BMW’s X5 M50d is a four wheel juggernaut that blends the best of both ends of the automotive spectrum, writes Craig Donaldson
When it comes to large four-wheel-drives, normally you can’t have both performance and fuel efficiency. If it’s fast, then it’s normally as hungry as a parched camel and costs a bucketload to run. If it’s fuel efficient, then it’s normally lumbersome and fit for left lane driving only. However, BMW’s X5 M50d is proof that you can have your fuel efficient cake, and all-you-can-eat performance too.
This SUV (or Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW calls it) blends the best of both ends of the automotive spectrum. At one end, you have a quiet, mild-mannered and fuel efficient 4WD that consumes only 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite weighing in at a somewhat hefty 2.2 tonnes (which makes it in fact the lightest in its class), it drives more like a comfortable large sedan fit for everyday driving.
At the other end of the automotive spectrum, you have a four wheel juggernaut with 280 kW of power and 740 Nm of torque, which propels it from 0–100 km/h in a time of 5.3 seconds to a top-end speed of 250 kilometres per hour.
What produces the impressive dynamics-to-efficiency ratio is a powerplant that benefits from the latest in technical know-how from BMW’s Motorsport engineers. The 3.0-litre straight-six engine is boosted by three sequential turbochargers, and this delivers a steady and strong power curve all the way through the rev range. The M50d is the equivalent of a diesel locomotive on wheels; in fact, it’s the most powerful volume-produced 6 cylinder diesel engine in the world.
Combining a fine-tuned powertrain and steering system with dynamic damping control and air suspension for the rear axle, which loves to soak up the bumps, the X5 M50d provides for a capable, confident and self-assured driving experience. Select the sport or sport+ driving mode, and the X5 M50d hunkers down and accelerator response, power steering, automatic transmission and suspension characteristics combine to deliver a noticeably more responsive and assertive driving experience.
The X5 M50d looks the part of a four wheel juggernaut too. The distinctive BMW “kidney grille” on the M50d is larger and more upright, and it also features more curved, L-shaped tail lights as well as BMW’s new air curtains – which are drag-reducing apertures on the wheel arches. While these are subtle changes to overall X5 design, X5 aficionados will be able to spot these telltale signs.
These special touches continue on the inside, where both drivers and passengers will be treated to acres of space (with the option of two additional seats in the boot area), sports seats in alcantara/leather combination upholstery, an upgraded Harman Kardon surround sound system, subtly pleasant mood lighting as well as a practically helpful and extra large heads-up display.
For the price ($147,900) and features, BMW’s X5 M50d is ready to give the likes of Range Rover’s Sport SDV8 HSE a run for its money, while other potential competitors include the likes of Audi’s Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro and Porsche’s Cayenne S diesel. Overall, BMW’s X5 M50d provides for a superlative driving experience, and with considered driving it will deliver you long-term savings at the fuel bowser too.
