BMW's big off-roader now has even more X-appeal.
The US-built X5 has undergone more than a nip and tuck to keep it fresh-faced ... it's undergone a transplant.
For this year there's a selection of new improved engines but, even more importantly, all versions benefit from BMW's new intelligent four-wheel transmission, xDrive.
Developed from the familiar Dynamic Stability Control, which monitors power to each wheel, xDrive pushes the power to whichever pair of wheels - front or back - that have the better grip. It uses an electric clutch to move the power in 100 milliseconds, providing faster response than a conventional hydraulic system.
To all intents and purposes it's pro-active rather than reactive and means the drive is where it is going to be needed faster than you can blink.
Getting down the power is half the story as there are new, more powerful, economical and cleaner engines creating it. BMW has just announced the 4.8 V8 will soon join the existing 4.4 which is also new, and there is a modified 3.0D six-cylinder from the 5-series while the 3.0i petrol six-pot is retained but gets a six-speed box. With 50 per cent of UK sales taken by the 3.0D it is arguably the most important and the subject of this test.
Developing 18 per cent more absolute power and a whopping 22 per cent greater pulling power, the 2,993cc diesel pushes the near 2.2tonne 3.0D to 60mph in a little over 8 seconds. Maximum speed is a relaxed 130mph yet overall I managed to exceed 31mpg.
Much of the credit for this lies in the standard six-speed gearbox with its excellent ratios for brisk acceleration and long-legged cruising. The powertrain also makes the X5D extremely smooth and quiet even when pressed very hard.
The slickness of the gearchange is matched by the smoothness of the steering and the subtle stopping power of the anti-lock braking system.
While it is really a driver's delight, passengers can take pleasure from the luxurious interior which is suitable for the longest legs.
Access and loading is very good and it's worth highlighting the new optional detachable tow-bar, which combines with the X5's "trailer sensor" to reduce instability and the likelihood of the tail wagging the dog.
All of the above have not only further enhanced the X5's on-road performance, which is comparable to most luxury saloon cars, but it has also lifted to a higher level the often under-appreciated off-road abilities. It does everything very well and nothing badly.
At its launch in 2000, the BMW X5 set a new standard. Now it has moved the goalposts and its makers look to heavily score against rivals.
FAST FACTS
BMW X5 3.0D Sport
Price: £37,400
Mechanical: 218bhp 2,993cc, 6--cyl turbodiesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-60mph: 8.3 secs
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 16
C02 emissions: 229gkm
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000; 6yrs anti-rust; 2yrs paint