Volume 11 Issue 1 » 59
2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i
»
No one will mistake the 2014 BMW
X5 for anything else, as the changes are
purely evolutionary. The grille is a bigger
and bolder version of BMW’s classic
twin-kidney design, headlight treatment
now inspired by the new 3 Series, and
revised taillights larger iterations of other
LED-enhanced lenses in the everexpanding BMW lineup. Those who liked
the outgoing X5 and BMW’s new design
direction should really like what they see in
the 2014 model.
The X5 remains one of the best in the
business, following through on its wellbalanced styling with an ideal mix of
comfort and sport on the road. The chassis
soaks up even the harshest pavement
irregularities, while maintaining its
Germanic firmness that equates to brilliant
at-the-limit handling.
Getting up to speed is no problem no
matter which engine you choose. The X5
xDrive35i I tested came with the model’s
base inline six, a turbocharged 3.0-litre
unit that puts out 300 horsepower and
300 lb-ft of torque and is joined up to a
highly efficient, quick-shifting eight-speed
automatic transmission. For even more
power, opt for the X5 xDrive50i, which
incorporates a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre
V8 for a total of 445 horsepower and 480
lb-ft of torque. The xDrive35d turbo diesel
is a more energy-efficient option, capable
of producing 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft
of torque.
controller, worked flawlessly, and not much
education was needed to get familiar with
its various functions.
Highly refined soft-touch plastics join
beautiful leathers, authentic woods and
metals plus top-drawer electronics. BMW’s
iDrive infotainment system, which now
includes a convenient touchpad atop the
All around the 2014 X5 not only has what
it takes to maintain its popularity in the
luxury crossover segment, it’s so good that
only your curiosity will be served if you
bother driving anything else.
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