A Big, Powerful 8 Passenger Vehicle

If you want a large SUV that will carry a lot of passengers and all their gear with ease you have a number of options. Several of the American automakers produce 7, 8 and 9 passenger vehicles that are based largely on truck frames but today we will look at a model from a Japanese automaker. The Nissan Armada has the potential to be a great choice if you are looking for a quality SUV that will carry up to 8 passengers and comes in either 2WD or 4WD configurations. The Armada was first introduced in the 2004 model year and remains largely the same although there have been some improvements such as a small increase in horsepower. Today the Armada features a 5.6L V8 engine that puts 317 HP and 385 pound feet of torque to the ground through a 5 speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy ratings are 12 MPG for the city and 18 for the highway on four wheel drive models and one mile per gallon more for two wheel drive versions of the SUV.

If you want to move upscale from the Nissan Armada you can always go for the Infiniti QX56. Infiniti is Nissan's luxury line of vehicles and while the QX56 is very similar to the Armada at heart it does have different styling and quite a bit more power. The QX56 also has the same 5.6L V8 engine but in this case it is tuned for 400 HP even. It also has two more gears and puts the 413 lb-ft of thrust it produces to the ground through a 7 speed automatic. The QX56 is actually rated as more efficient than any of the Armada variants at 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. Automobile magazine reported averaging 15 MPG with their long term test model. This extra efficiency over the Armada version is probably a result of having an updated seven gear transmission. If you can manage a reduction in passenger space of one person and want a more efficient ride you might want to look at one of the Armada's competitors: the Audi Q7 TDI. While the TDI puts out about 90 HP less than the Armada it actually makes more torque thanks to the turbodiesel engine Audi installs in the TDI model. In addition to extra torque the TDI can get you 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. 7 MPG is a pretty significant difference so unless you need to full eight passenger capacity of the Armada it might be a good idea to give the Q7 a closer look. Some models will be better suited to families while others are good for hunting, fishing and camping as well as towing large loads.

Folding down the 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to a maximum 1,860 litres. A third row of seats for two more passengers can be specified, an option available since the second-gen X5. As in third-row seats in many other vehicles, these are essentially for small children as they are not comfortable for average-sized adults on long trips. However, getting into third row is a little easier now with electrically operated second row seats. The new X5 also has a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. If the optional Comfort Access is installed, both sections can be opened and closed automatically and hands-free. The optional two-axle air suspension allows the loading sill to be lowered. Adding to the luxury amenity is a boot cover that can be lowered electrically into the load compartment floor. The whole point of generational changes is to improve the breed and stay in the game.

The latest X5 does that. It's the first X model to get a host of chassis system upgrades such as two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering and an Off-Road package to enhance the car’s versatility, dynamic ability and comfort levels. Driver assistance systems have been expanded to include Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant. The latest BMW Operating System 7.0 is aboard, and works closely with the all-digital display to optimise attention control. The systems software, which makes its debut in the new X5, is characterised by a clear presentation and structuring, plus customisable and personalised displays, to provide drivers with the right information at the right time. The SUV comes standard with Dynamic Damper Control, while Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering - making its debut in an X model - allows for more agile and sportier driving. The two-axle air suspension caters to those seeking greater ride comfort and also allows the vehicle height to be adjusted by up to 80mm at the touch of a button or using the included BMW Display Key.

The G05 X5 moves the model closer to automated driving with an increased spread of driver assistance systems available. Another aspect of automated driving is the Reversing Assistant. This system takes over steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forward. This system makes reversing for a distance of up to 50 metres much easier such as when backing up to a parking spot. The new X5 does its part in a medical crisis with an Emergency Stop Assistant, which brings the car safely to a standstill if the driver gets into a situation like a heart attack. It can even call for help if the built-in SIM card is used. Providing connectivity between the car and digital devices is a cloud-based BMW Connected personal mobility assistant. A BMW Connected app makes it possible to lock/unlock the car with a smartphone ala digital key, making the new X5 the first BMW model to do so. It only works with selected smartphones for now. We chose the BMW X5 xDrive40i as our ride as this is the version that’s coming to Malaysia as previewed locally in M Sport gear last month at an estimated price of RM640,000.