Now is a good time to have $465,000 to splurge on a luxury SUV. Since its debut 14 years ago, the BMW X5 has grown to become of one of the strongest contender in this segment of the market. The charismatic and stylish BMW X5 M50d continues to make leaps and bounds.
With BMW’s signature interior refinements the third generation of X5 offers an even more extensive list of standard specification including; BMW Head-up display, Adaptive LED highlights, Soft-close function for doors, Panorama glass-roof, Surround View, Cruise control with braking function, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, four-zone automatic climate control system and a Bluetooth hands-free system. But the real deal-breaker lies beneath its hood. Inheriting a new 3-litre diesel engine, the German car has the world’s most powerful in-line six-cylinder diesel engine. Possessing a maximum output of 381 horsepower and a peak torque of 740Nm, the X5 sprints from 0-100kph in just 5.3 seconds setting a record that is unmatched by other models in the segment.
However, even with this amount of output, the BMW X5 M50d’s average fuel consumption and CO2 emission have both been improved against its predecessor at 6.7 litres/100km and 177 g/km respectively. Matching its high performance level, the engineers at BMW assigns the luxury SUV with a set of standard with Adaptive M suspension, which includes Sport-tuned suspension settings with a specifically-tuned Dynamic Damper Control system, as well as automatic self-levelling air suspension at the rear, to efficiently harness it power and sharpen road handling.
“The new BMW X5 M50d has greatly benefited from the combined experience of the engineers of BMW M, whose expertise has ensured precision tuning between the drive, suspension and steering. As a result, drivers will be able to enjoy precise, sporty handling for an exceptionally intense driving experience,” says Sethipong Anutarasoti, the corporate affairs director of BMW Group Asia. At the price it is asking, the new BMW X5 M50d doesn’t only out-perform its rivals but has also made its intention clear that it is going to take a chuck out of this lucrative market category.