The 2,993-cc engine now produces 258 PS at 4,000 RPM and a hefty 560 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 RPM. The straight-six motor is mated to a top-class eight-speed auto box and this gives the big sporty SUV excellent driveability.
The minute you get into the SUV and start manoeuvring through the parking lot you realise that BMW have taken feedback and made the steering much lighter; now you don’t have to wrestle with it at low speeds. Along with the new electric power steering the suspension setup is on the softer side in the Comfort mode. The ride quality felt quite nice, though this was on the Canadian roads, and it will feel a bit different on Indian roads. The SUV retains all its sporty character, all you need to do is select the Sport mode and with this the steering weighs up, the suspension stiffens up, and you can start attacking corners when the going gets a little twisty.
The new X5 is a big improvement over its predecessor, and BMW hope it will make a big impact on the premium SUV market in India.
Story & Photography: Aspi Bhathena
