Driving Impressions : 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

It's tough enough to just say the name. A major part of my time with the X5 XDrive50i was spent understanding just some of what it came with.

CLAR – This is the acronym for the X5's Cluster Architecture. This platform is common to a multitude of cars including the BMW 7 series. It's a rear wheel drive chassis employing carbon fiber and aluminum for increased strength and 'added lightness'. Modules can be added to allow AWD, a multitude of engines, hybrid and plug in function. They are said to be large battery ready for full electrification.

X5s come standard with intelligent all-wheel drive, dynamic electronic dampers, a multi (five) link rear suspension and double wishbone front suspension. The 40i ($60,700) is powered by an inline 6-cylinder powerplant and the 50i ($75750) sports a 4.4 liter V-8 capable of a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds.

Dynamic Handling costs an extra $3650. The M differential allow torque vectoring and suspension dynamics are improved with active roll stabilization and a system precise enough to counter the vibrations and maintain straight-line driving when bumps are encountered.

The Premium Tier ($2050) included gesture control, wireless charging, parking assistant plus, a heads up display and more.

AN Executive Package ($2050) added adaptive LED lights, window shades, soft close doors and remote start.

Driving Assistance Plus ($1700) - The X5 XDrive50i comes standard with Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation (sound and braking at city speeds), Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and rear Cross Traffic Alert. This optional feature also designated as Active Driving Assistant Pro features a significantly longer hands-off time than the 13 - 15 seconds most other makes use as a standard but drivers may also note a more abrupt correction. When engaged, the system can delay a lane change until the designated lane is clear and then steer the X5 into the adjacent lane!

Regarding Impressions: It looked great and though slightly longer, taller and wider than last year's model and sporting a bigger front grill, the X5 had the same pleasing visual impact of earlier models.

The test model was adorned with Vernasca leather. It was Teutonic comfortable (a bit non-compliant or rigid) but seemed quite durable and fortunately Vernascas do not appear on the endangered species list. All trims were opulent especially the standard wood on the console, dash and doors. Seat comfort is easily found with multi ('20 way') adjustable seating. I am a huge fan of side bolster adjustments. The largest phones can be safely stored and charged at console front and hot and cold beverage support is a joy. Packrats won't find much more open space in the console but large door pockets and spaces in the door arm rests are easily accessed.

Huge under seat foot space enhances rear seat comfort and separate side rear climate controls with upper and lower vents seem a thought full edition.

There's a rear hatch and an automatic tailgate - fun to use and an aid when loading or unloading. And there's a generous hidden compartment beneath the rearmost floor. The raised floor is supported by a gas spring.

The 12.3-inch touch screen has modern crisp graphics and requires effort to learn. Once the driver is engaged, the circular knob (joystick) and voice control become friends – no problems here. Multiple camera views appear on the touch screen and fabulous alerts including door swing allowances add to satisfaction.

Cornering dynamics are every bit as pleasant and can be as performance oriented as you want to 'dial in'. Picking nits: The steering was accurate and at times gave a bit too much artificial resistance but this could be mostly 'dialed out'. This driver and passengers found the brakes a bit 'grabby' and even after a period of pilot adjustment, I found little improvement.

There is no doubt that the BMW X5 xDrive 50i represents a great combination of performance, engineering, convenience, safety, and luxury. It can tow 6600 pounds and it comes with no cost maintenance for 3 years or 36000 miles. Yet the price is high and I can't help but wonder if one might find a higher fraction of the features at a lower fraction of the price.

Photo credit: BMW

Related Posts