THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE

THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE

As the month of June comes to an end, you still don't have a hauler for the kids to school. The last candidate on this page can be realistically yours. With the power of depreciation, what used to be a plaything of the wealthy can be a gem for the middle class, for less. Without further ado, Myk Belmonte investigates this luxury SUV that is more luxurious than your neighbor's Montero Sport. During the 90s, nearly every vehicle manufacturer in the world has a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on their lineup. Cadillac made a "rushed" entry with the Escalade in 1999, while Porsche took it slow to develop the Cayenne for its 2002 introduction. BMW's X5 was made available to the general public in 1999 and it was the manufacturer's first SUV on their line-up. It was an astonishing success for BMW, which prompted to add the X3 in 2004, the X6 in 2008, and the X1 in 2009; resulting to the X line family.

The father of the "X Family", the X5 was marketed by BMW as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV. It was promoted as that to emphasize its on-road skills despite the bulk. Bimmer fans in the Philippines waited until 2001 to have the E53 X5 in our roads. Initially offered by PGA Cars (who also distributed Land Rover previously, and currently Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini) in its earlier years, with BMW Philippines taking over distributorship rights which resulted to adding various variants. Similar to the world market, sales discontinued in 2007, with its successor platform being introduced in the same year. After almost 8 to 10 years of age, an E53 X5 would have resale prices between P1,400,000-P2,400,000, roughly the price of a brand new mid-size SUV. The price range covers up different model years, state of condition (mind you, there exist careless type owners of luxury vehicles), and various engine configurations (gasoline V6 and V8, and diesel engines are the choices). It would be wise to get a pre-owned example to be safe. Insufficient maintenance records are a nightmare for those who own a car from a luxury brand.

I want to remind you maintaining one is almost the equivalent of three Toyota Vios's. If fueling up, go with a reputable gasoline station that has new and clean stock of fuel. Not to forget, choose a high octane gasoline to avoid fuel contamination and problems. Examine the exterior and you will see some Range Rover (BMW previously owned the 4x4 specialist) bits and design cues. Short front overhangs and side creases that mingle perfectly to the door handles are derived from the 3-Series sedan. If the front is the sedan side, the rear portion uncannily resembles the Range Rover, with the curved front-end blends with the sharp and angular rear. The famed "kidney grille" resides in front of the car, with it being expanded in its 2004 facelift. High quality materials (there was never a time BMW scrimped on interior quality) abound the cabin, which really justifies the then-new price tag of P4M.

You will see the clash of aluminum, leather, and wood in perfect harmony. However, radio buttons are small which you can knock the wrong station by mistake (imagine this, you are enjoying Beatles then hit to Magic playing Justin Bieber) and air conditioning controls would require time to master each function. Room is adequate for five, but the cargo area won't do justice on a shopaholic run (whether in Greenbelt, Greenhills, or Divisioria, you choose). Those who had the money to splurge get three engine options to configure their X5's. These are a M54B30 2,979cc I6 and N62B48 4,799cc V8 that needs to be fed with gasoline fuel, and a M57TUD30 2,993cc I6 diesel burner. The gasoline I6 (inline six, not configured in a "v" type) purrs well and responses to the driver's foot; the same thing goes with the diesel I6, but boy it drives fast and can handle the weight of the car. The V8 is a beast to drive, ferocious, fast, and yet functional. Pick your engine choice wisely.