பிஎன்டபில்யூ எக்ஸ்5 2014-2019 எக்ஸ் டிரைவ் 30d Expedition

It is barely a couple of months ago when BMW India introduced the 2014 version of its premium SUV model, X5 in the country's car bazaar. Now, it has officially rolled out the entry level variant in this series, which is christened as BMW X5 xDrive 30d Expedition . This latest variant is powered by the same 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine that churns out 258bhp and a maximum torque output of 560Nm. However, it is paired with a standard 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. This SUV is loaded with standard equipments like a 205 Watt HiFi loudspeaker system, an iDrive unit with 16.5CM color display and bi-xenon headlamps along with LED daytime running lights. In terms of exteriors, it gets conventional kidney bean shaped grille with black bars and chrome-line exterior package. As far as its interiors are concerned, this latest trim comes with a spacious cabin that is done up in American Oak scheme, which is further complimented by fine-line wood finish. Coming to the safety, it is blessed with all the important safety aspects like eight airbags, ABS with brake assist and engine immobilizer including crash sensor. This latest vehicle will now compete with the likes of Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Mercedes Benz GL class in the SUV segment.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced trim has an intimidating body structure that is neatly decorated with chrome-line package and trademark cosmetics. To start with its front facade, this vehicle gets powerful bi-xenon headlamps along with LED daytime running lights. In the center, it has a hallmark radiator grille that is designed with vertically positioned black bars. It has a thick chrome surround, which gives it an eye-catching look. The front bumper has a masculine structure owing to the dual-port air dam and a black protective cladding. It also has a pair of fog lamps and air ducts, which provides better air intake for engine cooling. Its side profile is quite appealing with expressive lines all over. Its two tone wheel arches are fitted with a set of stylish twin-spoke style alloy wheels 18-inch in size, which are further covered with radial tubeless tyres of size 255/55 R18. Its external door handles and the wing mirrors are in body color while its window lining gets a chrome treatment. Coming to the rear, this vehicle has aggressive taillight cluster that is elegantly decorated with LED turn indicators and powerful brake lights. The rear windscreen is slightly big and it is accompanied by a wiper and a stylish spoiler that is integrated with third brake light. Its bumper has a rugged structure, thanks to its black under-body cladding and two exhaust tail pipes.

Interiors:

This BMW X5 xDrive 30d Expedition trim comes with a huge interior cabin that is made of using premium Dakota leather upholstery. It has an American Oak interior color scheme and fine-line wood inserts, which emphasizes its luxuriant look. The leather wrapped steering wheel has three spokes and it is equipped with call and audio control functions. The front seats can be adjusted electrically wherein the driver's seat also includes memory settings. The rear seats are foldable in 40:20:40 split ratio, which contributes towards increasing boot volume. On the other hand, there are lots of storage spaces available including sunglass holders, glove box unit and drink holders. At the same time, it has several utility aspects like 12V accessory power sockets, electrically adjustable steering column and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is blessed with a 3.0-litre, twin turbo, Inline, diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2993cc. This power plant is integrated with 6-cylinders and 24-valves, while producing 258bhp at 4000rpm in combination with 560Nm of peak torque between 1500 to 3000rpm. It is mated with an eight speed steptronic automatic transmission gear box, which helps in achieving a maximum speed of 230 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 6.9 seconds, which is rather remarkable. It has the ability to produce 12.28 Kmpl within the city and 15.35 Kmpl on the highways.

Braking and Handling:

All its wheels are equipped with ventilated disc brakes, which are further assisted by high performance calipers. This braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system with brake assist, electric park brake with auto hold and cornering brake control function. On the other hand, it has an adaptive suspension package comfort with infinite and independent damping, which includes self leveling rear air suspension. It is further enhanced by a dynamic stability and traction control function. Its steering wheel comes with servotronic steering assist function, which makes handling quite easier for the driver.

Safety Features:

Some of the most important protective features included are active protection with attentiveness assist function, dual front airbags along with side and head airbags, which protects the occupants in case of any crash. It is equipped with BMW condition based service, electronic vehicle immobilizer with crash sensors, run flat indicator, run flat tyres with reinforced side walls, three point seat belts for all occupants, while front seats belts come with pyrotechnic belt tensioner and force limiter. It also has ISOFIX child seat mounting as well . Apart from these, this SUV is blessed with hill descent control, warning triangle with first aid kit, side impact protection beams, integrated emergency spare wheel and many other such aspects.

Comfort Features:

The company is offering this BMW X5 xDrive 30d Expedition trim with a set of innovative features, which gives the occupants a luxurious feel while traveling. The list of features include panoramic glass sunroof, a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with electric adjustment function, an automatic air conditioning unit with 4-zone climate control and extended rear vents in second row seats, interior mirror with anti-dazzle function and many other such aspects as well. The advanced iDrive comes with 16.5cm color display, which supports CD drive and controller with direct menu control buttons. It also supports extended Bluetooth with audio streaming, voice control, office function and contact photo display. In addition to these, it is blessed with front and rear park distance control, rear view camera and xDrive status.

Pros:

1. Engine performance is very impressive.

2. Fuel efficiency is very competitive.

Cons:

1. Initial cost of ownership and maintenance is high.

2. A few more aspects could have been added.