What's the performance and fuel economy? Although there will eventually be a plug-in hybrid and uber-performance X5 M available, for 2019, there are models that correspond with different engines: xDrive40i and xDrive50i models. The xDrive40i has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Like every X5, it has an eight-speed automatic and "xDrive" all-wheel drive. BMW estimates that it goes from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, which is pretty good given the X5's size and performance. The xDrive50i packs a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 good for 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. BMW says it'll hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. What's it like to drive? The X5 is soft, quiet and buttery smooth around town or on the highway, feeling impeccably engineered to make you only mildly aware of your surroundings. Despite riding on 20-inch wheels and run-flat tires, our X5 test car softened the impacts from potholes with expert dampening from the available height-adjustable air suspension.
We'd suspect the standard adaptive suspension would be pretty exceptional in this regard as well. When you start to hustle the X5 along, however, there's a poise and sophistication to the way it takes corners that you wouldn't expect from something so comfy the rest of the time. Selecting Sport or Individual tightens the steering, suspension, transmission and throttle response accordingly. The height-adjustable suspension even lowers itself in Sport. If anything the Sport Plus setting is almost too firm as to be unpleasant on anything but pristine pavement. Bumps can actually unsettle it a bit through corners, much like other firmly sprung cars are wont to be. This breadth of driving feel is actually quite extraordinary. Unfortunately, the steering is not, and it's our main dynamic complaint with the X5. Like other BMWs, there just isn't enough feedback regardless of the drive setting you're in. While the chassis tells you how athletic it is through the seat of your pants, the steering can't break free from that foam layer.
The Integral Active Steering, which adds rear wheel articulation, doesn't really help in this regard, but does make for a tighter turning circle. As for the engine, power from the base turbo inline-6 is abundant. The turbo V8 is just indulgent. Either way, it really comes down to how much gas you want to put in the thing. What more can I read about the BMW X5? Our first driving driving impressions of the new X5, including more details about what was new and different about this completely redesigned, fourth-generation version. We get the X5 back to our Michigan headquarters for a more complete test drive. It proved a bit controversial, especially the steering. What features are available and what's the price? 995 destination charge (the X5 is built in South Carolina, by the way). Besides its bigger engine, the xDrive50i includes items otherwise optional on the xDrive40i, including upgraded "Comfort" seats, four-zone climate control, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio. There is a multitude of packages and stand-alone options available. Check out our more complete breakdown of features, options, specs and local pricing here on Autoblog. What's its safety equipment and crash ratings? Besides the usual allotment of airbags and stability aids, every X5 comes standard with forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency automatic braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and BMW Assist eCall emergency communications. The Driving Assistance Professional package provides steering assistance for lane-keeping and evading obstacles. Adaptive cruise control is a separate option, as is the Backup Assistant function (see video below).
And it’s only then that you will find this is a 911 like no other ever built. The GT2 - without the traction advantage of the Turbo’s four-wheel drive - will get to 100mph in 7.4 seconds and to 62mph in exactly half that time. So if you’re lolloping along the motorway at the legal limit and fancy giving your GT2 a bit of stick, you are never less than three seconds away from a driving ban. This may be the most powerful 911 of all time, but it doesn’t mean it’s a car you can drive without an element of fear. With stability and traction control on, the GT2 will look after you long after you’ve forgotten what’s good for your health. It’s only when you turn everything off that things start to get hairy. Thankfully there’s plenty of safety features at hand. It has the usual plethora of airbags as standard and, while Euro NCAP has yet to get around to testing this sort of car, 911s are known to crash very well. You also get a Porsche Driving Experience day as part of the purchase price, which is well worth every penny.
