2018 BMW X5 M50d Review

The 2018 BMW X5 M50d is deceiving on first approach as it really looks like the rest of the X5 range with some modifications.

What lurks beneath is a sporty AWD SUV that has awesome performance.

The M Performance accouterments are subtle but obvious to aficionados.

The BMW X5 M50d is another rare beast.

Exterior

The exterior of the BMW X5 M50d displays the M Sport package equipment.

This includes:

• M Aerodynamics package with front apron,
• side skirts,
• wheel arch trims,
• Double-spoke style 467 M with mixed tyres 20″ M light alloy wheels,
• Adaptive M suspension,
• Adaptive suspension package ‘Dynamic’,
• BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line,
• BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium satinated,
• M designation on the sides,
• exterior mirror caps in body colour,
• tailpipe trim strip in Chrome high-gloss in M Sport package,
• specific design Exclusive paintwork in Carbon Black metallic,
• BMW Individual roof rails,
• High-Gloss Shadow Line Roof rails Aluminium satinated

Interior

The BMW leather Sport Seats for driver and front passenger with multiple electric adjustments especially the lumbar support are exceptionally comfortable.

In front of the driver is the M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and all the controls you need. There is an excellent heads up display that projects speed and arrow directions for navigation, directly into the driver’s field of vision and the dash is typically BMW.

There are adequate spots for drinks and ‘junk’ etc in the centre console etc, however the split lid is annoying.

The iDrive controls are easy to use and surprisingly intuitive. It appears that most prestige SUV’s now have some similar system and the BMW’s is amongst the best.

M Sport package interior equipment has a host of additional aesthetic features.

Jump in the rear and the seats are more suited for two people but have enough head, shoulder and knee room to be comfortable for most adults.

Boot space is great for a family of four.

Visibility in the rear is also pretty good. It is comfortable for longer trips for adults or teenagers.

Features

The BMW X5 M50d is distinguished by a number of features internally such as Door sill finishers with M designation Interior trim, M driver footrest, Aluminium Shadow Brushed and 4-zone Automatic air conditioning and the car key with an exclusive M designation.

The Navigation System has a high-resolution 8.8-inch colour display (one of the best in the market), arrow and map display, favourite buttons, DVD drive, split screen function, 12GB hard drive for storage of audio files, 3D display, electronic owner’s handbook and internet functionality.

The On-board computer, displays average speed, fuel consumption, range, temperature, time and date etc.

Drive and Engine

The heart and soul of the BMW X5 M50d is the M Performance TwinPower Turbo inline 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine, combining common rail direct injection and triple turbocharging.

Mated to an 8-speed sport automatic transmission with Steptronic, this lusty powerplant pumps out 280 Kw/740 Nm.

This combination grips the road through the intelligent xDrive, permanent all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque split between front and rear axles, M Sport suspension with self-levelling suspension and pneumatic rear suspension.

In short it’s a ripper to drive.

The combination of silky smooth engine, 8 speed transmission, X Drive surefootedness and dynamic suspension yields an engaging driving experience that still is amongst the best in SUV’s even after all these years.

The BMW X5 M50d will accelerate from 0-100kmh in 5.3 seconds and top out at an electronically governed 250km/h.

Safety

Safety is provided by:

• Driver and front passenger airbags,
• Seat occupancy detector for front passenger airbag;
• Head airbags in the front and rear;
• Side airbags for driver and front passenger,
• Dynamic Braking Lights,
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ABS,
• Brake Assist,
• Cornering Brake Control,
• Dynamic Traction Control and
• Hill Descent Control.

The Driving Assistant combines the Lane Departure Warning and Approach Warning systems.

The Approach control and Person warning with light city braking function issues a warning if there is a risk of collision with vehicles or pedestrians and brakes the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

From a speed of approx. 70 km/h, the Lane Departure Warning draws the driver’s attention to an unintentional lane change by means of slight vibrations in the steering wheel

Other features include run flat tyres, rear view camera, Bi-Xenon headlights, Adaptive headlights with variable light distribution, cornering lights and High-Beam Assist.

Good Bits

• Diesel’s awesome power/economy
• Practical family car
• Lots of standard features

Not so good bits

• Not suited to off road
• Expensive to buy and service
• We had to give it back to BMW

2018 BMW X5 M50d Conclusion

Like all BMW’s there is an extensive options list and packages.

Some are worthwhile, some are hideously expensive. However the desire to individualise your car drives these packages.

The BMW X4 M50d SUV is a prestige sports SUV extraordinaire that is ideally suited to weekend pastimes, towing boats, horse floats and regular trips to the snow.

Facts and Figures: 2018 BMW X5 M50d

• Engine: 3.0 litre TDi  280kW/740Nm
• Transmission: Eight-speed auto AWD
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: Germany
• Warranty: 5 yrs/130,000km
• Price: From $159,225