UK First look and test drive experience

nkajkmuk · 12-01-2018, 11:22 AM

Went to my local BMW dealer for the very first look in the real of the X5 and a test drive.

They had the M50D on display and I must admit the pictures don’t do any justice to the real life looks. It is very good and the grill it fact makes it look a lot better. This model didn’t seem to have air suspension or the off-road package as the two levers by the gear stick were missing. Seemed a bit odd to not have at least one of those IMHO

We then changed to the X5 2019 30d in M Sport trim on 22” wheels for the test drive. It wasn’t an elaborate test drive to try many things (hopefully I will get to do one of those if I get the 24 hour test drive sorted). The drive and handling was good. It did feel lacking the ‘uummff’. It was not under-powered or anything and has probably to do with the 265 HP diesel engine that we drove. Although the model we drove had air suspension, it did not feel any different to the usual springs. The roads were not that bumpy, yet was hoping to spot some difference but it just felt the usual (to me). Tried some of the driving assistance setting on the motorway. Whilst the lane keeping assist can startle you if you were not paying attention, the intervention was smooth and was not a concern to me. The HUD is brilliant , lots of information presented skillfully. IMO once one gets used to the various icons and information layout, it will mean there isn’t a need to look at anything but the road. The seats were comfortable and easy to adjust.

The issue with the apple pay screen popping when putting the iphone in the wireless charger cradle seems to have made its way across the Atlantic. I just left it like that and the phone just seemed to stay on that screen. A minor annoyance that is possible fixed with an update soon.
The best part which I was not hoping to happen but did happen was that we were able to try the 3rd row seating as the test drive model came with it. The second row is electric and folds forward and then you manually lift the third row up. Adults do fit in, but I don’t think it will be comfortable for long rides given the low seat height. The space is ‘decent’ at the back but it is the low positon of the seat that will discourage long distance you. But as an occasional 7 seater and with kids I think it will do the job perfectly.

Overall a fantastic looking car, if only I could have driven the 40i M sport or the M50d to feel the extra power.

Wild Blue · 12-01-2018, 03:35 PM

Wow, awesome. I could be wrong, but I think you could be the first to try out the 3rd row G05. Pics would be great, for those who are looking for that.

nkajkmuk · 12-01-2018, 04:31 PM

In the excitement of seeing the unexpected we missed to get some pictures of the 3rd row seat before it was put down. But here are some others. Hopefully will get another go sometime soon.

NoCompromise · 12-03-2018, 09:00 AM

Great pics - my interior save for the crystal and I think it looks the best (but then I would). Did it definitely have the third row? I thought production only started in January of the third row - so Park Lane doesn't have one.

roadkillrob · 12-03-2018, 09:09 AM

The US build sheets say February now for third row, wonder if it is different in the UK and you can already get it?

NoCompromise · 12-03-2018, 09:38 AM

3rd row builds from December but it seems some demos have it. The main London dealer does not - great to hear the positive feedback. Do the 2 row seats tilt back at all or just forward to move out of the way?

nkajkmuk · 12-03-2018, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

3rd row builds from December but it seems some demos have it. The main London dealer does not - great to hear the positive feedback. Do the 2 row seats tilt back at all or just forward to move out of the way?

The second row does tilt back even if it is only a little. The seats move front and back as well.

NoCompromise · 12-04-2018, 06:06 AM

Thanks NK - this is great news, another reason to go for the third row.

I see you are in Bucks - I am guessing the pics are Synter High Wycombe - we are neighbours!

nkajkmuk · 12-04-2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

Thanks NK - this is great news, another reason to go for the third row.

I see you are in Bucks - I am guessing the pics are Synter High Wycombe - we are neighbours!

It certainly is Sytner HW. Hello neighbour

NoCompromise · 12-04-2018, 08:29 AM

I underestimated them - assumed Park Lane would get their demo much earlier - they don't have any with third rows, saying mine would likely be the first they get in January. Will go check it out on Saturday morning.

geezero5 · 12-05-2018, 09:35 AM

I am still waiting for a handover date from my dealer for my order of X5 40i M Sport which has been in the UK since November 11th.

Dates have been scheduled but missed - latest promise was tomorrow December 6th... This isn't going to happen!

My dealer now tells me that all UK G05's are being held at the UK BMW Distribution Centre at Thorne, due to the fact that this model is under Recall??

Dealer's description was obtained from BMW UK and was quite specific - Something to do with the fact that the chassis 'Bottom Tray' can not drain properly, so could potentially fill with ingress of water!

I contacted BMW Customer Service for more information, but they could not provide any further details, or give me any idea of how long this recall will take to fix!

Has anyone else heard of this recall issue?

It doesn't sound like something that would only affect UK models??

GeeRam · 12-05-2018, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkajkmuk

It certainly is Sytner HW. Hello neighbour

Sytner HW was who supplied my E82 135i...

NoCompromise · 12-06-2018, 03:49 AM

I still buy through Park Lane - they are the only dealership in the UK that is owned by BMW so in theory can offer the best deals. But then get serviced through HW.

GeeRam · 12-06-2018, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

I still buy through Park Lane - they are the only dealership in the UK that is owned by BMW so in theory can offer the best deals. But then get serviced through HW.

When I was buying my 135i back in 2011, Park Lane weren't even interested in getting close to HW's offer, and likewise, when I bought my F15 X5 in 2017, Park Lane, Sytner HW and Sytner Maidenhead couldn't get anywhere near the deal from Vines Gatwick.

nkajkmuk · 12-06-2018, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeRam

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

I still buy through Park Lane - they are the only dealership in the UK that is owned by BMW so in theory can offer the best deals. But then get serviced through HW.

When I was buying my 135i back in 2011, Park Lane weren't even interested in getting close to HW's offer, and likewise, when I bought my F15 X5 in 2017, Park Lane, Sytner HW and Sytner Maidenhead couldn't get anywhere near the deal from Vines Gatwick.

The only deal on the X5 I have on order( reduction from list price) is from Sytner. They seem to be good if you have done your homework. Almost everyone I approached gave NO discount what so ever.

NoCompromise · 12-06-2018, 11:10 AM

Funny how we all have such different experiences. On the X6 I got circa 12% off from Park Lane, but the guy got fired within a couple of months after so I think he just needed the sale. Have been lucky with his replacement - regular updates, very responsive to questions and happy to lend etc. Pricing was excellent. The couple of times I have been into HW, I have been all but ignored but in fairness this was a walk-in versus making an appointment.

I see carwow is offering no discounts currently.

The lesson it seems is to shop round and eventually you'll find someone that needs to make a quota. Look forward to seeing yours round the charming English village that is HW (the Americans will not know better).

BMPHIL · 12-09-2018, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

.

I see carwow is offering no discounts currently.

The lesson it seems is to shop round and eventually you'll find someone that needs to make a quota. Look forward to seeing yours round the charming English village that is HW (the Americans will not know better).

The G05 has been on carwow site for about a month, I am not ready to purchase yet but received an offer of 5.6% off from Listers in Kings Lynn.

nkajkmuk · 12-09-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

.

I see carwow is offering no discounts currently.

The lesson it seems is to shop round and eventually you'll find someone that needs to make a quota. Look forward to seeing yours round the charming English village that is HW (the Americans will not know better).

The G05 has been on carwow site for about a month, I am not ready to purchase yet but received an offer of 5.6% off from Listers in Kings Lynn.

Was this a standard build with no additional options. As I have an active listing in Car wow for my specific requirements and all the offers I have had were at list price. 0% off

BMPHIL · 12-09-2018, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkajkmuk

Was this a standard build with no additional options. As I have an active listing in Car wow for my specific requirements and all the offers I have had were at list price. 0% off

No it was with the options, 4 dealers came back at 0%, 1 at 0.4% and listers at 5.6%, may be worth giving them a call.

NoCompromise · 12-10-2018, 03:40 AM

Decent discount - I guess it is the time of year when dealerships are trying to hit targets - so good time to order.

Ran out of time Saturday to go see the 3rd row a Sytner - most definitely on the list.

nkajkmuk · 12-10-2018, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkajkmuk

Was this a standard build with no additional options. As I have an active listing in Car wow for my specific requirements and all the offers I have had were at list price. 0% off

No it was with the options, 4 dealers came back at 0%, 1 at 0.4% and listers at 5.6%, may be worth giving them a call.

Congratulations. Mine is on order already through Sytner. Listers didn't offer any discount when I was trying to order. Perhaps they have changed their mind now. Mine a week 51 build hopefully I shall see some progress this week. But delivery is only in the first or second week of Feb, so I might as well wait a couple more weeks and get the 19 plates.

NoCompromise · 12-10-2018, 11:22 AM

Seems we all managed to get some form of discount somewhere - just depends who you speak to and when.

I would probably wait the two weeks if I didn't have a personalised plate.

12-01-2018, 11:22 AM	#1
nkajkmuk Private 12 Rep 56 Posts Drives: BMW 320d xdrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Buckinghamshire iTrader: (0)	UK First look and test drive experience Went to my local BMW dealer for the very first look in the real of the X5 and a test drive. They had the M50D on display and I must admit the pictures don’t do any justice to the real life looks. It is very good and the grill it fact makes it look a lot better. This model didn’t seem to have air suspension or the off-road package as the two levers by the gear stick were missing. Seemed a bit odd to not have at least one of those IMHO We then changed to the X5 2019 30d in M Sport trim on 22” wheels for the test drive. It wasn’t an elaborate test drive to try many things (hopefully I will get to do one of those if I get the 24 hour test drive sorted). The drive and handling was good. It did feel lacking the ‘uummff’. It was not under-powered or anything and has probably to do with the 265 HP diesel engine that we drove. Although the model we drove had air suspension, it did not feel any different to the usual springs. The roads were not that bumpy, yet was hoping to spot some difference but it just felt the usual (to me). Tried some of the driving assistance setting on the motorway. Whilst the lane keeping assist can startle you if you were not paying attention, the intervention was smooth and was not a concern to me. The HUD is brilliant , lots of information presented skillfully. IMO once one gets used to the various icons and information layout, it will mean there isn’t a need to look at anything but the road. The seats were comfortable and easy to adjust. The issue with the apple pay screen popping when putting the iphone in the wireless charger cradle seems to have made its way across the Atlantic. I just left it like that and the phone just seemed to stay on that screen. A minor annoyance that is possible fixed with an update soon. The best part which I was not hoping to happen but did happen was that we were able to try the 3rd row seating as the test drive model came with it. The second row is electric and folds forward and then you manually lift the third row up. Adults do fit in, but I don’t think it will be comfortable for long rides given the low seat height. The space is ‘decent’ at the back but it is the low positon of the seat that will discourage long distance you. But as an occasional 7 seater and with kids I think it will do the job perfectly. Overall a fantastic looking car, if only I could have driven the 40i M sport or the M50d to feel the extra power.
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12-01-2018, 03:35 PM	#2
Wild Blue Brigadier General 3684 Rep 3,479 Posts Drives: 2021 X7 M50i, 2004 330i w/ZHP Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Wow, awesome. I could be wrong, but I think you could be the first to try out the 3rd row G05. Pics would be great, for those who are looking for that.
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12-01-2018, 04:31 PM	#3
nkajkmuk Private 12 Rep 56 Posts Drives: BMW 320d xdrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Buckinghamshire iTrader: (0)	In the excitement of seeing the unexpected we missed to get some pictures of the 3rd row seat before it was put down. But here are some others. Hopefully will get another go sometime soon. Attached Images
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12-03-2018, 09:00 AM	#4
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Great pics - my interior save for the crystal and I think it looks the best (but then I would). Did it definitely have the third row? I thought production only started in January of the third row - so Park Lane doesn't have one.
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12-03-2018, 09:09 AM	#5
roadkillrob Major General 860 Rep 5,447 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	The US build sheets say February now for third row, wonder if it is different in the UK and you can already get it? __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
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12-03-2018, 09:38 AM	#6
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	3rd row builds from December but it seems some demos have it. The main London dealer does not - great to hear the positive feedback. Do the 2 row seats tilt back at all or just forward to move out of the way?
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12-04-2018, 06:06 AM	#8
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Thanks NK - this is great news, another reason to go for the third row. I see you are in Bucks - I am guessing the pics are Synter High Wycombe - we are neighbours!
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12-04-2018, 08:29 AM	#10
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I underestimated them - assumed Park Lane would get their demo much earlier - they don't have any with third rows, saying mine would likely be the first they get in January. Will go check it out on Saturday morning.
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12-05-2018, 09:35 AM	#11
geezero5 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW X5 4.0i G05 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Swansea UK iTrader: (0)	G05 UK Recall - Anyone else heard this? I am still waiting for a handover date from my dealer for my order of X5 40i M Sport which has been in the UK since November 11th. Dates have been scheduled but missed - latest promise was tomorrow December 6th... This isn't going to happen! My dealer now tells me that all UK G05's are being held at the UK BMW Distribution Centre at Thorne, due to the fact that this model is under Recall?? Dealer's description was obtained from BMW UK and was quite specific - Something to do with the fact that the chassis 'Bottom Tray' can not drain properly, so could potentially fill with ingress of water! I contacted BMW Customer Service for more information, but they could not provide any further details, or give me any idea of how long this recall will take to fix! Has anyone else heard of this recall issue? It doesn't sound like something that would only affect UK models??
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12-06-2018, 03:49 AM	#13
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I still buy through Park Lane - they are the only dealership in the UK that is owned by BMW so in theory can offer the best deals. But then get serviced through HW.
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12-06-2018, 11:10 AM	#16
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Funny how we all have such different experiences. On the X6 I got circa 12% off from Park Lane, but the guy got fired within a couple of months after so I think he just needed the sale. Have been lucky with his replacement - regular updates, very responsive to questions and happy to lend etc. Pricing was excellent. The couple of times I have been into HW, I have been all but ignored but in fairness this was a walk-in versus making an appointment. I see carwow is offering no discounts currently. The lesson it seems is to shop round and eventually you'll find someone that needs to make a quota. Look forward to seeing yours round the charming English village that is HW (the Americans will not know better).
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12-10-2018, 03:40 AM	#20
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Decent discount - I guess it is the time of year when dealerships are trying to hit targets - so good time to order. Ran out of time Saturday to go see the 3rd row a Sytner - most definitely on the list.
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12-10-2018, 11:22 AM	#22
NoCompromise First Lieutenant 149 Rep 320 Posts Drives: X5 G05 40i Msport, X6 M50D Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Seems we all managed to get some form of discount somewhere - just depends who you speak to and when. I would probably wait the two weeks if I didn't have a personalised plate.
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