Road Test: BMW X5 M50d

The third generation of the BMW X5 continues the luxury, versatility and driving dynamics of the original, which founded the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) class when it debuted in 1999. A variety of engine and equipment choices ensure that the BMW X5 suits a range of preferences, whether focussed on performance or economy. The BMW X5 M50d, however, offers the best of both.

The M50d’s engine and drivetrain aren’t new and could be had in the X5 as of 2012 (in the second-generation F70), but the new X5 (F15), which launched in February this year, has been thoroughly revised.

Let’s begin with the styling, which retains a short front overhang, long wheelbase and upright A-pillars. A new grille and headlight design sees these two elements stretched and merged for a much broader stance. It’s a theme further bolstered by the front apron with gaping air intakes that reach to the outer edges. Exclusive to the X5 M50d are exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic paintwork.

The X5’s profile is characterised by lines that rise towards the rear, large wheel housings, optional 20-inch wheels to fill them and a generous glass area for the passenger compartment. The vehicle’s planted appeal is emphasised once again at the rear, with exhausts positioned at the extremities of the bumper, (much like the previous generation), defined horizontal lines and thin, LED light strips within the familiar ‘L’ themed when illuminated. Gloss black ‘Aero Blades’ also join with the roof spoiler to aid the SAV’s aerodynamics and are a first for any BMW.

Inside, the X5 is luxurious without being opulent. It’s also generously proportioned and the typical layout of five-seats can be changed by optioning an additional two for the cargo area. Speaking of which, it will hold 650-litres (30 more than before) or 1 870-litres with the seats folded down, which proved more than enough for a mountain bike, riding gear, overnight bags and bedding. There is also a 12-volt socket in the boot are for you to run a portable fridge, compressor or any other such device of convenience.

The new X5 features many improved interior elements and surfaces. Highlights include gloss black accents, black-panel technology for the instrument cluster, as well as a wider and free-standing colour screen that works with the iDrive controller and its touch-sensitive surface. Over and above the standard elements, the M50d features door sill finishers with the ‘M50d’ logo, sport seats in Anthracite Alcantara/leather combination upholstery, as well as Aluminium Hexagon interior trim, Anthracite roof liner and M steering wheel.

The X5 is equipped with a multitude of the latest safety technology, some of which fitted to our M50d test unit included adaptive cruise control, a surround view camera system and head-up display. However, it was the Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assist and BMW’s Night Vision options that stole the show.

The adaptive and high beam functions of the headlights have become far more ‘intelligent’ and sophisticated compared to the same systems of 4 or 5 years ago. The systems make driving at night far safer and, apart from being a bit undecided in some dense smoke from a grass fire, the headlights worked quickly and accurately according to changing traffic and light conditions.

Similarly the Night Vision system is much improved too. It uses an infrared camera located within the grille to send an image of people and animals up to 300 metres ahead of the car, directly onto the iDrive Control Display. Should the system recognise people or animals on a course for collision, it displays a warning and directs the closest front foglight onto the object in question. With the number of pedestrians and animals crossing S.A. roads, this system has a particular and very real relevance to the local options list, one which we’d select without a second thought.

Safety and performance come together with the BMW xDrive system. The all-wheel drive system functions with a 40:60 (front to rear) distribution of power in ideal conditions, with the ability to send 100 percent of power to either axle whenever necessary. Together with the stability control and anti-lock braking systems (DSC and ABS), individual wheels can be slowed to regain traction should wheel spin or slip be detected.

From a performance standpoint, the xDrive system performs its duties seamlessly. In fact, if it weren’t for the xDrive Status display showing the system’s torque distribution in real-time, you’d be none the wiser. There is an exception to this norm, however, which occurs on the rare occasion that the SAV begins to understeer. At this point it’s as if the electronics, which have been quietly keeping an eye on you all morning, have had to put down their newspaper, get up from their chair, grab a hold of your baby harness and return you to the centre of the play pen. It achieves the desired result in a very deliberate and authoritative manner, as if saying , “don’t make me have to get up and help you out again.”

Fortunately such circumstance is a rare occurrence, because while the M50d does not shy away from having fun, it’s also a vehicle that rewards its driver best with a ‘slow in, fast out’ approach.

Despite the fact that a sporty suspension setup limits body roll, thanks to electronic adjustment and air suspension at the rear, and the fact that masses of grip are provided by slab-like quantities of rubber at each corner, it’s the sheer grunt of the engine that dominates the drive.

Three turbos, six-cylinders and 2 993 cc, generate 280 kW and a hulking 740 Nm from 2 000 r/min. Despite the X5’s bulk, the M50d will accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h. It even sounds good while doing so too, as BMW’s sound engineers have clearly toned down the typical diesel ‘clatter’ and turbo whine, in favour of the more sonorous note of their straight-six .

The tri-turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed transmission, which is one of the best automatic transmissions available today in our opinion. The gear changes are so precise and quick, (200 milliseconds), in its default mode that you and your passengers won’t notice. The ‘Steptronic’ also responds well to driver inputs via the paddles or via the sequential action of the shift lever.

Compared to the X5 M50d (F70), this new F15 generation is a far more polished vehicle. Where the ride was hard and fidgety, BMW engineers have figuratively ironed out the bumps to make it a pleasure to live with. As a result, road noise and overall refinement of the interior is noticeably improved too. In addition, and despite retaining its supercar sized tyres, the M50d no longer argues with steering inputs to the extent that it did before by ‘tramlining’ over road imperfections.

Much like the X5M, the previous X5 M50d was a straight-forward muscle SUV, for straight-line blasts and towering above the masses in their humdrum runabouts. This latest generation is all that, but adds refreshing levels of refinement in all areas. The engine’s power and performance, the ZF-sourced 8-speed transmission, the acceleration and subsequent engine note are all fantastic. The real party trick, however, is being able to enjoy it all with a clean conscience thanks to relatively frugal fuel consumption and correspondingly low emissions.

What we like…

• Much improved ride quality.
• Added safety afforded by latest BMW Night Vision system.
• Big power and M-like performance with a clean conscience.

What we would like…

• It’s still very much based on the X5 F70 and isn’t all-new.

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