THE ROAD TEST/BMW X5: Michael McAleer looks down on the world from the fashionable BMW X5, an award-winning hybrid mixing sports utility vehicle and luxury saloon
Arguably the best looking 4x4 on the market, the BMW X5 is the off-road transportation of choice for the fashion police. Unfortunately for gardaí, it would seem that they're the only police here to get behind the wheel. Our local enforcers must envy their British counterparts in Hampshire, who have just received delivery of the first of three X5s.
The X5 is more Calvin Klein than Harris tweed or Barbor jacket. Since its arrival in 2000, it has built up a serious credibility among the rich and famous as a saloon interior with the imposing presence of an off-roader, thanks to its wide gait and large wheels.
Of course, part of its exclusive image has also been the lengthy waiting list for delivery, currently running at just over a year.
Then there is the height advantage, permitting X5 occupants to look down on other drivers both metaphorically and physically. Add on the price tag that begins at €66,200, running to well over €120,000, and you see why the super rich view the X5 as one of the de rigueur fashion accessories.
What's more, it has collected a trophy cabinet full of awards from the motoring press.
Lessons were obviously learned during the time BMW spent in control of Land Rover. The return for Land Rover was significant BMW input into the upmarket Range Rover. But the education was not all one-sided.
It would seem those who build the cars with the double kidney grille honed their talents in the 4x4 market from the masters of the craft at Land Rover.
Initially the X5 was to enter the market just below the Range Rover, but since they parted ways, the X5 would certainly be tipping towards Range Rover territory, if not quite ready for the serious off-road excursions in the deepest desert.
BMW seems to be on a crusade to venture into every available market sector and, by all accounts, is causing great upset in many previously cosy marketplaces.
The X5 was the German marque's first foray into the world of the 4x4. But reports of a smaller X3 version in the pipeline, aimed at the Land Rover Discovery market, suggests BMW's strategists have their eyes firmly on the rough and tumble of the 4x4 market.
The X5 is currently the leader of yet another market hybrid, then: the executive sports utility vehicle.
Sorry, correction. BMW prefers to refer to it as a sports activity vehicle. The difference is significant - this is not meant for toiling in the fields, but rather for sporting pursuits.
In this "sports activity" market, the X5 faces competition from the Lexus and, a more recent entry, the new Volvo XC90, due here next year.
The key elements are off-road characteristics for mainly on-road driving and an interior that compares favourably with any executive saloon.
Internally the X5 offers everything you may need and a great deal that you may not.
All of the gadgetry one associates with a luxury saloon are present and correct: the CD-changer, the TV/radio, the heated front and rear seats, the electric sunroof. In summary, if it moves, its most likely operated electrically by a button.
So, apart from the smart styling and impressive street cred, what does the X5 offer in terms of performance?
BMW has long marketed itself on the image of being engineered for the driver.
With the X5, the large 3-litre diesel does growl when called upon to due its duty. It's a refined diesel unit offering 184 bhp and a top speed of 124 mph, if not hugely fast with a 0-62 mph of 13.6 seconds.
For those who prefer more poke, the 4.4-litre petrol may be the better option. After all, at this level of wealth, who is concerned with the extra road tax or fuel consumption.
As is fitting, the X5 handles remarkably like a saloon. It corners with remarkably little body roll, even at high speed. Braking is firm and the steering is sharp and crisp.
With its suspension derived from the 7 Series and various driver aids like cruise control, it is more than capable of holding its own in the executive car park.
As for off-road ability, while we were understandably wary of taking a €91,850 vehicle cross-country, we braced ourselves and headed for an off-road trail in miserable winter rain and howling winds.
The performance was duly impressive, the X5 ably handling the slippery conditions and climbing out of track ruts without a great deal of complaint or effort.
The X5 does come with hill descent capability that keeps things at a steady 6mph.
With heated seats warming our rear end and the sound proofing keeping the wind noise at bay, it felt more like a virtual reality game than a real-life trek.
So all in all an accomplished off-roader with luxury saloon credentials.
But, the question remains, an X5 or a luxury saloon? The answer is personal to each buyer's needs, but few will take this off-road.
Prices for the X5 3-litre diesel start at €66,200 and ascend to €92,200 for the 4.4-litre petrol and €116,900 for the 4.6-litre petrol.
However, a long list of additional extras can soon see the price rise. Useful options include side airbags for rear passengers and double glazing for side and rear windows, at €800 and €1,430 respectively.
Park distance control may also be useful as this is a large beast and can take some manoeuvring when it comes to multi-storey car parks.
It might be facing renewed competition in the luxury market from Lexus and Volvo.
But it does have the looks and the reputation the others must envy.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: Six cylinder 24-valve 2.926cc diesel unit offering 184bhp and 410 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Either five speed manual or five speed automatic with steptronic control.
PERFORMANCE: 0-62 mph 10.5 seconds. Maximum speed 124 mph.
FUEL: Urban 23 mpg. Extra-urban 34.4 mpg. Combined 29.1 mpg. As tested 22.9 mpg.
SPECIFICATION: Cruise control, park assist, leather upholstery, on-board monitor with TV, six-CD changer.
PRICE: From €66,200 to over €120,000.
THE COMPETITION:
BMW X5 3.Od Auto: 2926cc; 10.5 (0-60), 124 max speed, 184 bhp; 29.1 mpg combined; €66,200.
Lexus RX300; 2995cc; 9.4 (0-60); 109 max speed; 201 bhp; 21.7 mpg combined; €62,235.
Range Rover 3.0 SE; 2926cc; 13.6 (0-60); 111 max speed; 174 bhp; 25 mgp combined; €84,415.
Mercedes ML 270 Cdi A/T; 2685cc; 11.4 (0-60); 115 max speed; 170 bhp; 30 mpg combined; €63,342.
Toyota L'Cruiser 3.0 D4D Gx 5dr A/T; 2982; 11.6 (0-60_; 102 max speed; 161 bhp; 27.2 mpg combined; €63,880.