2014 BMW X5 Diesel Review : Design, Interior and Photo Gallery

by Hilya Safa · Published October 15, 2015 · Updated August 7, 2016

BMW X5 Diesel

From the beginning, BMW designed this car as a sports activity vehicle (SAV) than an SUV (sports utility vehicle), where X5 is emphasized on the ability of the highway, rather than performance in off-road terrain. X5 is capable of great pioneer dashing car on the pavement, and this concept was followed by many other products, such as the Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Sport, and Mazda CX-9. With the right marketing methods, X5 sold a total of 381,000 units (in America). The BMW X5 was first produced in 1999 (code E53).

2014 BMW X5 Photo

Since 2006, BMW has launched the second generation of the BMW X5 (E70), which is the design still thick colored shades of the first generation, but has a longer dimension (187 mm), the wheelbase is also longer (113 mm). Some features updated participated, one of which is a diesel engine that is claimed to be more powerful and efficient than the gasoline version in the first generation.

Design

From the exterior, the change mainly lies in the design of the front and rear bumpers. Changes also include a headlamp with ‘LED daytime running light’ (light during the day) as well as bi-xenon. Rear lamps formation are also equipped with horizontal LED lights. Under the lip of the rear bumper, two exhaust on the left and right. To outward appearances, there is no difference between petrol and diesel-engined variants, except the letter ‘d’ and ‘i’ in the emblem.

BMW X5 xDrive30d, carrying depot 6-cylinder diesel power. Common rail technology (direct injection engine fuel as needed) with piezo injectors, and turbochargers, do not forget pinned. Power of 245 hp at 4,000 rpm and torque of 540 Nm at 1,750 rpm routed via Steptronic 8-speed transmission as standard equipment. In addition to offering ‘adaptive drive’ (a feature that is able to cut body roll), the BMW X5 is equipped with BMW’s unique technology: xDrive. This technology will divide the torque and power through a transfer case. In it, the multi-disc clutch is electronically controlled to distribute power to the wheels, adapted to road conditions. When wheel spin on slippery road surfaces, as will be locked to prevent wheel spin (spin in place). Then, the power will be distributed to the other side of the tire is not losing traks.

When normal conditions, xDrive will divide engine power line between the front and rear axle, with the proportion of 40:60. A sensor is also installed to monitor the motion of the wheel, for example when the tires spin is detected, then in a matter of less than a second, xDrive will correct distribution of power from the engine to the axle.

Interior

BMW coat every seat with quality leather. Offset quality cabin, mounted a series of high-quality audio. A total of 12 speakers, 205-watt power amplifier, 6.5-inch screen, and a USB socket, be regarded as sufficient to entertain passengers. It’s just that, for the sake of safety, the iDrive menu, which can inform the state of the car, audio controls, and telematics, can only be operated when the car is stationary. However, the LCD screen is also capable of playing DVDs, CDs, and the radio can be operated at any time.

The interior is also equipped with various safety features: front and side airbags, side head airbags for front passengers and the third row seat, and safety belt for each seat complete with belt force limiters. Headrests also features a ‘crash-active headrests’ (to prevent neck injury when the car was hit from behind). In the second row seats also are ISOFIX child seat. Overall, 620 liters of luggage volume recorded in the state of the second row seats upright and 1,750 liters when the seats folded.

BMW includes the PDC (park distance control) front and rear, to monitor obstacles when parking the car. It looks a car with colorful color, and radar charts and sound “beep” long. Only, the sensitivity is too high. The alarm will sound, even if the sensor only detects a tall grass on the sidewalk. But, if this feature is considered disturbing, you can turn it off via iDrive.

Performance

One thing worth thumbs up from this SUV, is the performance of the diesel engine. The series of mechanical rate could break lay proverb about the acceleration of diesel engine. Engine sounded noisy from the outside, as silent and irreplaceable by voting machines that whir, when the tachometer needle spins rapidly, especially after the past 1,750 rpm. That’s when the maximum torque from crystallized.

Control

A myriad of features crammed to make this car comfortable and safe. The suspension has been improved now feels soft and comfortable. But there was also the location of weakness. Compared to the previous BMW X5 stable with hard suspension, the new BMW X5 is actually feels more unsteady at high speeds.

And as mentioned, the BMW X5 adapting xDrive motion system (typical of BMW’s AWD system), this makes the BMW X5 diesel as never lost traction. xDrive work continuously through the DSC and ABS. In normal driving circumstances, 40 percent of power will be channeled to the front wheels, while the remainder will be distributed to the rear wheels.

This division is not absolute because the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) will subdivide power distribution according to their needs. DSC can also put the brakes on the wheel if perceived to have lost traction. It can be proved when we tested it in wet road conditions. Symptoms of aquaplaning very little when there are puddles everywhere.

Photo Gallery