FIRST DRIVE: G05 BMW X5 xDrive40i review in Atlanta

Ahead of the introduction of the new G05 BMW X5 in Malaysia, we went to Atlanta to take the latest fourth-generation premium SUV out for a spin. Munich practically invented the segment 20 years ago with the original X5, but the marketplace is now teeming with highly-accomplished rivals, so this new one needs to be pretty damn good to compete.

Slated to go on sale in August at an estimated price of RM640,000, the G05 is significantly larger than the old F15 in every dimension, and it’s packed with plenty of new technologies. These include the BMW Operating System 7.0, complete with the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control system that allows you to control various functions using your voice.

It also gets a brace of new and improved engines, with our xDrive40i gaining a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six producing 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an improved all-wheel drive system. There’s also a range of new suspension options – including adaptive and full air setups – that promise to provide a sharper, yet more comfortable drive.

So, has it worked? Does the new X5 possess the broad gamut of abilities to conquer this ultra-competitive segment? Watch the video review above to find out.

GALLERY: G05 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport in Malaysia

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Mario brother on May 31, 2019 at 7:49 pm

    Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

    Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 627 Thumb down 1039
    • Benzs on Jun 01, 2019 at 12:21 am

      This BMW so underwhelming compared to XC90.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 798 Thumb down 472
      • Xc90 or cx5 on Jun 01, 2019 at 2:19 pm

        Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

        Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 217 Thumb down 472
        • Volvo Geely KB hero on Jun 02, 2019 at 7:37 pm

          Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

          Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 44 Thumb down 213
          • Elaine on Jun 04, 2019 at 7:39 pm

            Very childish BMW salesman talking with low mentalities

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Chong SK Fatt on Jun 01, 2019 at 8:10 pm

        More people will rent this car to balik kampung next year to show off to Opah that they have done well in the Bandar.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 59
      • Zahrin on Jun 02, 2019 at 8:23 am

        This car, small thing rosak, sure RM20k repair each time.

        Windscreen alone will be rm50k

        Dont be like typical malaysia take loan maximum to buy but actually got no money to maintain

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 218 Thumb down 68
    • digidigi on Jun 01, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

      Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 108 Thumb down 231
      • No need to compare,

        Trio of them like X5, GLE, A7 are all seen to be not only Ugly but also low class Image

        X5 engineering will be met with lots of reliability issues later on and hence,fast becoming king of depreciation.

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 172 Thumb down 73
    • Burning Motorist Wallet on Jun 01, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      BMW has mastered the formula of crossover on road or off road thanks to there acquired technology transferred from former Land Rover and Range Rover that was in there inventory before there sold it off.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 75 Thumb down 99
      • X5 is no where near the Off Road capabilities of Land Rover or Range rover

        X5 had never mastered fully ..

        G wagon can be a match for Land Rover /Range Rover off road capabilities but certainly NOT X5

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 91 Thumb down 4
    • Basil Wong on Jun 01, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      The true 7 seater. This is what Malaysians want. The old X5 40e was only a 5 seater. It was a big disappointment like the Proton X70 because Malaysians want 7 seater cars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 40
      • Brazil Tong on Jun 01, 2019 at 10:30 pm

        For sure you never drive a suv before. It is not a comfort car for 7’seaters.. Work harder to get a Alphard.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
      • Veyron Owner on Jun 02, 2019 at 1:24 pm

        It is stupid to compare a Rm700,000 car with a Rm100,000 car. With Rm700,000 I could get a bus with much more seating space that would shame the X5.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
      • Basel Swiss on Jun 02, 2019 at 2:15 pm

        Where got 7 still 5 meh. U want 7 seater then get aruz or xc90 or x7 la

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
      • Azam Ali on Jun 02, 2019 at 8:12 pm

        since when this car a 7 seater?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • Hot Wheels Boss Malu Apa on Jun 01, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      Better buy 2nd hand. Today RM640k, next year you can buy in mudah for RM300k

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 167 Thumb down 1
    • basherlogic on Jun 01, 2019 at 11:06 pm

      Volvo sales going to double in Malaysia if this car still at this price

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 181 Thumb down 34
    • Eugene on Jun 02, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      X5 is pricey and feels like a LOW class SUV in comparison with A7 and XC90

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 254 Thumb down 52
  • Polip on May 31, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    Ugly front grille. Too big. Like lubang hidung besar.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 360 Thumb down 285
    • albag on Jun 02, 2019 at 11:43 am

      ugly? wait till u see it fills up the all our roads later, just like the current model

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 56 Thumb down 144
      • Really on Jun 03, 2019 at 5:24 pm

        At RM640K, this X5 will be a very rare model in the making on Malaysia roads.

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 157 Thumb down 43
    • Present n future x5 owner on Jun 03, 2019 at 10:32 am

      Only envious people who can’t afford to own it will say all sort of ugly stuffs about it haha..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 74
  • Proton oh Proton on Jun 03, 2019 at 9:26 am

    Waaa… looks like a lot of X5 haters here…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 6
 

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