Well, what do you know -- I'm starting to become a true fan of diesel engines. That's right: while I used to criticize their noise and pollution levels just a couple of years ago, I now find them pretty fascinating, especially such pleasant units as the one that powers the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d, a wonderfully gifted athlete (with a few irritants, though).
Beyond the obvious fuel economy benefits of diesels (my tester averaged about 10 L/100 km, which is quite a feat given the size of the X5), I've become increasingly fond of their massive torque and responsivess. Part of the credit goes to BMW's Blue Performance clean diesel technology.
A matter of power
Clean is good, but clean, powerful and pleasant is better. That's what you get with the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d. Under the hood is a straight-six engine whose capabilities never cease to amaze me. The 265 horsepower are unleashed almost instantaneously when you hammer the throttle, propelling the thick and heavy X5 with remarkable velocity.
Sure, the engine is a bit noisy (in typical diesel fashion), maybe a little more so than expected, particularly upon takeoff, but once you get used to it, the X5 xDrive35d turns out to be a fun, potent performer. There's virtually no hesitation from this highly-efficient powertrain.
Let me say it again just to be clear: I love BMW's diesel.
On the other hand...
Everything's not perfect, obviously. While the X5 is powered by a sweet mill, drivers have to live with a couple of annoying flaws each time they take it for a spin. For instance, access to the interior is hard and getting out is even harder; it's a real acrobatic exercise, especially for short passengers and skirt-wearing ladies (as pointed out by my lovely wife). The step is high, very high actually, and the skinny running boards don't even help. As a result, the move to get out of the X5 is a fairly awkward one. Also, expect the lower back of your pants to become dirty in the process.
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| Of course, the xDrive all-wheel drive system delivers stunning performance. |
Beyond the obvious fuel economy benefits of diesels (my tester averaged about 10 L/100 km, which is quite a feat given the size of the X5), I've become increasingly fond of their massive torque and responsivess. Part of the credit goes to BMW's Blue Performance clean diesel technology.
A matter of power
Clean is good, but clean, powerful and pleasant is better. That's what you get with the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d. Under the hood is a straight-six engine whose capabilities never cease to amaze me. The 265 horsepower are unleashed almost instantaneously when you hammer the throttle, propelling the thick and heavy X5 with remarkable velocity.
Sure, the engine is a bit noisy (in typical diesel fashion), maybe a little more so than expected, particularly upon takeoff, but once you get used to it, the X5 xDrive35d turns out to be a fun, potent performer. There's virtually no hesitation from this highly-efficient powertrain.
Let me say it again just to be clear: I love BMW's diesel.
On the other hand...
Everything's not perfect, obviously. While the X5 is powered by a sweet mill, drivers have to live with a couple of annoying flaws each time they take it for a spin. For instance, access to the interior is hard and getting out is even harder; it's a real acrobatic exercise, especially for short passengers and skirt-wearing ladies (as pointed out by my lovely wife). The step is high, very high actually, and the skinny running boards don't even help. As a result, the move to get out of the X5 is a fairly awkward one. Also, expect the lower back of your pants to become dirty in the process.
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| As I've said many times, I'm now a fan of diesel engines. |