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BMW is known for sleek design and innovative technologies fitted to its cars.
While all BMWs might feature the same DNA, there's always something new to discover, especially when it comes to the German automaker's luxury SUVs.
I have recently driven the X5 M50d and found a few things to admire in the luxury, sporty SUV.
Here are four things I fancied in the latest X5 offering:
1. Massage seats from heaven
Usually massage functions are subtle when it's a standard or optional feature. And while you can feel it gently function, it's still just that even on its highest settings - subtle.
The massage function fitted to the X5M feels akin to having a tiny Swedish masseuse embedded in the driver's seat. It targets all the right spots and it's more than just a gentle touch. It's absolutely great after a long day at work, and takes the stress away of being stuck in horrible traffic.
2. Temperature-controlled cupholders
The seats fitted to the huge SUV feature a heatable and cooling function. So too does the cup holders. You can keep your coffee hot or your smoothie cold at the touch of a button.
3. Everything you need right in front of you
I hate clutter. Minimalism in cars is always best, at least in my books, and that's why I love the instrument cluster in the X5. It shows you all vital and relavant information, including the navigation in the background without cluttering the overall display with information. It also means you never have to take your eyes off the road either.
It shows the driving mode you are in, fuel range, and there's also the heads-up display showing your speed, road speed limits and your throttle response.
4. A touch of blue (hue) can brighten any face
The X5 is not the most head-turning vehicle but it is striking in its own right as the current godfather of the "X-SUV" models.
The large kidney grille has a single-piece surround and is a dominant feature in the front end, but then again so are the blue highlights in the headlight cluster. It's like adding a bit of eyeliner and mascara to a bland face - it makes the world of difference. The blue x-shaped elements split up the hexagonal light cluster inside the twin headlights.
The X5 comes standard with LED headlights, while the Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights are optional. This lighting system employs a Laserlight spotlight with 'Selective Beam' to enhance the high beam function. The range of the unobtrusive high beam has been increased to about 500 metres.
