BMW X5

BMW is back in the group of all-wheel builder. And not only with the former subsidiary brand Land Rover, even not with a reconstructed sedan, but with a really big SUV, but one of the sporty constitution. Much more interior space than a 5-estate-car it does not have, even it does not come up to its closest rival from the M-Class of Mercedes, for example because of the angular hatchback.

Like this, it is built in the U.S.. The production location in Spartanburg (South Carolina) is at the time still a challenge. With the Z3 one have started here and reworked the to Europe shipped specimens. Now it is hoped to reach directly a reasonable standard for local customers. Today (2008) is this no longer an issue, on the contrary. Seeing the weak dollar Spartanburg is being expanded intensely.

Why BMW is interested in the late 90s for their own SUVs? Because these come into vogue and hardly anyone will/can seriously in the fields and meadows. It affects the all-wheel technology. No heavy transfer gear-boxes and longitudinal or rather transverse differential locks. The electronics are also in this range on the advance and resolve, as in the M-Class, traction problems at the brake system.

Of course, the discs begin to heat with forced driving in difficult terrain and will be cured additionally by splash water, but who wants to expect such a nice car? Rather, the buyers enjoy the high seating position and are lucky if even in the large, prestigious car remained a couple of BMW typical characteristics.

One can assume that from in the first of all only deliverable V8 and at least for the then coming six-cylinder diesel engines. After all, remains left despite slight all-wheel-equipment a grand curb weight. A little bit has helped the bifid hatchback but in practice one would not miss them. When one for example want to load the elegant room with longer utensils not always of the finest kind, and feel not disturbed by the more poor accessibility of the lower door hatch.

Which brings us almost back to the interior. It is solid done. Only a later generation will show what further goes here. The more of space has been well used for the eyes and handling. From the front it can be seen from afar as a BMW. The large side surface do not catch one's eyes by a kind of continuous wing enlarging. The rear is even succeeded so well, that it years later will be copied boldly and completely from the China Automobile GmbH as Shuanghuan Ceo.

What remains is a lot of car for a lot of money, imposing packed, successfully avoiding the truck look, with enough seating space, which despite its mass even move pleasantly fast and without much shaken by curves. And at the latest with the twin turbo diesel engine the car can offer its attractive driving performance also with a perhaps for a SUV still acceptable fuel consumption. 05/08