Greg Kable over at Autocar, continues his series of BMW reviews and the last model to go through his hands, is the all new BMW X5 xDrive40d. The latest addition to the BMW X5 family is not available in the U.S., but our European counterparts will get to enjoy the powerful 3.0 liter diesel engine.
Here is an excerpt from their review:
“BMW has carried over all the existing engines to the new X5, but it’s the new 302bhp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel in the confusingly named xDrive40d that warrants most attention. Already available in a host of other BMWs, it is a gutsy device with a flexible delivery and excellent refinement all of which makes it perfectly suited for duty in a big luxury 4×4.
The new engine’s prodigious 442lb ft of torque arrives early in the rev range to make light work of the xDrive40d’s considerable 2110kg kerb weight, endowing it with excellent step-off, solid in-gear shove and a good turn of speed.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard and operates in a more decisive and intuitive nature than the older six-speed unit, particularly on downshifts, which are noticeably smoother than before.
Those extra couple of cogs maximise the 40d’s cruising potential 100mph is achieved at just 2500rpm in top gear while modifications to the steering have made it more linear and better in a straight line.
Should I buy one?
At £46,310, the new xDrive40d is £2330 more than the reworked xDrive30d, but £8770 less than the only petrol model left in the UK line-up, the xDrive50i. Given its impressive blend of performance and economy, it’s the X5 to have.”
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/04/16/autoc ... xdrive40d/