APPARENTLY the BMW X5 is the most popular car choice for Premier league footballers.
That was according to a survey published a few months ago and since then BMW's big off-roader has undergone some significant improvements.
This stylish heavyweight now features a new, computerised four wheel drive system as well as the latest three litre diesel engine that made its debut in the luxurious BMW 7 Series saloon.
It is more powerful, more economical and more environmentally friendly than before. Capable of averaging almost 33 miles per gallon, it has excellent credentials for a car weighing in at more than two tons.
That figure is also enough to make the average Range Rover driver wince, for the Land Rover flagship - powered by the older BMW three litre diesel - will average only 25 to the gallon.
The X5 is now able to complete the 0 to 60 sprint in just 8.3 seconds - nearly two seconds quicker than before - and that is almost what you would expect from such a car with a mighty V8 under the bonnet.
BMW's three litre diesel now develops 218bhp - up from 184 - producing a claimed top speed of 130mph.
Couple that extra power to the new drive system and the result is the best drive you can get in a diesel engined big, four wheel drive.
BMW calls it X Drive and it uses advanced electronics to ensure each wheel is delivering the optimum traction under all conditions - and that goes for off-road use as well.
While all BMWs are now fitted with electronic stability controls, X Drive takes that to a new level.
Hill descent control - an acquisition from Land Rover when it was under BMW ownership - is also fitted to the X5 and this particular model also featured optional ride height adjustment to give greater ground clearance if necessary.
Off road the X5 is more than capable, although not quite in the same league as a Land Rover - but then does maximum all-terrain ability really matter?
This X5 came in SE trim and, although it costs £35,160, items such as leather upholstery are an extra - in this case £1,350.
So was the communications suite which incorporates satellite navigation, telephone and TV. That was another £2,500. The CD multichanger added another £250 to the price bringing this particular vehicle to the best part of £40,000.
But for that you get a splendid machine that, despite its bulk, is wonderfully balanced to drive. It feels rock solid but it is as light as a feather to manoeuvre such is the excellence of engineering.
The only heavy work came in using the gears - a six speed manual box in this case which was not as slick as you would expect from a BMW.
Inside it is classy yet straightforward - typically German. The steering wheel may be festooned with buttons for easy operation of the entertainment system, cruise control and the like but it is all logically laid out. Perhaps BMW is letting its Formula One exploits go to its head.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a most accomplished car. Big, stylish, great to drive and capable of tackling the toughest conditions.
And for many the important feature is that blue and white propeller badge. That is probably the reason behind the appeal for the football stars - and I'm sure their wives won't feel out of place behind the wheel either.
FAST FACTS
BMW X5 3.0d SE
Price: £35,160
Mechanical: 218bhp, 2,993cc six cylinder engine driving all four wheels via a six speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 130mph
0-60mph: 8.3secs
Combined mpg: 32.8
Insurance Group: 16
CO2 emissions: 229g/km
BiK rating: 34%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs antirust, 2yrs paint