Test drive BMW X5 E70 2007 - 2009 SUV

Time X

With the advent of the second generation, the X5 company BMW expects to strengthen its position in the SAV class. And what to count on consumers, many of whom signed up for the new product six months before the start of official sales?
A month after the premiere of the first generation of the BMW X5 in 1999, we already knew that there would be the second. Despite the lack of experience in creating cars similar to an SUV, the first attempt of the Bavarians was successful. Over seven years of sales, the BMW X5 was dispersed by a circulation of more than 580 thousand copies, becoming one of the most popular cars in its class. He was accepted even in the old world, where, in addition to diesel small -sized, only scooters and lawn mowers Honda are in significant demand. But best of all, X5 felt in the North America market. This does not mean at all that the BMW X5 is like Ford F150 in some angle. It’s just that the Yankees are well versed in cars and nourish the weakness for the European class of premium. Especially if the loud name is supported by decent consumer qualities and an outstanding concept. But for Victoria it is not enough to be a middle peasant. Then, in 1999, the BMW marketing caught the formation of the spanning demand for Sport Utility Vehicle, but reacted in his corporate identity. Variations on the topic of competitors were never characteristic of BMW, so they went to victory through the formation of a new concept. The off -road qualities were given to his competitors to pieces, but road opportunities were taken under their control. So the Sport Activity Vehicle appeared, or, speaking an affordable language, Drivers Car of the expanded sphere of application. With impressive dimensions and a significant road lumen, the first BMW X5 was controlled in the manner of the then BMW 5 series, which, in turn, was listed in leading positions among classmates. The driving quality turned out to be so high that so far few have managed to achieve a comparable level of dynamics and controllability.
 
That is why the X5 was expected from the new generation of at least preserving the driver's concept of their predecessor, and the news that the second generation of X5 will grow up in proportions and will receive a third row of seats, caused embarrassment among fans of the brand: would the brightest representative of the SAV class change the glorious traditions of the brand? Do not wait, comment on the officials of the company. Sitting in a new X5 with blindfolded eyes and even making a short trip (but preferably without a bandage), you immediately recognize BMW in it. In addition, its appearance completely dispels doubts about the displacement of accents. Believe me, the Bavarians convince us, the new X5 has preserved and urged us all the virtues of the previous generation.
Theory
Light -impenetrable bandages did not give us, and the first acquaintance passed without the expected pomp. A wooden podium, located surrounded by five demonstration screens, slowly rotated X5 really grown through all dimensions. The length increased by 18.7 cm, width by 6.1 cm, and the wheelbase is 11.3 cm. But the proportions remained the same: a short front overhang, a long hood, bloated wheel arches and if not for information from a press release, I I would not even notice additional centimeters. But aluminum hood and front plastic wings are noticeable. No, there is no difference with the usual steel from which the rest of the body is made, but the soft hood adds points for the safety of pedestrians, and light wings reduce weight. By the way, the 8-cylinder version of the new X5 turned out to be a little heavier than the predecessor with the engine of the same volume, but the new and previous X5 with diesel engines weigh the same way. Moreover, the rigidity of the torsion body increased from 23,500 to 27000 nm/gr.
 
Compared to the predecessor, the beginner looks more aggressive, but not more brutal. Its appearance has become more intelligent and swift (which positively affected the aerodynamics of the aerodynamic resistance coefficient of a car with a spring suspension is 0.33), although approaching in the rear-view mirror is still a desire to give way. As for the new BMW design concept, in the case of X5, an evolutionary path was chosen rather, when compared with models of the 5th and 7th series. Therefore, the car is perceived by whole, harmonious, without a hint of ambiguity. However, judging by the fact that the new X5 is already lining up, the Russian market will accept Bavarz even with the most bold and controversial appearance.
 
Under the words that the true BMW is unmistakably recognized in X5, not only the running characteristics, but also the tactile sensations in the cabin were implied. The steering wheel of a small diameter with a chubby profiled rim is sheathed with dense skin. True, a similar steering wheel can be found in other BMW models, but if you lower your hand to the machine gun selector, it will immediately become clear: you are sitting in the new X5! The usual lever of the gearbox gave way to an ergonomic joystick with electronic control. By pressing the button in its end part and moving it back and forth, you switch the reverse, neutral and drive modes. The parking is turned on with a separate button. Swating a selector to the left, activate the sports regime and, if desired, manual. The selector does not require a long addiction, but there are no significant advantages over the already familiar lever. Then why invent the wheel? There's a meaning. Firstly, the new joystick takes up less space.
Secondly, progress does not stand still largely due to BMW innovative activities. And finally, thirdly, the new X5 has become perhaps the most saturated with an advanced electronics car in the BMW model range. Where do not look, everywhere are advanced technologies. The once dubious in terms of perception of Idrive has become much more logical. In addition, eight programmable buttons appeared on the central console, so you can now dive into the labyrinths of the multimedia system less often. The movement of the reversing is facilitated by a camera with a wide viewing angle, and moving forward occurs as if in the cabin of the fighter: the speedometer readings, the navigation system and cruise control are displayed on the windshield using Head-UP display. It must be admitted that from the point of view of ergonomics a very useful function that increases not only the safety of riding, but also the overall level of comfort. Also, the new BMW X5 is equipped with adaptive cruise control, which watches the road environment through the eyes of the radar. You see, the cars will not do not go even at all without the participation of the driver, but we are already anywhere without them
 
Although the high level of electrification does not interfere with the X5 to remain a car in the classical sense of the word. At least the interior is made in the best traditions of the premium class. Elastic vinyl, dense and soft leather, natural decorative decoration materials, and BMW stylistics is felt in every detail. So the owners of the first -generation X5 in the new will feel at home. Just as if after a major overhaul. As for the third row of seats, of course, you can put passengers up to 170 cm tall there, but it seems to me that seven places are just an additional trump card in the sleeve of American sales managers. In Russia, most likely, two small chairs will be dismantled and rejoice at the luggage compartment increased to 620 liters.
Practice
Well, even in statics, the new BMW X5 looks very tempting. But let's analyze what attracted most in the previous one. Appearance? High -quality decoration materials? Spacious salon? It is unlikely that when choosing, these qualities dominated. The first X5 fell in love with us for how he rode, and the new one, absorbing sweat and blood of engineers and programmers, should be at least no worse. First, I sit behind the wheel of a gasoline version with a 4.8-liter V8 with a capacity of 355 hp. The sound of the motor resembles an ominous roar of the previous version of x5 4.8is the same bass at low speeds and sonorous soprano at the top. But the level of acoustic isolation has become higher, so the peals of thunder from under the hood sound no longer so intrusive. In the city, it is enough to use a quarter of the accelerator pedal. Twisting the moment increased by 8%, and already at 1,500 rpm, the engine produces approximately 400 nm, and the maximum 475 Nm is available from 3400 to 3800 rpm. The capacity increased by 11%, but to the first hundred, the new x5 4.8 accelerates 0.2 s slower than the previous version with an engine of the same volume. However, I do not think that 6.5 s that requires a car for acceleration to 100 km/h, and the maximum speed of 240 km/h will leave someone indifferent. In addition, the overall level of dynamics has noticeably improved. During the factory trials, the Nurburgring circle of the new X5 drove in 9 minutes it is 10 with the result of the previous model. How is it, you ask, because x5 has become larger and harder? That's right, no one has canceled the laws of physics, but the progress in the field of electronics does not bypass the company. The second -generation chassis BMW X5 received several technological innovations at once. So, thanks to the use of the Flaxray tire, it was possible to increase the rate of data exchange between electronic systems of the car. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the amount of on -board electronics has increased markedly. For example, the Active Steering system automatically changes the gear ratio in the steering mechanism. In practice, this is expressed in much more accurate and easy management in comparison with the traditional steering rack. Even in normal mode, from the stop to the stop, the steering wheel makes a little more than two revolutions, and during an aggressive driving, management becomes even more acute. Nevertheless, it is still unknown how Active Steering will behave on our no ideal roads. But Adaptive Drive is even good on a broken road. The system of suppression of the body roll does not interfere with the suspension to work out irregularities, involving only reptile stability stabilizers. Another thing is that the chassis is configured with a clear accent for controllability and flaws of the X5 roadway passes significantly rigidly. This somewhat limits the level of comfort in the city, but on the roads along the coast of Greece X5 he showed himself well done! Despite its dimensions and mass, as well as on the enthusiasm of the author of the article, in the turns the car stood as a glove. Obviously, the marginal capabilities of the new X5 increased significantly, but at the same time a sense of danger decreased. Yes, the car does not roll, yes, it turns very accurately and allows you to go as fast as you do not want, or you can. Because, as already noted, no one has yet canceled the laws of physics. Although, in the case of excessive ardor sitting at the wheel, X5 will try to maintain the integrity of body details, not to mention the life of the driver. DSC, ABS, ASC, DBC, CBC, ADB, HDC is a set of active safety systems, and we will deal separately with calculation of airbags.
Results
And what about the version with a diesel engine? Is the prerogative to save on fuel and remained with the Europeans? But no, diesel X5 will be delivered to the Russian market along with gasoline versions. However, as before, the demand for such cars will most likely be insignificant. Well, sad, because a 3-liter turbodiesel is surprisingly good! The cylinder block and the head are made of aluminum alloy, which saved 25 kg compared with the previous 3.0d. The fuel supply is in charge of the third -generation Common Rail system with piezoforms, which inject fuel into cylinders under a pressure of 1600 atm. That's where the recoil of 235 hp so high for diesel. and 520 Nm, available in the range of 20002750 rpm. Fuel consumption is traditionally modest 8.7 liters of diesel fuel in a mixed cycle. Moreover, the improved automatic transmission, which switches 50% faster than that of the previous model, paired with a diesel engine showed itself better than with a 4.8-liter V8 gasoline! The speed of gear shift is equally good on both versions, but in alliance with a diesel engine work is more agreed. True, the dynamic capabilities of the diesel X5 is tangibly more modest than that of the modification 4.8i and 3.0SI (272 hp, 315 Nm), which will appear a little later.
 
The XDRive all -wheel drive system was not fully checked. It is known that in the standard modes of the clutch, it redistributes the force between the axes in a ratio of 40:60, but if necessary, on an axis where the wheels have a more stable clutch, can be transferred to 100% traction. How XDRive works on a slippery road, we will check the coming spring when the official BMW X5 sales in Russia will begin. In the meantime, you can summarize the first results.
Well, now we are sure that there will be the third generation of the BMW X5, because the current, the second, set even higher standards for competitors than the first. We are happy to state that this time BMW preferred the evolutionary development of the design of the model, but the level of technological perfection and pleasure from driving indicates the next revolution in the SAV class.
Technical characteristics BMW X5 4.8i
Dimensions, mm 4854x1933x1766
Base, mm 2933
Benzine engine type V8
Working volume, cubic meter. cm 4799
Max. Power, L.S./rpm 355/6300
Max. moment, nm/rpm 475/3400
The transmission is automatic 6-band
Max. Speed, km/h 240
Tires 255/55 R18
Acceleration time 0-100 km, with 6.5
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km 12.5
Tank volume, l 85
 
Stanislav Goncharenko
Photo by the author
 

Source: Avtopanorama magazine