Test drive BMW X5 E70 2007 - 2009 SUV

All photos BMW X5 E70 2007 - 2009

Hour X

For Russia, it will come on March 24, when second-generation BMW-X5 sales start.
In 1999, BMW tried itself in a new quality, releasing a large station wagon, aimed not only in excellent dynamics and handling, but, unlike other models of the company, on the ability to move along bad roads. The debut turned out to be successful: in seven years 580 thousand BMW X5 were sold. For an expensive car, this is an enviable indicator.

We take a pencil

I like the appearance of the new X5. The predecessor looked more menacing, massive, despite the smaller dimensions. Fresh strokes gave the second generation to a second generation, natural for the previous models of a Bavarian concern (and uncharacteristic for many modern ones). Of course, the admirers of the brand expect from each new product not only original design solutions, but also of interesting technical things.
At the top of the gamma version with a 4.8-liter gasoline V8. The developers say that the unit is the most economical among analogues. For this, a new two -stage intake was used, optimized inlet channels, increasing their throughput. To reduce losses in the production system, the nozzles of each four cylinders are connected to a single block as close as possible to the engine.
Another gasoline unit 3.0-liter six, of course, is in line with a new block of cylinders from magnesium and aluminum alloys. Motor mass only 161 kg: 10 kg

The diesel also has 3 liters of working volume, also six cylinders in a row and again relief. A quarter of the centner threw off the engine thanks to the new aluminum block instead of the previous cast -iron. Fuel to the cylinders under a pressure of 1600 BAR is supplied by the third -generation RALL system, providing the exhaust at the Euro IV level with a soot filter and an oxidative neutralizer.
A full -wheel drive station wagon with a solid road clearance, X5 does not apply to the title of an all -terrain vehicle. The manufacturer speaks openly about this: to drive through the crossed terrain please, but it is better to bypass a serious off -road. But what about the XDRive all -wheel drive, after all, it can, if necessary, strictly bind the axes, imitating the blocking of the central inter -beard differential? But this smart electronics nevertheless thinks more about controllability with uniform straightforward movement, it distributes the torque between the axes in a ratio of 40:60. And if, for example, in a bend, the car begins to slip with front wheels, then on the rear it will flow up to 100% traction. If necessary, dynamic control of DSC will also come to revenue, which involves brake mechanisms.

The first unknown

Having become near cars, you distinguish a diesel version from gasoline, an unmistakable uninterrupted motor gives itself a characteristic chatter. But inside no sounds, no vibrations. Only a short scale of the tachometer suggests: under the hood diesel.

With such an abundance of adjustments, it is a sin to find a convenient position in the chair, and everywhere electric motor comes to the rescue, even the headrest should not be touched with their hands. The chair is comfortable, only the pillow is short. Ouch! The reproach was unfair to quiet buzzing, she began to lengthen.
An unusual machine gun selector parking mode is turned on the button, and indeed, while you get used to the switching circuit, drink the lever with your eyes. But the electronic, not a mechanical connection with the box made the moves completely short.

The new diesel is really not bad, and the 6-speed automatic box is impeccable. No matter how I tried, I could not powder electronic brains. Not a single unnecessary switch, transmission changes quickly and smoothly. Immediately after the start of the coupling, it is blocked, setting the rigid connection of the engine with the wheels, thereby saving fuel and improving dynamic indicators, and an additional damper of steep vibrations smooths out jerks and vibration. Sometimes it even seems that you are driving a car with mechanics. Only occasionally, during switching, characteristic short -term chewing of the hydrauli former occur.
Do you see the numbers on the glass? I asked a colleague sitting nearby. He looked anxiously at me. A picture with an electronic speedometer, an indication of cruise control, the prompts of the navigation system is visible only to the driver. Conveniently, but at first you glance at the central display. And if it irritates a click with a button, and out of sight.
The chassis also updated. They increased the base and track, in front of a new suspension on double transverse levers, the back of the multi -link is modernized. A set of electronic systems has been replenished.
If not for a high landing, I did not believe that the alternate is under me. Even the smallest X5 (Ha, 235 forces!) Will give a head start to many cars. However, the behavior on the road will serve as an example: the car confidently stands on a straight line, an implicitly obeys the steering wheel, turns clearly turns, although it is a little fragmented. Great! By the way, in a car with a 4.8 liter gasoline engine, a slightly different suspension. I am transplanted!

Change of character

I feel the fifth point that on the comb in gasoline X5 shakes less. On this machine, shock absorbers with electronic control are installed, changing rigidity depending on the nature of the road. Active stabilizers that interfere with the rolls work with them. True, in

calm turns, the machine behaves approximately, like a diesel version. Ahead of a few more mountain ESCOS I press the Sport key. The suspension becomes denser, and x5 is more willing to screw into the turn. However, one must be careful for the rolls disappear, and the car without warning, like cards, with a squeal of tires begins to slip from the trajectory.

From the winding mountain roads we break into a flat two-lane highway show yourself, 350-horsepower! On acceleration from the place, I don’t feel the advantage of a gasoline engine over a diesel engine, and only when the speedometer arrow exceeds 150 km/h, you understand why extra cubes and horses are needed. Will such a reserve be in demand? I vote for diesel is more obedient. The gasoline unit requires more tender and clear gas operation, otherwise the satellites are not right for long, and in the bend to inherit on the sidelines. Even a friendly box with a 4.8-liter engine coexists, in my opinion, worse: electronics more often play with transmission. And the consumption, according to route computers, is one and a half higher than that of diesel, moreover, the fuel is more expensive.

As for prices, it is only known only that in the basic configuration the new X5 will be 6% more expensive than its predecessor. I think this small increase in cost will allow you to break the previous sales record. At least the same percent.

BMW x5 is an excellent driving car on very good, medium and very bad roads. But not off -road less predecessor.