BMW launched a bewildering array of models in their new X5 range. Besides the xDrive50i, the German automaker also introduced the xDrive35i and xDrive30d. Understanding the nomenclature might be difficult for some people – the xDrive50i has a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, the xDrive35i has a 3-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine, while the xDrive30d is powered by a 3-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine.
After I’ve figured out the complicated alphanumerics, along comes the X5 M50d. Going by the “logic” covered in my earlier paragraph, the moniker should refer to a 4.4-litre V8 diesel engine. Nope! The M50d actually uses a modified, triple-turbo version of the twin-scroll, single-turbo 3-litre diesel motor in the xDrive30d, with the output boosted from 258bhp/560Nm to a whopping 381bhp/740Nm. 
It’s a gem of a turbo-diesel, with hardly any trace of oil-burner clatter, even at idle after a cold start, and able to rev to 5000rpm without any signs of strain. The zesty engine stays refined throughout, and spins to its redline with real verve.
And the M50d is quick. Despite weighing 2.2 tonnes (empty), it does the century sprint in just 5.3 seconds, which is only 0.3 of a second behind the timing achieved by the mighty V8 xDrive50i. In most circumstances, the 740Nm M50d feels even faster from point to point than its 650Nm V8 sibling, thanks to the additional 90Nm of torque.
A huge seven-seater SUV plus a torquey diesel powerplant equals a motoring match made in heaven. Making the X5 M50d more heavenly (or perhaps less hellish for environmentalists) is mileage of almost 15 kilometres per litre. This is what the manufacturer claims, but we all know that factory-supplied figures for average fuel consumption can only be replicated in the real world by economy rally-style driving techniques, on a deserted expressway. I averaged 7km to 7.5km per litre, which isn’t terrible considering this is a vigorous road test.
Of course, nobody buys a large SUV and expects small fuel bills. Having a turbo-diesel engine helps to trim those expenses, but they won’t affect the advantages of owning something like the X5 M50d.
Comfort is one of them. The seats are superbly supportive, without being overly firm like in certain German cars. There is ample room in the second row for three basketball players, although the third row is best reserved for tall children or short adults, due to the limited legroom there. With all seven seats occupied, the 650-litre cargo space is greatly reduced, but with just five occupants on board, the boot is commodious.
Other welcome features include effective four-zone auto air-con, a fantastic panoramic sunroof, an excellent Harman Kardon hi-fi, a cool and useful head-up display, full Bluetooth connectivity and a Surround View camera system. The last feature offers clear views of the car’s immediate vicinity, with well-defined guide lines to make parking this machine a cinch.
Riding on Adaptive M suspension with rear air springs and all-round 20-inch alloy wheels (19-inch is the homologated size), the X5 is remarkably settled on the move. Activate either Sport or Sport+, and the ride is firmed up a little, but it remains comfortable – more so than, say, the M5.
The handling is remarkable for a vehicle that makes the 1 Series look like a toy. In Sport mode, body roll is well controlled and the traction control cuts in early enough to prevent a slide. In Sport+ mode, the entertainment level goes up by a few notches, with the drivetrain becoming more sprightly and the traction control allowing a fair amount of slip. It can get pretty hairy if you’re not careful, but it’s fun! Also good for a laugh is when this seemingly lumbering giant leaves many a hot hatch (and its boyracer driver) in its wake when the traffic lights turn green. It’s the giant’s big low-end torque at work.
I’m not a fan of gigantic SUVs, but I find the X5 M50d appealing. The Bimmer endears with its imposing physicality, train-pulling turbo-diesel performance and “railcar” practicality.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 2993cc, 24-valves, inline-6, turbo-diesel
MAX POWER 381bhp at 4000-4400rpm
MAX TORQUE 740Nm at 2000-3000rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 5.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.9km/L
CO2 EMISSION 177g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$467,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
ALSO AVAILABLE
X5 xDrive30d
