I have previously described the boss's BMW X5 as a ridiculous machine but I got a chance to have an extended ride in the front passenger seat when we did a round trip from Scotch Corner to Reading. It's a 3 litre sport automatic with black rear windows and the optional monster wheels.
We set off round the Scotch Corner roundabout like it was a 5th gear road test with VBH at the wheel, and settled into a steady cruise at 95-100 mph down the A1. (Well it was 6 in the morning and traffic was light). First impressions were of useful power, good acceleration, good ride on the tarmac, not as much lean as I expected on the roundabout, and unshakeable grip on the road. As a passenger, I had no idea what gear we were in; the box changing silkily up and down. The cabin was civilised and well-built with climate control and electric seat adjustment in all possible directions, but everywhere was so dark. Dark grey German plastic on the dash, black leather and black trim everywhere else, and the heavily tinted windows didn't help either.
Interestingly, although the traffic on the M1 thickened as we headed south at our illegal cruising speed, no-one seemed to get in the way; the traffic parting in front of us like magic. I conclude that the X5 has that indefinable quality of road presence that belongs to BMW and Merc saloons.
The trafficmaster screen advised that the M25 was slow so we left the M1 about 9:30 and headed across country to look for the M4.
Following a truck at 40 mph we felt the penalty of all that rubber bouncing from pothole to pothole. I don't think the tyres are compliant enough to give the kind of ride one might expect. Surprisingly, the boss (a bit of a hooligan on the motorway) couldn't find an opportunity to let loose all those lovely sounding BMW horses and pass the truck, so we pattered and jiggled along uncomfortably behind it.
When we stopped at a services on the M4, the disadvantages of using such an enormous device as everyday transport became obvious. It couldn't be parked in a normal slot and have passengers exit easily on both sides. Leaving the passenger seat was uncomfortable and arkward and the running boards left wet muddy marks on the trousers.
After our meeting, it was time to fill up and head north. The extravagant £67 worth of petrol equated to an outrageous 17.5 mpg. 12 hours after we set off, we returned to Scotch Corner and motoring sanity in the shape of the trusty Synergie.
So, Back Roomers, what's the point of the X5? If you must have BMW power and glory in a luxury 5 seater with a delicious-sounding motor, I would have a 4 year old 523i and trouser about £25k for a holiday to remember, wouldn't you?
Darcy
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Yes. What is the point of these things?
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I agree. Does you boss caravan? I've only got the Jeep for towing, especially caravan rallies and other possible mud-larks.
See you at Weston Park?
Terry
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In common with some other back roomers, my boss would rather pull his own ears off rather than have anything to do with caravans.
Darcy
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Well, if you think the BMW is ridiculous, WTF do you make of the Porsche AWD offroader?
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Same as the rest of the range. Social inadequate or ignorant bully with more money than sense.
Does this model have indicators?, none of the others do I notice.
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I have to take issue with that Graham!
I do not drive or own a BMW, but I have driven several. These have all been great to drive as well as practical and well built. Of course SOME people who drive them are total w*****s but that goes for all premium car brands.
Still don't see tha point of the X5 though!
Andy
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Now, now Graham. I don't believe I fall in either category, and my BMW came with indicators as standard, and they work.
Not sure I'd even wish to buy an X5 though - really don't see what purpose it serves.
Regards
John S
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17.5mpg is shockingly bad. Cars that use that much shouldn't be allowed. If the 3.0 is bad I wonder what the 4.4 V8 is like?
The diesel one is almost sensible though. However, when the Porsche Cayenne comes starts appearing it will be the ultimate crazy SUV. Apparently it can lap the Nurburgring faster than a Boxster 'S' :-0
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How much extra petrol do autos actually use? Mums Hyundai Accent 1.3i returned 25mpg when going quickly. Worst I got was 22mpg. From a 1.3 with a top speed of 100 exactly and a 0-60 of forever.
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Dave, depends a lot on the gearing - isn't the accent a 3-speeder?
Also depends on the heaviness of the right foot!
I have an auto, and the difference between that and the manual version isn't that much.
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Graham,
The last 8 cars have been BMWs. Socially Inadequate, I rather think not, won't even mention the ignorant bully swipe. Treat yourself, go drive one and you'll see why people really want to own one. Indicators, never, surely I know where I'm going and its no-one else's business ;-)
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I got stuck behind one of these in the traffic the other day. Driver on mobile phone ...
(1) You can't b***** see through it ahead of you! (I suppose that's common on all Tonka Toys)
(2) The ground clearance doesn't seem very good for an offroader
(3) That paintwork is gonna take a severe beating if you do ...
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"The ground clearance doesn't seem very good for an offroader"
Nor are the tyres, unless you put some on that would destroy its handling on tarmac. The answer to the original question, I think, is to massage the ego of the owner.
Funnily enough, I met a BMW yesterday, pulling out across the pavement in front of me (I was on foot) with the driver on his mobile, as usual. He had the window open, and if I'd been a bit quicker on the uptake, I could have grabbed it. I wish I'd said something, but I'm still not quite sure what...
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As with the replies to "new car" it does't handle, ride or perform anywhere near as well as the equivalent saloons or estates and supps like a Guppy in the process. Fine if people want to pay through the nose for less performance - but you have to laugh when they attempt to justify it beyond "style".
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I have nothing against drivers of so-called "quality" cars. But I know of several drivers of such cars, including BMWs, who would prefer to spend 3 hours every saturday cleaning it rather than sepnd time with their kids. They work harder during the week to pay for the finance/hp/insurance/servicing/tax costs then take out their frustration on other road users. Sad. But it is a reflection on our society.
For some the love of their car, and the image they think it portrays along with the "status" feeds a ego that is only found in humankind. Everything else, even one's own family, takes second ot third place.
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Am I the only one here who likes the X5?
Esp. the 3.0D Sport
MG-Rover Questions? Click on www.mg-rover.org
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