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The new X5's technology upgrades begin with the iDrive 7 infotainment system. It removes the square cards found on the current system and replaces them with a customizable layout that supports two to four individual "widgets". Like the rest of the automotive world, BMW has reduced the number of taps needed to access the most used functions. By riding on more elements at the highest level, drivers accelerate less time with their eyes off the road.
In practice, the layout presents the elements in a way that is easier to analyze in the blink of an eye. From navigation and media, too fast access to the vehicle's all-terrain camera (later).
The new iDrive 7 also supports profiles saved in the cloud. If you find yourself in another BMW with the same infotainment system (eg a rental car), you can log in to your account and all your favorite places, contacts and media are ready.
The system always uses both a touch screen and the wheel located in the center console. The wheel also supports drawing letters, which for some is easier than trying to tap the screen while driving on the highway or sitting on a parking lot.
For times when you are While driving on the highway, BMW has updated its offer of driver assistance in the X5. The Extended Traffic Jam Assistant is only that: a new way to get through the dead ends. The system will follow and follow the vehicle ahead even after being stopped for a period of time. Do not press the accelerator again to reactivate Adaptive Cruise Control.
In my tests, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping seemed better than other BMWs. However, when using only Lane Keeping Assist, the system was too aggressive to get you back on track if you exited your area. BMW says it will adjust before the vehicles go on sale.
In addition to keeping you safer on the road, the updated system also includes an automatic lane change feature. Which is good, but I was more impressed by the reversing assistant. The feature records the last 55 meters of the car as it pulls into a parking spot and when you have to go out later, it recreates that action but in reverse. Useful for tight parking spaces in the mall where the emergency exit can be tricky. This is in addition to the parallel parking function already present on other BMWs.
If a car park is on a dirt road (this is probably not the case, but you never know), the X5 is ready to take up the challenge. It's the first X5 with an off-road package available. BMW has four modes: snow, gravel, sand and rocks (for heavy terrain). I had the chance to take the X5 somewhere in Georgia. The SUV was handled beautifully on ruts and rocks and descended from the hills. The descents were a breeze thanks to the computer controlled cable stop.
The new technology also extends to new infotainment features: an orientation screen showing the tilt of the X5 and an offroad camera. This camera actually helped a lot when navigating the trail chosen by the manufacturer for its off-road tests. A few times, as I climbed a hill, I could not see the track. I tilted the screen on the off-road camera and the track appeared on the center screen, with the rocks, ruts and tree trunks I wanted to avoid.
It is highly unlikely that most X5 drivers will take advantage of the new SUV's off-road capabilities, but for the small percentage that actually needs to leave the asphalt regularly, it seems like the X5 can handle most of you going throw in it.
On the road today, the X5 xDrive 40i I was driving was fast for its size. The V6 exceeds 335 horsepower and, according to BMW, will go from zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds. The xDrive 50i powered by V8 (starting at $ 75,750) will do the same in 4.6 seconds. Both use an eight-speed Steptronic transmission that is incredibly smooth.
When cornering, BMW's electronically controlled suspension gives you the impression of driving something lower on the ground. The shock absorbers also produce a very smooth ride – which is why people buy a luxury SUV in the first place. This suspension also adapts to towing and when a tire is down. The vehicle will actually reduce the weight of the puncture.
Although the technology is new, the interior is a slight evolution of what is already in the current BMW. What's good, the cabins of the builders exude luxury without feeling too ostentatious. That is, with the exception of the new crystal gear change. BMW pulled out a page from Volvo's book and imagined control of the transmission. There is even an X engraved on the inside. This is good, but not as good as the heated and cooled cupholders. I prefer drinks served at the desired temperature compared to a transparent gear change. But it's just me.
BMW has put everything on the X5 and much more than we can (or should) list in a review (USB-C ports, optional third-row seats, unlocking the car with an Android phone, device photo ensuring your attention / not tired, etc.) of the car. The result could have been a mess of new features, making the X5 a big seller for the automaker. Instead, BMW has upgraded an already strong SUV and improved it. Oh, and did I mention, you can take it off road?
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