The arrival of the brand-new 2019 X5 put BMW’s longest-running SUV again on the high of its sport. In base xDrive40i guise, affiliate editor Andrew Krok even stated it is likely to be the perfect luxurious crossover in its extremely aggressive class.The xDrive50i model you see right here is much more spectacular. With its greater engine and sizable record of efficiency tools, the X5 50i hunts prey of a sportier nature — particularly, Porsche’s Cayenne S. Does this highly effective Bimmer have what it takes to face toe-to-toe with its great-driving rival from Stuttgart?
M-LiteWhile the xDrive40i isn’t any slouch, what with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque on supply, the 50i is an entire totally different animal. The X5 50i makes use of a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 that places out 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of twist. The latter is out there from simply 1,500 rpm to 4,750 rpm, for muscular giddy-up and spectacular mid-range punch.
Working with BMW’s acquainted, ZF-sourced eight-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive, the drivetrain returns an EPA-estimated 17 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 22 mpg on the freeway. BMW says the xDrive50i accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and high out at 155 mph. Crazy numbers for certain, which can be prone to be bettered when the inevitable X5 M arrives. As for the 434-horsepower Porsche Cayenne S, it is a smidge slower, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, however hits a high pace of 164 mph giving it Texas Mile bragging rights over the Bimmer.
Numbers apart, the V8-powered X5 is severely fast in day-to-day driving. In Sport mode, it fees away from stoplights in a speedy, grin-inducing trend. The gearbox is great, performing swift and well-timed up- and downshifts inflicting me to by no means actually wish to use the paddles for do-it-yourself gear deciding on. There’s no turbo lag or any muted throttle response, simply intense acceleration, particularly for a automobile weighing in at a not-insignificant 5,170 kilos. There’s even a correctly imply be aware from the non-obligatory efficiency exhaust. The twin-turbo V8 is punchy with 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
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Adaptive dampers are commonplace subject on the 50i, however my tester’s $3,650 Dynamic Handling Package raises the dealing with stakes additional with rear-wheel steering, a torque-vectoring rear differential, lively antiroll bars and upgraded brakes. Unfortunately, I am unable to totally expertise the advantages of all of the , since my take a look at automotive is fitted with cold-weather-friendly General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires. While the Generals certainly helped get the X5 by means of winter in a single piece, on dry pavement the draw back is elevated physique roll, much less cornering grip and fewer steering suggestions. Excellent experience high quality is an upshot, however I’ve little doubt that inventory all-seasons or the accessible efficiency rubber will agency up issues and put the X5 close to the highest of the category when it comes to reflexes. M Sport lookerTo convey its elevated efficiency, this X5 wears BMW’s M Sport Design trim. This bundle provides body-colored exterior trim, black roof rails, a matte aluminum model of BMW’s kidney grille and, most noticeably, 20-inch black M wheels. Along with the Carbon Black Metallic paint job, greater grille, skinnier headlights, extra shapely taillights, and evolutionary sheetmetal, the brand new X5 xDrive50i seems actually sharp.M Sport touches make the X5 look barely meaner.
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Inside, a thick-rimmed M Sport steering wheel, metallic pedals and aluminum accent trim are added to the X5’s easy environment. The 20-way, heated, energy entrance seats are tremendous snug with enough aspect bolsters, and the heated armrests assist me address cool spring mornings. A leather-wrapped sprint, which can value you an additional $1,200, can also be a pleasant premium contact to the spacious cabin. As for cargo-carrying talents, the X5 presents 72.3 cubic toes of house with the rear seats folded.
Some could grumble in regards to the abundance of buttons on the middle stack, however I a lot choose this to cramming all the things right into a touchscreen. It’s simpler to get acclimated to the placement of arduous buttons and much much less distracting than sifting by means of quite a few menus simply to do issues like change vents settings or swap between preset radio stations. An entire lot of techSpeaking of screens, they’re prevalent within the X5. A 12.3-inch gauge show is commonplace and presents particular colours and structure modifications relying on which drive mode the automotive is in. Comfort and Sport modes name up pink backgrounds, whereas the Eco Pro makes use of a blue scheme. BMW’s newest iDrive interface seems nice on the 12.3-inch heart touchscreen.
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Another 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen resides on high of the middle stack working the newest iDrive 7 infotainment system. iDrive is intuitive and responds instantly to instructions from both the touchscreen or bodily controls on the middle console. Navigation, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon encompass sound setup, satellite tv for pc radio, Bluetooth and non-obligatory Wi-Fi hotspot are alongside for the experience. One 12 months of Apple CarPlay can also be included, however after that you will disappointingly must pony up a subscription payment to make use of it.BMW’s gesture management function can also be included on my take a look at X5. It’s foolish, however works pretty properly to regulate audio quantity with a twirl of a finger, or settle for and reject cellphone calls with a wave of a hand. It’s form of a gimmicky, pointless piece of know-how, however does present excessive leisure worth for passengers. Powering up telephones and tablets should not be a difficulty, both, with a wi-fi cost pad up entrance, together with 12-volt shops, and USB-C ports sprinkled all through each rows. As for security, ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring come on all X5s. A $1,700 Driving Assistance Plus bundle including full-speed adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help that lightly retains the automotive within the heart of the lane when marching down the expressway. A head-up show and 360-degree backup digicam will also be had.
How I might spec itWhen constructing out an X5 xDrive50i, I’d start with an M Sport Design trim, which begins at $79,550. A slick Phytonic Blue Metallic paint job is a no-cost selection, so I will take that, too. Then I will add the Dynamic Handling Package that is solely accessible on the M Sport mannequin for $3,650. My solely concession for additional luxurious would be the $250 heated entrance arm resets. All in, my automotive wears a price ticket of $84,445, together with $995 for vacation spot, which is a little more inexpensive than my $92,405 take a look at automotive. Straight line worthThe 2019 X5 is spectacular regardless of which trim you select, and the xDrive50i presents energy that’ll fulfill pace demons. The spacious, nicely-trimmed inside and a boatload of tech are simply icing on the cake.But do you go for the V8-powered X5 over the Cayenne S? If you are searching for the worth play, the xDrive50i begins at $75,750, undercutting the $82,900 Porsche. But with its unimaginable energy, luxurious and nice on-road demeanor, it hardly seems like a compromise in any respect.