BMW X5 in off road : ein MERVEILLE ! test

Intro: SENSATIONAL!

Assembled at the Bertone plant, as will be the case with the imminent convertible, the Astra coupé oozes charm and the new turbo version does not look set to change matters. The makeover is subtle and this dynamic version of the Coupé stands out with its 17 inch wheels. The chrome band on the tailgate, a turbo logo at the rear and a chrome oval-shaped exhaust pipe give it that sporty, elegant look. This 2.0 litre 190 bhp turbo-powered 1340 kg coupé is ready to take to the highroads thanks to the manufacturer's decision to put the good old turbocharger principle to use. This coupe is almost perfect!

Esthetique: A FOUR-WHEEL LOUNGE

The German designers have aimed high with their aggressively sleek-looking X5 matched by a fiery performance. A cross between a heavy-duty road car and conventional 4x4, this luxurious off-roader offers some of the best BMW features.
When it comes to interior fittings, it's practically faultless, with the exception of a missing CD drive (available as an option). A considerable fault given that the X5 will set you back a quite spectacular 48 600 euros. On-board electronics have been brought to the fore, making the vehicle's off road performance as hassle-free as possible. The Automatic Differential Brake replaces the differential lock system that is typical of all 4x4s, and the Hill Descent Control lets you glide down a slope with the minimum of effort. This monster is furthermore well-equipped: leather upholstery lines the interior, individual airbags, electric windows and rearview mirror, integrated telephone, comfortable rear seating arrangement, cup holders, nothing has been overlooked.

Motorization: STAR STATUS

Following the all-mighty 4.4 litre V8, BMW has strengthened its range with its new 3-litre straight six engine, at 17 025 euros less than its predecessor. BMW is also ready for spring 2001 with its diesel version.
This 2979-bhp straight six engine delivering a torque of 231 Nm at 5900 rpm is light years away from the wheezy and weight-laden 4x4 of bygone days. It accelerates like any other coupé: 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 sec, covers 400 m from a standing start 16.7 sec and 1000 m from a standing start in 30.4 sec.

On the road: WHEN ELECTRONICS TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY

If you're thinking about getting into the X5, be prepared to discover a genuinely luxurious sedan with quite amazing performances. However, how does it fare off the beaten track? Motors TV asked René Mette, a 4x4 specialist, for his views.

"With all the modern options intact, the equipment is complete and operational. The dashboard is very much like those adorning the conventional BMW models. We took the vehicle out on a test drive on waterlogged ground and were simply amazed by its performance and electronic navigation aids. Accustomed to bridge locking mechanical systems, taking the wheel of this X5 was childs play. On-road, the permanent four-wheel drive system often takes precedence, although I managed to cross all types of terrain without the electronic lock. Despite its road tyres, this vehicle copes very well on muddy ground. One of the X5's main advantages is that even on the most slippery of surfaces, the car boasts good holding power, which is good for safety and means that you can drive at relatively high speeds without encountering the slightest problem. On the negative side, the shock absorbers reveal their limits under more extreme conditions, the large wheelbase could possibly pose a few problems when it comes to manoeuvring over bumps and the engine speed is somewhat too high, with the needle shooting up into the red in no time at all. The X5 is an outstanding vehicle when all is said and done - extremely compact and uniform, with no hidden vices. A reference on the SUV market."