2019 BMW X5 With Integral Active Steering

The 2019 BMW X5 is the fourth generation of the Bayerische Motoren Werke, or, translated into English, Bavarian Motor Works luxury brand’s popular crossover. The most significant changes are the technology under the skin and in the interior. Matte wood trim, piano black trim and Merino leather are included in the interior upgrades. Not to be outdone by Orrefors crystal shifter in the Volvo, BMW has created a glass shift lever of its own. For the first time, BMW is offering 22-inch wheels as an option. The panoramic sky-lounge gives the x5 a feeling of roominess and the 15,000 lights make me think of the Rolls-Royce stargazing roof. The split tailgate is automatic and has anti-slip rails. BMW’s live cockpit is a delightful addition to the idrive. The voice control allows you to say you are too hot or too cold and to tell the car what temperature you would like it to be reset at for your convenience.

There are still analog knobs for the most commonly used functions, and the digital changes are intuitive. Gesture controls to raise or lower the volume control is a start and a fun technology to show off to people that have never seen it before. Inductive wireless charging for your iPhone available as an option. But my favorite is the hot or cold cupholders. Ok, maybe my second favorite. The first could be the massaging seats. The fourth generation BMW X5 has some big tires to fill; the first generation (1999-2006) sold over 600,000 units, the second generation (2006-2013) sold over 725,000 units, the third generation (2013-2018) sold over 750,000 units. BMW calls that SUXESS! However, in a segment with a growth rate of over 20 percent, BMW has to make sure this X5 competes in this segment and can bring in any stragglers on the bottom or top end of the competition. BMW decided to take us off-roading to show us the neat tricks and technology they have incorporated in the new BMW X5. They added a 30-minute excursion into the Georgia woods using Rock driving mode, in M2, to the Driving Experience.

The ability to see in front of you through the 12.3-inch NAV monitor took a lot of the guesswork away. My SUV had the available off-road package with an automatic locking rear differential, adjustable two-axle air suspension, and underbody protection, along with cameras on every corner and hill descent control system. I really got a feel for the integral active steering technology on the off-road course. The 20.7′ turning radius handles the tight corners with ease. It’s not just off-roading; parallel parking in tight spaces will be so much easier. It will take some time to get used to just like it did with me. IAS was first shown in a BMW in the F01 7-series in 2008. This is the first time it has been an option on a BMW X-SUV. The difference is in the turning radius, with IAS you get about 1 meter, about 3 feet, better turning radius.

I am always looking for a good turning radius. I have a circular driveway, and a big truck takes a three-point turn to go around the fountain in the middle of the drive. It was a breeze to drive this SUV in my driveway. With Integral Active Steering (IAS), at speeds up to 30 mph, a small turn of the steering wheel yields a more significant turn of the front wheels for a more direct response. IAS also steers the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction, giving the effect of a shortened wheelbase for enhanced maneuverability. When changing lanes at speeds over 50 mph, both front and rear wheels turn in the same direction, giving the feel of an extended wheelbase. While you are experiencing greater responsiveness and directional stability, your passengers will enjoy greater ride comfort from reduced body roll. Front axle Electronic Power Steering unit with variable steering rack geometry. 4,000 Adaptive Chassis group. The Lamborghini Urus Rear-Wheel Steering is fitted to supplement the active torque-vectoring system creating four-wheel steering. Lexus GS’s Dynamic Rear-Wheel Steering added to the F Sport’s Lexus Dynamic Handling package adds four-wheel steering. Porsche Cayenne offers four-wheel steering as an option.

We can’t imagine too many Australian roads where Sport would make much sense. Best to leave it in the gentler settings, then. Combined with the hushed engine and quiet cabin it makes for a serene experience. The Touareg is also beautifully controlled, its broad footprint adding to the reassurance in corners and the tyres providing ample grip. The steering is a tad numb, but it’s a minor gripe in an otherwise accomplished dynamic equation that eats up the kilometres with ease. What’s it like off the road? The extent of our off-road involved snow-smattered gravel roads, which the Touareg handled with no issues. While it has 213mm of ground clearance, it’s more soft-roader, albeit with some basic electronic extras to help you along. The Offroad and Snow modes in the driver select system tailor throttle response and traction control to maximise traction and control. But, again, we’d be keeping things on the softer side rather than getting too rugged, something reinforced with the lack of a full-sized spare tyre. Does it have a spare? There’s a spare wheel and tyre but it’s a skinny space saver that needs to be inflated before use with the onboard compressor.