BMW X5 xDrive50i Pure Excellence Review: Return of the War Chariot

That mighty amount of power is augmented by the brilliant ZF 8-speed that has seen use in more than 60 models in different forms across the whole automotive industry. And here you can appreciate why. Gear changes are silky smooth despite the amount of torque going through it.

The ride is smooth and supple even on those 20-inch alloys but only in Comfort mode. Sport mode does firm up the damping but works well when you’re shuffling through a series of bends. The Servotronic steering does well in the accuracy and weighting department but lacks the feel that an enthusiast would crave.

The X5 continues to champion the way as a Sports Activity Vehicle that prides in its on road handling capabilities. Despite that, this latest car can still ford water up to 500mm. Impressive for something that would live out most of its life in suburbian utopia.

But unlike the first generation that was introduced into the market free from competition, the current X5 faces tough rivals from Land Rover Range Rover Sport that has improved significantly from the last generation.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline