BMW Goes Off-Road
BMW adds "sport" to sport utility

Some things just naturally go together-think doughnuts and coffee comes to mind, salt goes with pepper, and you can’t rock unless you roll. One thing that doesn’t seem to fit is BMW and off-road. Isn’t this the company whose reputation is built on having some of the best road handling cars available? But as it’s in the business to sell vehicles, BMW hasn’t been blind to the success others (think Lexus and Mercedes) have experienced by offering SUV’s that can find their way off the local interstate and still enjoy a good trip in the country.

The X5’s engineers made sure that this BMW would remain true to its heritage. Describing it as a “Sport Activity Vehicle”, the X5 remains focused on that company’s ultimate goal, a refined tool that offers precision performance, whatever the environment.

One reason is its appearance. Looking at it and you immediately notice the unmistakable BMW double kidney grill. The X5 owes much of its athletic looks to its sport sedan cousins, which can be a good thing considering some of the less-than-svelte offerings in the SUV market.

Underneath all that German sheetmetal is a unibody chassis-still a pretty unique design that only a few others in this segment share. This type of design was chosen for its rigidity and stiffness. This style, though making the X5 a bit heavier than its competitors, rewards it with some of the best side and frontal impact scores ever given by the U.S. government.

Passenger safety is another important point to BMW. To that end, other standard conveniences include a four wheel, anti-lock braking system and front driver and passenger side and head air bags. Side impact door beams add to the feeling of safety.

BMW uses a 4.4 liter V8 to power the X5. Spirited would be an understatement in describing the output of this 32 valve engine. It can either transport you from 0-60 in seven and a half seconds or haul your favorite 6,000 pound object with equal ease.

The handling is compliant to life on-road or off. Its optional sport suspension, giving you stiffer springs and larger alloy wheels, can let you throw the X5 into corners more aggressively but still let you go to your favorite fishing hole. To ensure that you get where your going, BMW installed what they call “Hill Descent Control”, a Land Rover developed system which uses ABS and traction control to keep speed low, ensuring driver stability on steep or slippery conditions.

The X5’s drivers seating position is up front and offers excellent visibility. The interior is functional and business-like, as only BMW can design. Luxury appointments abound, including leather seating surfaces, multi-speaker stereo, and automatic climate controls for both driver and passenger.

The interior room of the X5 would best be described as cozy. Head and legroom is average for both front and rear passengers, while an area that noticeable comes-up-short, though, is in the cargo room department. (It boasts only 16 cubic feet, not much more than most car’s trunks.)

BMW performed quite a trick with the advent of the X5. Combining the athleticism of its heritage with, dare I say “truck-like” durability, the X5 is an interesting option for those who value more than a heaping helping of sport in their utility.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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