First Look: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d – Review
DRIVING THE BMW X5 XDRIVE35D
From my temporary base in Vancouver, I spent a sunny and warm late summer day driving the X5d. Just as with the 535d, I found the engine silky-smooth and responsive. For a vehicle this large, the 413 pound-feet of torque made passing slower traffic a non-issue and, on the winding roads of British Columbia, quite a bit of fun. I frequently forgot I was driving such a large beast.
The previous-generation X5d took 6.9 to get from zero to 60. The new model is slightly faster, able to go from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) with the same elapsed time.
The X5d’s Dynamic Driving Control allows selecting among Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +, which adjusts settings for the adaptive shocks. The controls vary jounce and rebound characteristics independently and steplessly, as well as throttle response, and active anti-roll bars. I alternated between Comfort and Sport throughout the day, saving Sport+ for the twisties.
Eco Pro can decouple the driveline when the driver backs off the accelerator without activating the brakes, a process known as sailing, while simultaneously adjusting the air conditioning and other functions within the car for maximum energy savings. Sport+ makes the shifting and throttle more responsive and firms up the suspension while remapping the steering. It’s clearly the most fun.
The BMW Connected app (requires a connected iPhone) can track one’s driving, acceleration, anticipation, and fuel economy, all while helping achieve top economy goals.
From the driver’s seat, the X5 felt as a true BMW should and handled like a much smaller and lighter vehicle.
While we don’t have EPA fuel economy figures, the European X5d achieved a fuel economy rating of 38 mpg (6.2 l/100 km) in the EU cycle. We estimate that the U.S. X5d will get well over 30 mpg (7.84 l/100 km) or higher as a highway rating. The previous generation was rated at 26 mpg (9.05 l/100 km).
With the late 2013/early 2014 arrival of the X5d will come autonomous driving in the guise of Traffic Jam Assistant. The new feature works in a similar manner to BMW’s stop-and-go radar cruise control and controls the vehicle’s speed in stop-and-go traffic and also keeps it centered in its lane.
Once the 2014 X5s start to make their way out of the Spartanburg, South Carolina factory, we’ll be able to spend more time behind the wheel with one and we’ll report back then.
THE DETAILS
2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d | |
Base price/price-as-tested | TBA |
Drivetrain | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
Engine | 3.0 liter inline six |
Horsepower/Torque | 255/413 |
Transmission | 8-speed |
Curb weight (lbs) | 4,564 |
Wheelbase (inches) | 115.5 |
Length x width x height (inches) | 192.4 x 76.3 x 69.4 |
0-60 mph (seconds) | 6.8 (estimated) |
Fuel economy (mpg) | TBA |
(Photos: Accura Media Group)