Review of the BMW X5 2021: xDrive30d

Can you believe it's been almost two and a half years since the fourth generation BMW X5 went on sale? However, buyers clearly have a short memory, because the first BMW X model launched in the world is still the best seller in its large SUV segment.

Try the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX, but the X5 is simply impossible to topple.

So what's all the fuss about? Well, there's no better way to find out than by taking a closer look at the widely sold X5 xDrive30d variant. Read more.

BMW X 2021 models: X5 Xdrive 30D
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	7.2l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	No recent ads

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

Few SUVs are as impressive as the X5 xDrive30d. Simply put, it draws attention on the road or even across the road. Or a mile.

The feeling of imperious presence begins at the front, where the first signs of a sporty body kit are visible. As impressive as the trio of large air intakes are, it's the beefed-up version of BMW's signature grille that gets people talking. It's just the right size for such a big car, if you ask me.

The adaptive LED headlights integrate hexagonal daytime running lights for a business-like look, while lower-lying LED fog lights also help illuminate the road.

On the side, the X5 xDrive30d is pretty sleek too, with our test car's optional two-tone 22-inch alloy wheels ($3900) filling its wheel arches nicely, while blue brake calipers are tucked away in the back. Along with the glossy Shadow Line finish, the air curtains also look sporty.

At the rear, the X5's XNUMXD LED taillights look superb and, in combination with the flat tailgate, make a strong impression. Then comes the massive bumper with twin tailpipes and a diffuser insert. Quite good.

Few SUVs are as impressive as the X5 xDrive30d.

Get in the X5 xDrive30d and you'll be forgiven if you think you're in the wrong BMW. Yes, it could very well be a dual body 7 Series luxury sedan. In fact, in many ways it's just as luxurious as BMW's flagship model.

Sure, our test car had the optional Walknappa leather upholstery covering the top dash and door shoulders ($2100), but even without that, it's still a serious premium deal.

Vernasca leather upholstery is the X5 xDrive30d's standard choice for seats, armrests and door inserts, while soft-touch materials can be found just about anywhere. Yes, even on door baskets.

The anthracite headlining and ambient lighting further enhance the atmosphere, making the interior even sportier.

Speaking of which, even though it may be a big SUV, the X5 xDrive30d still has a truly sporty side to it, as evidenced by its chunky steering wheel, supportive front seats and grippy sports pedals. They all make you feel a little more special.

While it may be a big SUV, the X5 xDrive30d still has a truly sporty side to it.

The X5 also features cutting-edge technology, highlighted by a pair of crisp 12.3-inch displays; one is the central touch screen, the other is the digital instrument cluster.

Both feature the already familiar BMW OS 7.0 multimedia system, which was a stark departure from its predecessor in terms of layout and functionality. But there's nothing wrong with that, as it still raises the stakes, especially with its always-on voice control.

Users will also be thrilled by the seamless wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in this setup, with the former easily reconnecting when you re-enter, though it is permanently disconnected if the iPhone involved is in a compartment right below the dash...

However, the instrument cluster is all-digital, ditching its predecessor's physical rings, but it looks drab and still doesn't have the breadth of functionality some rivals offer.

And let's not forget the shiny head-up display projected onto the windshield, big and clear, that gives you little reason to look away from the road ahead.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

At 4922mm long (with a 2975mm wheelbase), 2004mm wide and 1745mm wide, the X5 xDrive30d is a big SUV in every sense of the word, so it's no wonder it does a very good job of being practical.

Boot capacity is generous, 650 liters, but that can be increased to a very useful 1870 liters by folding down the 40/20/40-folding rear seat, an action that can be accomplished with the manual trunk latches.

The power split tailgate provides the easiest access to the wide and flat rear storage compartment. And at hand are four attachment points and a 12 V socket.

The X5 xDrive30d is a big SUV in every sense of the word.

There are plenty of authentic storage options in the cabin, too, with a larger glove box and center compartment, and the front doors can hold a terrific four regular bottles. And don't worry; their rear counterparts can take three pieces.

What's more, two cupholders are located at the front of the center console, while the second-row fold-down armrest has a pair of retractable cupholders as well as a shallow tray with a lid.

The latter joins a small compartment on the driver's side and two trays at the rear of the center console for the most random storage spaces at hand, while map pockets are attached to the front seatbacks that house USB-C ports.

What's really impressive is how well the second row seats three adults abreast.

Speaking of the front seats, sitting behind them makes it obvious how much room there is inside the X5 xDrive30d, with tons of legroom behind our 184cm driver's seat. We also have about an inch above our heads, even with the panoramic sunroof installed.

What's really impressive is how well the second row seats three adults abreast. Enough space is offered for an adult trio to go on a long journey with few complaints, thanks in part to the nearly non-existent transmission tunnel.

Child seats are also easy to install thanks to three Top Tether and two ISOFIX anchor points, as well as a large rear door opening.

In terms of connectivity, there's a wireless smartphone charger, a USB-A port, and a 12V outlet in front of the aforementioned front cupholders, while the USB-C port is in the center compartment. Rear passengers also get a 12V outlet below the center air vents.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Starting at $121,900 plus travel costs, the xDrive30d sits between xDrive25d ($104,900) and xDrive40i ($124,900) at the bottom of the 5 range.

Standard equipment on the X5 xDrive30d that hasn't been mentioned yet includes dusk sensors, rain sensors, wipers, heated folding side mirrors, roof rails, keyless entry and a power tailgate.

Our test car was equipped with several options, including two-tone 22-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, you'll also find push-button start, real-time traffic sat-nav, digital radio, a 205-watt 10-speaker audio system, power-adjustable, heated, memory front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and signature M-dish trims.

In typical BMW fashion, our test car was equipped with several options, including Mineral White metallic paint ($2000), two-tone 22-inch alloy wheels ($3900), and Walknappa leather upholstery for the upper dash and door shoulders ($2100).

The X5 xDrive30d's competitors are the Mercedes-Benz GLE300d ($107,100), the Volvo XC90 D5 Momentum ($94,990), and the Lexus RX450h Sports Luxury ($111,088), which means it's relatively expensive, though the specs aren't quite the same .

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

As the name suggests, the X5 xDrive30d is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six engine used in other BMW models, which is a good thing because it's one of my favorites.

In this form, it develops 195 kW at 4000 rpm and a very useful torque of 620 Nm at 2000-2500 rpm - ideal for a large SUV.

The X5 xDrive30d is powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine used in other BMW models.

Meanwhile, ZF's eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission (with paddles) is another favorite - and BMW's fully variable xDrive system is responsible for sending drive to all four wheels.

As a result, the 2110-pound X5 xDrive30d can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, like a hot hatch, on its way to its top speed of 230 km/h.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Combined fuel consumption of the X5 xDrive30d (ADR 81/02) is 7.2 l/100 km and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 189 g/km. Both requirements are strong for a large SUV.

In the real world, we averaged 7.9L/100km over 270km of track, which was slightly skewed towards highways rather than city roads, which is a very solid result for a car of this size.

For reference, the X5 xDrive30d has a large 80 liter fuel tank.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the X5 xDrive30d the highest five-star safety rating in 2018.

Advanced driver assistance systems in the X5 xDrive30d extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping and steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, driver warning. , blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, park and reverse assist, surround view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, hill descent control and tire pressure monitoring. Yes, there is something missing here.

Other standard safety equipment includes seven airbags (dual front, side, and curtain airbags plus driver's knees), anti-skid brakes (ABS), emergency brake assist, and conventional electronic stability and traction control systems.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

Like all BMW models, the X5 xDrive30d comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, two years short of the premium standard set by Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Genesis. He also receives three years of roadside assistance. 

The X5 xDrive30d comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

X5 xDrive30d service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Limited price service plans for five years/80,000km start at $2250, or average $450 per visit, which is more than reasonable.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

When it comes to ride and handling, it's easy to argue that the X5 xDrive30d combination is best in class.

Although its suspension (double-link front and multi-link rear axle with adaptive dampers) has a sporty setting, it still rides comfortably, overcoming bumps with ease and quickly regaining composure over bumps. All this seems quite luxurious.

However, the optional two-tone 22-inch alloy wheels ($3900) fitted to our test car often grab sharp edges and ruin a ride on bad surfaces, so you should probably stick with the stock 20-inch wheels.

In terms of handling, the X5 xDrive30d leans naturally into corners during spirited driving in Comfort driving mode.

That being said, overall body control is relatively strong for a large SUV, and the sport driving mode helps to tighten things up somewhat, but the fact is that it will always be difficult to defy physics.

It would be easy to argue that the X5 xDrive30d combination is the best in its class.

Meanwhile, the X5 xDrive30d's electric power steering is not only speed-sensitive, but its weight is also adjusted using the aforementioned drive modes.

In Comfort mode, this setting is well-weighted, with just the right amount of weight, however changing it to Sport makes it heavier, which may not be to everyone's taste. Either way, it's relatively straight forward and offers a solid level of feedback.

However, the X5 xDrive30d's sheer size reflects its 12.6m turning radius, making low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces more challenging. Optional rear-wheel steering ($2250) can help with this, although it wasn't installed on our test car.

In terms of straight-line performance, the X5 xDrive30d has plenty of maximum torque available at the start of the rev range, which means its engine's pulling power is effortless all the way up to mid-range, even if it can be a bit spiky initially.

Although the peak power is relatively high, you rarely need to get close to the upper limit to use it because this motor is based on torque in Newton meters.

The X5 xDrive30d's electric power steering is not only speed-sensitive, but its weight is also controlled using the aforementioned driving modes.

So acceleration is brisk when the X5 crouches and deliberately veers off the line when full throttle is applied.

Much of this performance is due to the intuitive calibration of the transmission and the overall response to spontaneous actions.

Shifts are quick and smooth, although they can sometimes be a bit jerky when decelerating from low speeds to a complete stop.

Five driving modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Adaptive and Individual - allow the driver to change engine and transmission settings while driving, with Sport adding a noticeable advantage, but Comfort is what you will use 99 percent. time.

The transmission's sport mode can be called up at any time by flicking the gear selector, resulting in higher shift points that complement spirited driving.

Verdict

There's no doubt that BMW has upped its game with the fourth-generation X5, raising the level of luxury and technology all the way to the flagship of the 7 Series.

The combination of impressive looks and relatively good dynamics of the X5 is complemented by the excellent xDrive30d engine and transmission.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the X5 continues to be the best in the xDrive30d version. There really is no other option to consider.