I very distinctly remember my father’s 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado with a 5.7 liter V-8 diesel engine. If we were outside playing in the driveway, we could hear Dad arriving home from work when he was still two or three blocks away. Thirty years ago, that was the norm for diesel engines. They were large and loud. Not anymore. When the new 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d arrived in my driveway the first thing I said to the delivery driver was, “this is a diesel?” I was already impressed because it was so quiet.
The X5 xDrive35d is one of two diesel powered models BMW sells in the United States. Joining the oil burning sports activity vehicle is the 335d sedan. Both part of the automaker’s growing Advanced Diesel lineup. Advanced Diesel uses new technology to meet strict federal standards regarding diesel emissions, which in the past were always black, sooty and smelly. Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel with 97-percent less sulfur content—15 parts per million compared to 500 parts per million previously—burns much more cleanly but still produces nitrogen oxide and soot. Through the use of a urea solution, which is injected into the catalytic process, nitrogen oxide is greatly reduced and soot is captured and burned away in the particulate filter. What comes out of the tailpipes is no dirtier and no more harmful than gasoline exhaust. This is a major step forward for diesel engines.I stood behind the X5 xDrive35d thinking I would see, at least, some exhaust. Much to my surprise, I did not. I also could not smell any exhaust. No noise, no smoke, no smell. Impressive. Here are my thoughts on the X5 xDrive35d after spending a week with the vehicle.
Appearance
The diesel powered X5 looks no different than the gas powered X5. Its outward appearance is that of a luxury SUV, or in this case, SAV. Aggressive, yet elegant. The look is unmistakably BMW. The test model is equipped with 19-inch wheels and matching performance tires which provide a smooth, quiet ride.
The X5 comes in ten available colors including eight metallic choices.
Power
If you are unfamiliar with diesel engines, don’t let the relatively low 265 horsepower figure fool you. Torque is plentiful at 425 lb-ft which means the X5 has plenty of get-up-and-go. BMW claims the 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline six cylinder engine will catapult you from 0-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds. The vehicle accelerates quickly. So quickly, I forgot it was a diesel for a while.Fuel efficiency is the diesel engine’s best attribute. The X5 xDrive35d has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. My actual mileage easily matched those estimates, under spirited driving conditions.
Comfort
Inside, the X5 has what you would expect from a luxury vehicle: front and rear leather seating for five people; automatic, digital dual-zone climate control; more than ample leg, head and shoulder room; all in a nice, quiet cabin. Once sealed inside, outside noise is held to a bare minimum while driving.
Features
Standard features include all-wheel drive, dynamic stability control, tire pressure monitor and rain-sensing windshield wipers among several others. The test model was well equipped with option features including premium sound system, active ventilated driver’s seat, rear-view camera and navigation system among other options. I think this vehicle had every possible option package added. While that certainly created a comfortable ride, it also created an additional $20,720 dollars in sticker shock. I do like the full iPod integration feature. I’ve never had true compatibility in a vehicle and the ability to access my full library through the car sound system is great. Also, BMW has apparently made great improvements to the iDrive vehicle information system. When first introduced, the system was not well received. It’s still a bit more difficult to navigate than I would like, but it is manageable.
Summary
Nice vehicle. But I prefer a true sports utility vehicle. The X5 is a wonderfully engineered road handler but since it looks like an SUV, it should act like an SUV. The diesel engine is a winner. I would love to drive the 335d and take advantage of its 36 MPG highway rating.
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