Deutsch X-factor

CEBU, Philippines -  We woke up one morning to an invitation from Autowelt BMW to test out the 2014 BMW X5.  Having to choose between a lunch date with a famous female celebrity and driving the 2014 X5, we were in quite a pickle.  But when we were told that we could do just about anything we wanted with the 2014 X5, the choice became easy.  In less than five minutes, we were on the way to the dealership in Nivel Hills.  And five minutes after that, we were behind the wheel of the 2014 X5.

The 2014 BMW X5 is newly styled, but doesn't look remarkably different from the outgoing X5. The revamped body lines of the new X5 have been curved a bit to give it a more aggressive look, while also managing to make it look more sophisticated.  The "double kidney" radiator grille is noticeably bigger and more prominent than the outgoing model.  This may be a design feature aimed to invite more air into the engine room and cool down the heat produced by the high horse twin-turbo diesel.

The new model looks aerodynamically smoother and BMW claims it's about 100 kilos lighter than the old model.  The new 2014 X5 launches in the Philippines with a 3.0-liter Twin Power Turbo Diesel with 258 horses and a whopping 580 Nm of torque, making the X5 accelerate to 6.9 seconds from 0-100kmh.

Interior

The interior has garnered more attention than the exterior. Being a modern dash, it has all the features of anultra-sophisticated cockpit all integrated around the driver.  An iDrive10.6 inch LED screen sits on top of the dash which features a navigation system with real-time traffic information, a telemetric system that gives you suggestions on conserving fuel, displaying horsepower and torque, mobile-office functions that connects you to the net via your iPhone. The X5's screen also informs occupants of vehicle roll and pitch and displays a compass that will go in handy when doing "mild off-roading." The ultra clear LED makes for a back-up screen when shifting reverse.  I must admit, the controls were intimidating and needed a lot of getting used to.

The workmanship and the materials are superb, something that you'd expect from BMW. The quiet cabin pays for more chit-chat amongst passenger. The premium sound system in our test vehicle didn't have to work very hard either to be heard over the minimal road and wind noise.

Engine and powertrain

We drove the 258-horsepower, 3.0-liter Twin Power Turbo Diesel, standard variant that had an eight-speed semi-manual transmission via paddles in the steering wheel.  The forced induction engine produced an astonishing 560Nm of torque, something you can instantly feel while running up through the gears.The engine is  governed by a number of settings that lets you cruise either in Eco-mode or Sport/Sport+ mode which instantaneously lifts shifting and accelerating characteristics of the car.

Handling

Passing through the uphill, two-lane Transcentral highway was more an exercise in self-control with respect to city laws(and the price tag) as we really wanted to push the SUV to its limits. As I understand, the X5 chassis is tailored to please those who like a little spice in their driving experience. The X5 did not disappoint us as handling was excellent.  It took out the stress of whether or not you'll make it around that blind narrow bends of the Transcentral highway. In the mountains around Balamban, the X5 behaved more like a sports sedan than a Sports Utility Vehicle. It feels planted and surefooted, and cornering is flat and controlled. The steering is a bit artificially damped at normal speeds but becomes more alive the harder you push it. It changes directions like any sedan, although the extra road clearance makes it spring back from tilting in a long corner.

Safety

Standard safety fare includes dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Just like every dream date, the experience had to end.  As we rolled the 2014 X5 back into the dealership, we couldn't help but reflect back at the quick romp up the mountain with this beauty.  Indeed, the X5 possessed amazing power despite only having a 3.0 diesel engine under its bonnet.  The twin power turbo gives the X5 the extra oompf needed to achieve the 560Nm torque that could have you believing that you're in a gasoline powered SUV.  The lack of engine noise and vibration enhances that belief. Plus the extremely stylish, comfortable and quiet interior further cements that belief.  It is so powerful and so quiet that it almost feels like you're driving a 2014 Formula One car.

But like a Formula One car, however, the suspension leaves a lot to be desired.  In BMW's pursuit to have a sporty feel to the X5, stiffening the suspension made the ride feel a little too bumpy, especially for the passengers.  Every time we turned a corner, the suspension fought off every urge to disobey Newton's law and refused to kneel.  Thus, making the X5 sway a little too many times everytime it corners.

If we had 6.4 million pesos to spare, we would consider buying an X5.  From its powerful 3.0 twin power turbo diesel engine to its spacious, quiet and comfortable interior, the 2014 X5 would be a possible choice for a luxury SUV.  The only things holding us back are a couple of things.  First is the thought that, at that price, you would've expected an interactive, touch screen driving aid that other vehicle manufacturers could afford to put in even their most affordable models.  It would've been logical to have a more driver-safe touch screen panel than having to fiddle with controls placed in the middle console, taking your eyes off the road.  Second is the X5's preference to be interactive with iPhones only.  While there is prestige in the i-brand, there are many who prefer the better features offered by android powered phones.

If BMW works around those issues, we would highly consider buying the 2014 BMW X5.  That is if, earning on a journalist's paycheck, we have 6.4 million pesos to spare.