New BMW X5 India review, test drive

BMW is offering a third row, but it is a cramped, rather difficult to access place and once you’re there, you’ll sit in an uncomfortable knees-up position. In all fairness, an Audi Q7’s third row isn’t much better and if you really need the extra seats, a Mercedes-Benz GL or a Land Rover Discovery will be your best bet.

In the X5, it is best to fold the third row flat and use the 650 litres of boot space available.

As for equipment, it’s got a cool BMW Apps option that lets you connect to Tunein Radio (an internet-based radio channel that picks up stations from around the world) as well as in-car Facebook and Twitter access. Standard equipment includes a Harman Kardon sound system, four-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control with braking function. Our car also had a panoramic sunroof and a touch-sensitive iDrive controller that lets you scribble on it to search for functions or type in phone numbers.

So the new X5 looks better, there’s more equipment, the interiors are improved and it is as exciting to drive as ever before. Set to be launched later this month and expected to be priced at around Rs 70-75 lakh, what you get for the money is an X5 that mixes practicality, fun and polish in one very capable package.

OUSEPH CHACKO