The revised diesel engine runs smoothly and quietly in this lower-powered version, and it offers good isolation and responsiveness up to medium revs.
Thanks to the new ISG, there is plenty of accessible torque. The electrification measures add an additional 12bhp and up to 148lb ft of output to the engine, resulting in sharper throttle response, improved flexibility, and liveliness when accelerating.
The xDrive30d, weighing 2220kg, accelerates with urgency in lower gears, settles into effortless cruising at higher gears and speeds, and achieves between 28.7 and 33.1mpg on the WLTP combined test cycle. It also has a towing capacity of 3500kg.
The eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox operates smoothly, and the standard xDrive four-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability in different weather conditions. The car offers three driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport.
The steering is precise and well-weighted, and it remains unchanged from the previous model. The car can also be equipped with active rear-steering for enhanced agility and a tighter turning circle.
The standard suspension is steel springing, with an optional air suspension that allows for different ride heights. The tuning is mostly the same as before, but the new software now controls the variable properties of the electric damping control system.
This gives the X5 excellent body control over long waves and reduces lean in corners.
The ride on the optional 22-inch wheels can sometimes feel jittery over high-frequency bumps and cobblestones at lower speeds, primarily due to the lack of sidewall compliance. However, with the optional air suspension set to a more comfortable setting, it provides impressive shock absorption and wheel control over sharp bumps at higher speeds.