BMW has been busy as of late launching a
slew of M Performance models (our M235i being another example) that bridge the
massive gap between normal Bimmers and their insane M counterparts. Launched
alongside our Cover Car, is the X5 M50d, which comes very close to the original
X5 M’s performance levels and to top it off, runs on diesel!
As of print, the M50d is the only M
Performance model in the X5 line-up, featuring the butch bodykit from the
standard M Sport spec (which incidentally is an option on lesser X5s), we can
only imagine how the impending new X5 M is going to fare judging on the sheer
ferocity of the M50d.
The
X5 uses in effect the same platform as the previous generation, but it's been
substantially revised
Again, this might not be a true-blue M car
but the monstrous triple-turbo 3.0-litre diesel powerplant definitely deserves
the M badge. Churning out a whopping 740Nm of twist from just 2,000 to
3,000rpm, the M50d is extremely agile at any speed, in any gear and is
perfectly contented growling in third gear even on twisty back roads.
What really got me pumped however, was the
immense 381 horses which peak at 4,000rpm, egging you on to explore the upper
echelons on the diesel engine, very much like a petrol vehicle would. Prod the
throttle further and your ears will pick up a very sweet bassy gurgle that
almost sounds like a petrol V8 motor.
Mated to the engine is BMW’s standard
8-speed automatic transmission which is creamy smooth, slicing up the ratios
effortlessly on its own, or responding quickly to driver inputs via paddle
shifters mounted on the M Sport steering. Grip is faultless too, thanks to
BMW’s extremely competent xDrive system and the insanely wide 20-inch Pirelli
P-Zeros (275 front and 315 rear). Braking is equally just as impressive,
bringing the 2.2-tonne monster to a halt in a matter of milliseconds.
The
X5 is typically generous with its legroom in the front, but headroom is only
average for a large SUV
With a powertrain that impressive, the
steering in the M50d delivers on the handling, like any proper M car would too.
In the most aggressive Sport+ mode, the wheel weighs up remarkably well keeping
turn-in deadly accurate and precise. No mean feat, especially if you consider
the mass there is being hurled through tight corners and bendy roads.
However, if driving like a raving lunatic
isn’t your thing, the M50d is equally at home in Comfort mode. Giving the
driver a much more forgiving ride and lighter steering (which helps a lot
especially in cramped parking spaces). Cruising is also a lot quieter with
barely any hint of wind or road noise.
The
large boot should cope with most owner's storage requirements
With nearly everything else taken care of,
this leaves you, the driver with plenty of time to relish in the M50d’s
extremely plush cabin. Its massively spacious when compared to the outgoing
model. BMW’s latest variation of the iDrive system makes it into the M50d too,
which is the benchmark these days for in-car infotainment packages.
The X5 M50d might not be really be an M car
but it does come very close and will definitely whet anyone’s appetite for
lightning fast massive diesel SUVs. And above all else, it’s still really practical,
with loads of space for lots of luggage and capacity to seat seven, there’s
nothing quite like it on the market.
