2019 BMW X5 first reader review: The Trojan horse technology

To look at it, you might be forgiven for not realizing immediately that this new BMW X5 2019 is new. Unless you're an automotive enthusiast, you might not have spotted his kidney grilles with active drag-reducing flaps, his more elaborate headlights, or his guiding slits. ##################################################################################### Air to convey the atmosphere around the wheels.

Indeed, while the exterior changes of the X9 2019 are subtle, much of what is under the skin is actually quite revolutionary for the brand. There is a new underlying modular platform, CLAR, which is shared with the Series 3 coming soon. And yes, there is also a new electronic architecture that allows the installation of next-generation iDrive infotainment. In addition, many new advanced driver assistance systems are combining to help BMW 's most important vehicle to ensure increasing levels of electrification and automation.

Oh yes. I just called the most important vehicle of the BMW X5. If it is not already the case, it will certainly be in the duration of this fourth generation. Although Series 3 of car manufacturers has held this role since the early 80s, the new car market is turning more and more to crossover SUVs. To this end, the X5 is not just the paterfamilias of all BMW commercial vehicles, it has become the hub of a brand historically recognized for sports driving. Although BMW does not say so, the X5 is most likely the largest profit center in the company – or the whole world, certainly in the United States and Canada. BMW has sold 2.2 million X5 SUVs since the model's inception in 1999, making it a cornerstone of Roundel's global trade.

So we understand that the Germans have thrown everything except the kitchen sink at X9 2019. At first glance, after a day in the Atlanta area (including a surprisingly technical off-road course), this new generation presents a great appeal and a wider range of talents. Whether it's for a comfortable highway, a ride on muddy or root-strewn forest slopes, or for digging its new sophisticated infotainment system, the X5 has something for everyone.

(Lightly) big boots

While the new X5 looks like its predecessor, it extends 1.1 inches longer, measures an inch longer and has shoulders 2.6 inches wider than before. Despite the dimensional increases, the new X5 is still in the pocket of the mid-size premium SUV segment, where it competes with a murderer's line of Audi Q7 the Mercedes-Benz GLE, with strong but less traditional choices such as Acura MDX, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90.

This expanded X5 also does not seem more flexible than before. I've sampled the xDrive40i, the Bavarian-Alphabet-Talking-Soup for a four-wheel-drive model equipped with 3.0-liter turbocharged twin-cylinder in-line turbocharged giving 335 horsepower and 330 pounds of torque. Whether it is to negotiate the dense traffic of Atlanta or forcing its way through a narrow forest trail, it has never felt heavy or mightier.

At least initially, in North America, all X5 models will be equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission with new software, an expanded ratio and redesigned torsion dampers for improved efficiency and smoother shifts.

It's not revolutionary powertrain equipment, but it's not the case: the outgoing X5 was a co-conspirator ready for anything from the Costco race to the illuminated driving of the three-digit highway. this reputation. BMW quotes 0-60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds for the xDrive40i, which is very fast.

If you're a fan of performance, there will also be a V8 turbo model available at the launch of the X5 2019 on November 10, and it evokes 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft to reach 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. power hungry until the inevitable X5 M Performance Model come.

A new hybrid version plug-in with far more all-electric reach is on the horizon, although other markets will see it well before North America.

BMW has not yet detailed the X9 fuel consumption figures of 2019, but it is likely that these numbers will be better than those of last year. (For reference, the 2018 xDrive35i recorded 18 miles per gallon city, 24 routes and 20 routes combined).

Strong first impression

My road time was rather limited for this first X5 training opportunity, but there was very little reason to complain dynamically. I found that the sound insulation was very good on the generally smooth (if sometimes coarse) surfaces of the area, with a velvety power distribution, even on the optional 21-inch wheels of my tester and a precise and well-balanced direction. In some X5 models of the past, the latter could be unnecessarily heavy, but BMW wisely resisted this temptation.

I'll need more time on more demanding roads to find out if the X5 built in South Carolina is performing well when it's really pushed, because a tight schedule of launch events has prevented me from finding a Properly tortuous route. In reality, however, most homeowners never work very hard on their SUVs. So, we can really wonder if they'll really enjoy the 4,800-pound X5 Series electronically controlled shocks (which offer sport and comfort modes).

I suspect that the steering and base suspension settings will meet the needs of most buyers, but I also anticipate a good percentage of people charging their X5s with optional air suspension and new integrated active steering (IAS). . The latter is a four-wheel electromechanical system that rotates the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds to improve agility and grips them slightly at the same phase at high speeds to promote stability.

The IAS is a standalone option ($ 1,150), but for maximum effect, buyers may want to associate it with the X5's Adaptive M Suspension option, which includes swivel motors that act on anti-roll bars.

Amazingly ready to play dirty

Among the updates made to his running gear by the 2019 X5, his new off-road pack may be the most unexpected. Even the US BMW officials with whom I spoke declared that they were not sure if a lot of X5 customers were asking for enhanced capabilities, but by 2019, buyers will have the option to install a new package all terrain ($ 3,950). includes an electronically controlled M sport limited slip rear differential, two-axle air suspension, four off-road driving modes (xSand, xSnow, xRocks and xGravel) and front and rear skid plates. The air suspension itself offers up to 3.2 inches more ground clearance than the basic configuration.

While one might wonder if X5's customers will find the all-terrain package tantalizing, according to my experience on a slippery and unexpected forest course (some of which were marked by Land Rover signs), the X5 was all just competent – – even on Pirelli P Zero summer erasers.

Among countless new technologies, the X5 includes a 360-degree camera suite (with remote view) that helps the driver to place the vehicle on the track between objects, trees and rocks, using radar sensors to signal immediate problems. . In what is most likely a technological first, the X5's "touch detection" can even detect when it is centered on an object such as a log or block. It does it smartly by exploiting its existing sensor network. The air suspension examines the expected load versus actual load and ride height, corner by corner. Combined with skid sensors, the vehicle can determine if it is hanging from an object underneath and temporarily lift its air suspension to overcome it.

The X5 may not be as good as Land Rover, but that is not quite the case either.

All screens, all technologies

The cabin of the 2019 X5 is both new and immediately familiar, and it is a good thing. Fresh touches such as crystal switchboards ($ 650), heated / cooled cup holders and additional open-pore wood choices make luxury, but current X5 owners will feel at home.

The success of the new X5 could well be explained by the comfort of the new owners with the infotainment iDrive 7, radically revised. While the features of the old system were essentially based on its rotary knob, this new system should allow users to touch and slide on the 12.3-inch touch screen as often as they use the multi-controller. While the old iDrive screen was divided into six panels (three of which were visible at one point), the new configuration uses a left menu bar with shortcuts and the driver's choice of three different panel layouts. . In fact, the driver can set up to 10 pages of widgets based on their preferences, including items such as weather, news, and online search via the 4G LTE hotspot.

There's also a new reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that BMW calls Live Cockpit, and an awesome optional head-up display to convey even more information.

To be confronted with all these screens and all these choices at once seems undoubtedly discouraging, but in my experience with iDrive 7, everything seemed quite intuitive. The system intelligently allows the driver to use his preferred interface method, whether via touch screen, steering gear, voice recognition based on the cloud or even control sign. (A word about the latter: he's always incredibly clever, turning your finger in the air to bring back the stereo remains a novelty for the audience, but nothing more).

The main screen of the map can be overloaded with information, but it is possible to reduce things like points of interest to make it more clear. And if the BMW interface does not do it for you, Apple CarPlay is included (as a subscription service – the first year is free, but then it's $ 80 / year), and the Bavarians do not still do not speak with Android. Auto. Charging your devices should be easy, with wireless charging available, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports.

Cloud connected

With iDrive 7, you can customize the system a bit. It is therefore interesting that BMW Connected Drive can associate the driver's preferences with a cloud-based profile that can be transmitted from one vehicle to another by key or smartphone. With this technology, you do not have to configure your presets and shortcuts from scratch every time you enter a new BMW. (The Germans are clearly preparing for a future which involves car sharing and subscription services).

BMW's Open Mobility Cloud also makes it easy to connect the X5 to other smart devices from the driver, including Google Home, Alexa-enabled devices and smartwatches like the latest Apple Watch.

Safety first, second and third

The other pillar of the new X5 is its massive suite of advanced driver assistance systems available. The 2019 X5 can be loaded with enough equipment to negotiate highway traffic at low speeds, so as not to suffer certain road conditions. When it is activated at a speed of up to 37 mph, an X5 equipped with the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant Assistant will stay focused in its lane and will negotiate stop-and-go traffic itself using his radar and a camera facing the front.

ETJA includes a driver surveillance camera to make sure that the driver does not nod HQ Trivia on their phone. The system also adjusts posted speeds and other traffic conditions with the help of traffic sign recognition and map data. If a driver fails to regain manual control of the ETJA even after a series of warnings, the vehicle can stop automatically with its flashing hazard warning lights and use the onboard telematics to pass a emergency call.

Like a Tesla, the X5 can also perform automated lane changes when the driver calls for one by activating the turn signal lever.

On the whole, BMW spokespersons consider it to be a "solid Tier 2 system" and in this respect it seems about as effective as the new US system. Audi A6, A7 and AT 8 models (although the Bimmer does not have lidar on board). Functionally, it feels more robust than the autopilot system on the current Tesla range.

Even if you do not splurge with Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, each X5 comes with, among other things, blind spot detection, forward and reverse collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic alert. back.

Another remarkable novelty? Backup Wizard, which automatically memorizes the last 165 feet before parking your X5. Like a virtual popcorn track, the system automatically takes you out of tight spaces by tracing the steps you used to park in the first place. The emergency helper manages the steering, you control the throttle and the brake pedal. For those with tight or technical driveways or parking garages, this technology could change the game.

You can keep the hallway, BMW

If there is a fly in the ADAS ointment of the X5, it is that its help in maintaining the track is a bit overactive and requires additional calibration. As an annoying back seat driver, he proved both too vigilant and occasionally heavy in his machinations on my drive. If the driver drifts a little too close to a solid painted line on the road, he pulls on the steering and on his new braking, pulling abruptly on the vehicle, even if there had been no reason to worry.

It was not just my experience – my co – pilot noted the same phenomenon, as did other commentators of our program.

Tiptoe in the list of options

If the long list of available features of the X5 makes you imagine a SUV at a dizzying cost, remember that everything depends on your discipline when ordering. The well-equipped 2019 X5 base starts at $ 60,700 plus delivery at $ 995, but my fully accoutred tester costs over $ 81,000, as tested. If you manage to avoid the countless additional options offered by the list of options, such as the all-terrain group and the full active steering, this new X5 may actually present a very reasonable price.

And do not worry – if, for some reason, you want more space and luxury than is possible in this X5, help is in progress – a larger range X7 will soon be coming by brandishing more of everything.

For 2019, BMW has not judiciously radicalized the appearance of the X5, thus risking the franchise. Instead, the company has designed a familiar look to allow Trojan Horse much of its near-term technological future in a non-threatening environment.

The stakes could not be higher. In 1999, the first X5 was a major bet. Today, this SUV is the unexpected heart of his company's fortunes.

Although not being perfect, the 2019 X5 seems well positioned to fill the BMW of today and the increasingly autonomous and electrified BMW of tomorrow.

---

Editor's note: Roadshow accepts multi-day loans from builders to provide editorial reviews. All the criticisms of marked vehicles are completed on our territory and according to our conditions. However, for this feature, the manufacturer has covered travel expenses. It is common in the automotive industry because it is much cheaper to ship reporters in cars than to ship cars to reporters.

The judgments and opinions of the Roadshow editorial team are ours and we do not accept paid editorial content.