Punters of premium mid-sized SUVs now have quite a lot to choose from thanks to new offerings made more relevant for real-world use.
There’s the Volvo XC90 with its seven-seat package and class-beating prices. And if image matters more than off-road pedigree, you can get the Range Rover Velar or, even better, the Porsche Cayenne.
But due to their higher populace (and wider sales network) in Thailand, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are the more widely preferred choices with the Audi Q7 slowing becoming a credible alternative.
While the GLE in next-generation form has already been unveiled abroad, it has yet to arrive on Thai forecourts giving buyers a good reason to take a look at its archrival.
The X5 is also an all-new model but has reached the Thai luxury car market first. Like before, locally assembly is likely in the future. But at the moment, there’s only one choice available in imported form: xDrive30d M Sport going for a not-so-low 5.659 million baht (the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid is up next).
Diesel engines work well with SUVs, especially in big ones like these. And like before, it’s a proper six-cylinder diesel-turbo that’s making the X5 once again a compelling car to drive (a four-potter was also offered albeit rear-drive).
The 30d model has a 265hp 3.0-litre motor that’s eager at all times but arguably a touch less refined than those V6s found in the Q7 and Land Rover Discovery. As well, the sub-15kpl rating in the X5 may be inferior to four-pot diesels offered in the GLE, XC90 and Jaguar F-Pace.
Even so, the performance and economy balance in the X5 seems largely justified (potential buyers are unlikely to fret about gas bills) making it still one of the best diesel-powered SUVs in its class.
An off-road package has been developed for the X5 elsewhere including various modes for different road surfaces and air suspension. But, unsurprisingly, it isn’t being offered in the Thai-spec X5 because roughly 99% of buyers don’t have muddy trips in their minds.
Instead, the X5’s focus on the black tarmac means the sole M Sport spec featuring racy design details and mix-sized tyres. Buyers needing macho looks for their SUVs should be delighted to see the rear ones measuring a good 315mm in width, although the rubbers’ extra low-profile do create underbody vibration over rough surfaces and ruts.
But the standard suspension, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive all make the X5 nice to drive on the sealed tarmac. Although occasional body roll and the relatively soft suspension can take away some driving sharpness, the X5 still handles well with precise steering and sufficient cornering grip.
Now that new electrical anti-roll systems have already made it into posher and dearer SUVs, it remains to be seen who will be first to forward this tech to the X5 arena in Thailand.
Due to incessant demands for big interiors, the X5 has again grown in size with its width exceeding 2m for the first time. You can definitely feel this on Thai roads and it gets worse in many of the narrow lanes that can be found in big cities like the Big Mango.
Of course, the X5 has been designed as a practical SUV with recreation in mind. But it should really stop growing in size. The same goes for those overly sized kidney grilles up front which don’t do justice to an otherwise neat exterior design.
Nevertheless, what you get in such a package is loads of space for five occupants and their belongings. Speaking of that, the X5’s seats seem to be even comfier than those in the 7 Series. Small details relating to practicality aren’t lacking either.
These days, BMW interiors are all looking too much the same. But all for the better because they are now made remarkably well with robust build and fine materials.
As well, the fascia’s digital readouts and conventional buttons happily coexist to make things easy to use on the move.
As the Thai BMW office is having bigger plans for the X5 later, this particular variant isn’t equipped to kill yet especially in the presence of the gadget-laden XC90.
What you get in this X5 are automatic cruise control, parking assist, head-up display and all-round view monitor. Other notable luxuries include a large glass-top and soft-shut doors.
As a result, the X5 in 30d form may not be a truly competitively priced SUV in its class at the moment. There are cheaper alternatives and that pending tax-privy 45e alleged to cost less than the 30d.
But for those who don’t mind convention and some price issues, the 30d is such a nice fit in the X5. Actually, the diesel-powered X5 is a great SUV for the vacationing family and has largely carried over the best bits from its predecessors.
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