Posted by ivan
Posted in 
It was always going to take a superb vehicle to knock Lexus off its perch in this class - but the BMW X5 is nothing if not superb.
All good things invevitably come to an end, and one of the longest winning streaks in Australia’s Best Cars history ended this year, with the four-time champion Lexus RX 350/330 knocked off its perch by the latest iteration BMW X5 diesel.
It’s an interesting story, because where some winning cars in other categories prospered through good scores in critically weighted (full value points) criteria, the BMW X5 was a fairly solid performer across the board.
Its Lexus nemesis shone in areas like standard features - doubling the Beemer’s score - and also considerably outpointed the X5 in warranty and (unsurprisingly) environment. It also scored better in build/finish, ride and smoothness/quietness - but the big, selfproclaimed ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ still prevailed over the Lexus hybrid RX400h and its petrol engined sibling.
The X5 did the job with consistently high scores and sealed the win with a couple of knockout punches in security, braking and handling; and, tellingly, 4WD ability, where it almost tripled the Lexus score.
It’s a big call to award a perfect 10 in any category, but it’s particularly notable when it’s for handling and we’re talking about a large, allwheel-drive wagon.
But it won’t be a total surprise to those who know the BMW marque. Modern Beemers have traditionally been great-handling cars, and their SUVs have been no exceptions.
The new X5’s chief engineer said their aim was to make the X5 a great drive and any other benefits that flowed would be a bonus. Well, according to the ABC judges, BMW succeeded admirably and not just with handling, but with off-road ability as well.
It’s a moot point as to how much off-road work the X5 will do; but when it’s called upon to do so, it can deliver in spades.
Even with the controversial run-flat tyres (perfect for potential off-roaders, we contend) the ride score is only one point behind the class leading Lexus.
Like many modern diesel engines, the 3.0-litre oil-burner is powerful (160kW), flexible and frugal (potentially under 9 litres/100km) and puts out a tree-stump-pulling 500Nm of torque from a low 1750rpm.
Diesels are always great off-road, but in the X5’s more likely habitat, the suburbs, it’s also an easy, comfortable drive. The flexible engine works beautifully with the smooth, six-speed auto, now operated by an electronic, one-movement, stubby gearshift. The park brake is also electrically operated.
BMW’s controversial iDrive was as polarising as ever among the judging team, but consensus was eventually reached that it is now more user friendly due to the provision of ‘favourites’ buttons. This makes certain oft-used functions accessible, without having to go through the iDrive caper. Just as well, because ergonomics is weighted ‘high’ and there was only three points in the contest at the end.
It’s a comfortable, practical, luxurious and spacious machine, and it’s quite well equipped - with leather, CD stacker, cruise control and the expected safety devices - but it still scores comparatively lowly in standard features because, like most Beemers, the goodies are available but they are ‘extra cost’ options (up to $5000 for the third-row seats).
It was going to take a good thing to topple the Lexus in this category, with its particular buyer priorities - but we found it with the new X5.
