

When it comes to driving and riding experience, the BMW X5 truly delivers. Given the fact that all-wheel-drive function comes standard, the vehicle can deliver better performance even on inclement weather or on less stellar road conditions. This means better tractions on slippery or rugged roads. The standard adaptive suspension, on the other hand, balances lithe handling with a comfortable ride. When it comes to comfort, there’s also ample headroom and legroom on both the front and second-row seats. If you got the third-row seat option, better save those for the kids when going for a long drive cause the cramped space will not be suitable for full-grown adults. Added features to boost driving experience like wireless charging, 16-inch Harman Kardon surround sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot, are available but as add-ons and not a piece of standard equipment.

The BMW X5 xDrive30d is powered by 6 cylinders, 4 valve twin power turbo engine that delivers 265 Ps of output at 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque at 2,000 – 2,500 rpm. The Euro 6 standard engine is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and boasts of an all-wheel drivetrain. For acceleration, the X5 can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of up to 230 km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the X5 is very efficient. It uses an average of 7 liters per 100 km for combined driving range with a carbon dioxide emission of 194 – 185 g/km.

When it comes to safety and driver-assist technology, the X5 is lit. Besides the usual airbags, seatbelts, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, it has a Driving Assistant Professional system that integrates several technologies to reduce driver fatigue to maximize driving comfort and safety for both monotonous driving and critical driving situations. The system includes steering and lane control assistant with support in narrow spaces, emergency stop assistant, local hazard warning, lane-keeping assistant with active side collision protection,

forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive pivoting LED headlights with automatic high beams.

The BMW X5 has been on the upper-tier ranking of the usnews.com in three categories: as top 2 in Luxury Midsize SUVs, top 6 in Luxury Crossover SUVs and top 3 in Luxury SUVs with 3 rows and for good reasons. This luxury BMW crossover ticks most boxes— comfy ride, powerful engine, elegant design, functionality, and safety, it’s all there. But if you still find yourself looking for more bells and whistles, there are even more add-on options on equipment and packages that will elevate the style and riding quality. However, this can easily stack up and increase the price of the already expensive vehicle. Besides that, the BMW X5 is a good crossover option for a family vehicle.