X Means Exhilaration
The new BMW X5 smoothly combines dynamic driving capabilities, luxury and impeccable technology. A test drive report by Anne Kurian

When it comes to innovation, BMW never takes a backseat. In fact, many a time, the German luxury automobile company takes the lead. One example of BMW’s commitment to do things differently is the creation of the new segment of Sports Activity Vehicle. They launched the X5 a few years back under this segment and it proved to be a crowd puller right from the beginning. If figures are to be believed, BMW has sold 580,000 units the world over.

With the X5, BMW provided the consumer with versatile driving options, luxury and superior technology. In the latter part of 2006, BMW launched the second edition of X5 in the West and last month, this was launched in Oman. Enhanced driving dynamics, exclusivity and improved technology feature prominently in the new X5. We were part of the press fraternity that tested the BMW X5. An enlightening and exhilarating experience it proved to be!

On the road
The test drive selected was Muscat- A’Roos in Jabal Akhdar-Al Hoota Cave-Muscat. At The Chedi, which was our starting point, we found that the sleek and muscular lines of the X5 gave it a lean, mean look, as if silently letting us know that it was game for any adventure.

When BMW first launched the X5 in 1999, one of its unique features was luxury combined with all-road performance. In its second edition, BMW maintains the features but also heightens the driving experience with impressive functioning. Our first experience of the X5’s smooth and easy manoeuvring was on the highway to our first destination, A’Roos Mountain. Gliding, the X5 rode the tarmac effortlessly and we had to be careful not to speed. Sitting in an X5, it was hard to determine the speed we were going at without checking the speedometer regularly. Blame it on exceptional driving dynamics!

En route to A’Roos we came across a couple of curves where we put to test the X5’s ability to handle them at high speed. We had been briefed about the X5’s new unique wishbone front axle, which increased driving dynamics relating to speed, road handling and directional stability. Sure enough, the SAV executed a neat turn on the curves without letting speed hamper the performance. This is one vehicle where you are sure to feel in complete control behind the wheel. The road to A’Roos after the police checkpoint was a steep climb complete with sharp curves. BMW couldn’t have picked a better path to demonstrate the X5’s road handling. Here again, the X5 proved the effectiveness of the double wishbone axle as the Bimer sailed past the sharp bends. Directional stability at top speed is one of the high points of this SAV.

Technology at its best
After a short break at A’Roos, it was time to hit the roads to our next destination – Al Hoota Cave. Downhill this time, it meant even greater caution while pursuing high speeds. The road brought to fore another unique feature of the X5 – Active Steering with Servotronic. With this feature, the X5 helps in optimum steering control and improved driving constancy. Active Steering helps stabilise the vehicle if one oversteers by countersteering the X5 swiftly. The countersteering effect even helps when braking suddenly by preventing the vehicle from veering out of control.

The descent downhill was enlivening as the X5 raced past the bends with little effort. The X5’s Dynamic Stability Control ensured that the descent was safe and there was little chance of going out of control. The cruise control function comes with a brake feature, which reduces road speed whenever necessary under particular driving conditions, and this we engaged on the Nizwa road to Al Hoota. This feature.

On the trip back from Al Hoota to Muscat, we shifted from the automatic transmission drive mode to manual gearshift. If we were impressed with the six-speed automatic transmission, the manual gearshift had us floored. Shifting between gears was swift and smooth, while the commendable brake system kept the vehicle in control even as we traversed through various speeds and road conditions.

Overall impressions
The interior of the X5 embodies sheer luxury, one of the determining features being its uncluttered and aesthetically designed cockpit. The new X5 also has a third row of seats, which can be pulled down when more storage space is required. Some of the other features that impressed us in the X5 were the automatic air conditioning, the ever famous iDrive Control System that facilitates operation of functions like AC control, entertainment, navigation and communication, and MP3 compatible CD player.

The X5 is a clear winner in its category. While it takes driving experience to newer heights, the technological advancements in the new X5 makes it an enduring vehicle. Luxury, superb road handling and futuristic technology functions reinforces the BMW X5’s position as a forerunner in the SAV segment.

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