Dad’s Dream Car: BMW X5 Voted Best Luxury SUV in America

BMW X5, Dad’s dream car, was chosen as the best luxury SUV
What elements were highly evaluated?

The BMW X5, a luxury SUV, was the only one included among the 10 best vehicle models selected by Consumer Reports, a leading American consumer media outlet that greatly influences American consumers’ vehicle purchases and is famous for its rigorous vehicle testing.

Consumer Reports selected outstanding vehicles by evaluating detailed items such as road testing, owner satisfaction, and reliability. BMW’s representative SUVs, the X5 and X5 PHEV models, were included for evaluation. The X5 was launched in July of last year in the South Korean market and has a reputation as a dream car for Dads.

High Scores in Road Tests, 55 Points for Reliability

The X5 scored 82 points (out of 100) in the road test. The owner satisfaction rating was 5 points (out of 5). It received 94 points (out of 100) in reliability and an overall score of 92 points. In the case of the X5 PHEV, it received 98 points in the road test, 5 points in owner satisfaction, and a slightly lower 53 points in reliability, recording an overall score of 83 points.

This can be seen as a problem arising from differences in how plug-in hybrids operate. In the case of a regular hybrid, the battery is used only when driving at low speeds, whereas in a plug-in hybrid, the battery is used as the main power source. Due to the structure in which two power systems are used, the weight is bound to increase, and efficiency loss must also be considered. The probability of failure is also higher.

High Power Output and Performance, Comfortable Ride

The BMW xDrive40i model was used in the road test. It is equipped with BMW’s famous in-line 6-cylinder 3.0-liter turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 381 horsepower and a maximum torque of 55.1 kg.m. An electronic four-wheel drive system provides optimized drive distribution and a comfortable ride.

The X5 PHEV model generates a total system output of 394 horsepower through an in-line 6-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum output of 313 horsepower and a high-performance electric motor with a maximum output of 145 kW. This is an increase in output of 81 horsepower compared to the previous model. Through this, the time it took to reach 100 km/h ( 62 mph) was 5.6 seconds, 1 second faster than the previous model. This outstanding performance was also reflected in the road test evaluation, with the PHEV model scoring 98 points, 16 points higher than the regular X5.

13.2 km/L (31.4 mpg), Well-Received Design

Fuel efficiency has also been improved through the plug-in hybrid system, and the PHEV model has been certified in South Korea for a combined fuel efficiency of 13.2 km/L (31.4 mpg). In terms of body size, the length is 4,935 mm (194.29 inches), the width is 1,970 mm ( 77.56 inches), the height is 1,755 mm (69.09 inches), and the wheelbase is 2,975 mm (117.13 inches). Therefore, the interior space is also sufficient.

After the launch of the facelift version last year, the design became even more perfect. Slimmer headlamps and new turn signals were added, and the vertical grill created a strong yet luxurious image. The appearance of a luxury vehicle was fully revealed by focusing only on the design of necessary components without being excessive. The X5, which has been evaluated as having excellent drivability for both off-road and on-road driving, power performance based on high output, fuel efficiency, and design, has once again proven its competitiveness.