2024 BMW X5 Diesel Review: 900 KM Plus Range And Monster Performance

The air suspension is also perfect to switch between comfort and sport where it feels more tied down along with body control which is frankly not expected from such a big SUV

The X5 diesel honestly matches performance of many sporting SUVs costing three times more but the diesel also has 900km plus range along with 12kmpl mileage

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

Big diesel engines are not going away since they provide ample range and the effortless performance which only a diesel can bring. Yes, turbo petrols have come a long way but for something as big and heavy as a luxury SUV, a big diesel is still the best bet. Further evidence to this can be pointed at the new BMW X5. We drove the petrol earlier and came back impressed but the diesel blew us away. The 3 litre 6 cylinder in-line diesel of the Xdrive30d produces 286hp and 650Nm.

Additionally, the engine comes with a 48v electric motor which further adds in 12hp and 200Nm. At low speeds, there is barely any noise and the big X5 happily sits in traffic with its smooth 8-speed auto along with a light steering making things easy. The excellent steering is not lifeless but not too heavy and makes driving the big X5 similar to say driving an X1. The huge 21 inch wheels and those giant tyres does mean that the low speed ride is a bit stiff but it is not uncomfortable. 

The engine is smooth in comfort but put your foot down and you can see how much fun the large X5 is. It is unusually rev friendly for a diesel and loves to be driven hard with immense power and torque putting big speeds easily. It is very fast and cruises effortlessly at high speeds plus even the ride settles out. The air suspension is also perfect to switch between comfort and sport where it feels more tied down along with body control which is frankly not expected from such a big SUV. The X5 handles and drives like a sporting SUV and you simply do not expect something of this size to do so. The fact that it does with comfort and luxury is also unlike anything else.

The new X5 then is for the driver and occasional back seat passenger along with a clear bent towards performance. Yes, it has luxury like any SUV expected to do so at Rs 1cr plus with the new interior which looks fabulous with most of the physical controls not put away in a touchscreen. The rear seats are comfortable but do not adjust like on the X7 but features like soft close doors, a 16 speaker audio system along with a powered tailgate to name a few befit its pricing.

The X5 diesel honestly matches performance of many sporting SUVs costing three times more but the diesel also has 900km plus range along with 12kmpl mileage. Add in luxury and it is the SUV to buy if you love long distance driving and not tossing the keys to the chauffeur all the time.