BMW X5 M test

BMW X5 M
BMW is one of the constructors working the most with combustible batteries and knows how to build sober vehicles and has even come out with a range of electric cars based on the Mni. BMW is a very contemporary car company. But it also still knows how to create some pretty awesome machines, sometimes vilified but still so much fun.



This is the case with the X5 M with its aggressive look, sporting a purpose built bumper and its spoiler pierced with enormous grilled re-cooling intakes.



From the lower end of the bodywork to the widened wheel arches and more specifically the gigantic 20-inch wheel rims shod on tyres more profiled for racing than off-road this is not your ordinary SUV.

The interior is dressed in leather, the M steering wheel has paddle shifters and with a list of sophisticated equipment like a Park Distance Control System, the auto H system that frees the driver fro having to keep his foot on the brake peddle in traffic for example, the BMW engineers have pretty much thought about everything in terms of equipment.




The power plant of this blend of GT and SUV is the 555 brake horsepower 4.4 litre V8 M for Motorsport engine with torque output of 680 Newton metres.

Taming the X5 M, capable of naught to 100ks in 4.7s, is done is steps. First, put it in to Drive then sit back and enjoy the acceleration as the driver aids take over, led by the DSC system.





Then with the Sport mode, the gearbox is more prompt and adds a bit more excitement when changing gears.

Third, active M mode, which turn the DSC off, select the sport shock position, put it into manual and choose between standard shift or the paddles and…step on the throttle and your off to seventh heaven. All that power and torque can be felt in the spine and between 4000 and 6500rpm, it feels like your about to take off.





The only time you get a sense of its 2400 kilograms is under braking. This BW’er is best driven with precaution. It doesn’t react well to sudden or violent movement, but nothing to be overly concerned about; the all wheel drive transmission will step in.



To sum up, this is a machine as politically incorrect as you’d want to drive, you feel as if you’ve done something naughty and gotten away with it. Now you just have to find the €120,900…good luck!