First Look: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d – Review – The Green Car Driver –
The interior is exactly what one would expect from BMW these days. Lots of technology, a driver-oriented cockpit, and stylish design – all with an excellent user interface
BMW is consistent in its cockpit designs and tends to take an evolutionary approach here. Thus each new model gains from the advancements in prior models regardless of where they stand in the lineup.
As a result the X5 has the excellent black-panel display in the dash, an optional head-up display, and access to a wealth of information. The 10.25” floating central information display is visible to all occupants and not only displays navi info (although turn-by-turn is shown in the driver’s field of view either on the HUD or the black-panel display) and entertainment, but off-road data that includes body roll and pitch.
You can even take some information with you when you leave the car, including last-mile walking directions provided by the navi and car data that includes remaining fuel and driving range before refueling.
BMW’s storied cockpit controller, iDrive, is once again standard and the 2014 X5 comes with an updated iDrive, version 4.2. The redesigned system features a controller with a built-in touchpad that allows the driver to input information for destinations, phone numbers, and other functions by tracing the letter or number with his finger. In addition, BMW ConnectedDrive now offers a dictation feature for composing text messages and e-mail.
The 2014 X5d can fit more in the cargo area, which has grown by 7%, with a total capacity of 23 cubic feet (651 cubic liters) available with the second row of seats upright and 66 cubic feet (1,869 cubic liters) with them folded down. BMW continues to use the same two-piece tailgate design of the older model: a small door swings down and a larger power-operated door moves out of the way, allowing for easy loading and unloading. The tailgate can now be closed by means of the key fob.
A third-row seating option is available but our vehicle wasn’t so equipped.
FUEL ECONOMY
BMW hasn’t published any fuel economy figures for the new X5d but the new 535d with the same engine is estimated to get 38 mpg (6.2 l/100 km). Similar to the 535d, the engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission programmed to take advantage of the diesel’s power. A manual transmission is not offered.
Just as with the U.S. version of the 535d, which is designated 530d in other markets, the U.S. X5 xDrive35d is the X5 xDrive30d elsewhere. The non U.S. X5 xDrive40d develops 313 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque compared to the X5 xDrive30d’s 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy figures are slightly lower for the X5 xDrive35d.
The X5d also gets most of the automaker’s energy-saving EfficientDynamics technologies including auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration, and Driving Dynamics Control, which gives the driver the choice of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, or Eco Pro modes. Other EfficientDynamics features include demand-dependent ancillary components and active flap control. Weight reduction is achieved through doors, hood, front side panels, drivetrain, and suspension components made of aluminum.
Eco Pro helps one drive more economically by changing throttle response and other vehicle settings including air conditioning. Eco Pro also coaches the driver with operating suggestions and informs the driver how much better (or worse) his fuel economy is getting in the course of a drive. As with the 328d and 535d, I typically found I was on the plus side of the equation when using it.
Click here to continue to Page 3 – Driving the 2014 BMW X5 Diesel
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