Dynamic Diesel? 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d @ the Track

[j0hn]

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

We already showed you what Volkswagen's diesel SUV can do at the track. Now take a look at BMW's idea of diesel power and SUV practicality.

The clumsily named BMW X5 xDrive35d is a pricey but torque-rich beast of a sport-ute that puts the company's twin-turbo oil-burning six to use as a family hauler as opposed to the 335d sport sedan.

With 425 pound-feet of torque available from just 1,750 rpm, it's a blast off the line, but like most diesels it doesn't quite have the high-end punch of a traditional gasoline engine. Still, it turned in some pretty impressive numbers that should get the attention of any SUV buyer shopping the $50K-plus price range.

Vehicle: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d
Odometer: 6,012
Date: 8/11/2009
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: N/A

Specifications:
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed automatic
Engine Type: Inline-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): (2,993/182.6)
Redline (rpm): 5,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 286 @ 4,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 425 @ 1,750
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent, double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink
Tire Size (front): 255/50R19 107H
Tire Size (rear): 255/50R19 107H
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Latitude Tour HP
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 19-by-8.5 inches
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 5,120

Test Results:
0-30 (sec): 2.4
0-45 (sec): 4.4
0-60 (sec): 7.2
0-75 (sec): 10.9
1/4-mile (sec @ mph): 15.3 @ 88.0
0-60 with 1 foot of Rollout (sec): 6.9
30-0 (ft): 30
60-0 (ft): 121
Braking Rating: Excellent
Slalom (mph): 65.8
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.82
Handling Rating: Excellent
Db @ Idle: 48.1
Db @ Full Throttle: 75.9
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 66.6

Acceleration Comments: Brake torque technique takes some serious time off this X5's times. Also provides a huge shove out of the hole which it can't back up once it's rolling. Still it feels cool.

Braking Comments: Rock-hard brake pedal, but it still offers plenty of feel in sub-limit braking. Short, consistent stops.

Handling Comments: Slalom: This SUV really turns. Rapid turn-in followed by immediate responses. Very little body roll and heavy damping in Sport mode are impressive for an SUV. Skid pad: Stability control isn't ever truly off but in something this tall, that probably makes sense. No perceptible difference in skid pad performance, though.

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