The beauty within the beast

The Korea Herald, in cooperation with carmakers, offers test-driving experiences to executive officials at Korean or multinational companies here. The opinion below is the author’s own. For any inquiry into this column, please contact jylee@heraldcorp.com. ― Ed.


If you perceive driving in big cities as negotiating an asphalt jungle, the BMW X5 is definitively the king of beasts.

Snow, ice and subzero temperatures are weather conditions utterly foreign to my Caribbean background, where the elements tend to be less extreme and the seasonal shift is barely noticeable.

In my tropical paradise, the Dominican Republic, most of the wonders of nature are hidden from those lacking an adventurous spirit. To reach those marvels of creation, SUVs are the logical option, so I am quite familiar with the segment. Prior to coming to Seoul I owned several full-sized Japanese-made SUVs.

I have to admit that before getting behind the wheel of the 2013 BMW X5, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, especially due to its conservative external appearance and classic lines ― the aggressive features and irrefutable masculine and racy elements in the design only apparent on a second, closer look.

I currently own a BMW 328i convertible, so once inside the X5, I found myself in familiar surroundings, with features like the specialized 3-D navigation system and functional controls to access the numerous comfort and driving options.

Nevertheless, the two cars are entirely different in form and feel, and both offer a unique driving experience.

The engine on the X5 is amazingly quiet for a diesel V6 engine, and inside the cabin, wind and road noises are kept to a pleasant minimum. The ultra-comfortable seats and spacious interior make you feel like a first-class passenger. The large side mirrors, together with an automatic reverse camera, are vital safety components aiding rearward visibility considering the automobile’s dimensions ― while the size is another attractive asset while driving among taxis, buses and all kinds of mean and egocentric road users on Seoul’s streets.

Now let’s talk a bit about performance. Earnestly, my original expectations were delightfully exceeded and any initial doubts vanished.

The X5 delivers outstanding power and acceleration, exceptionally smooth handling and excellent stability, which guarantees a fun, exciting and, above all, safe ride.

Between us, I didn’t abuse the vehicle, but on several occasions pushed it to the limit, and each time it responded like a veritable champion.

In my four-day experiment, I was able to try the icy and snowy hills in Itaewon, Pyeongchang-dong and Seongbuk-dong; drag-raced some young guys in tuned-up sports cars in Gangnam: took really sharp curves in city streets and highways ― and nothing seemed to present a real challenge for the almighty X5.

By the way, the car’s solid construction clearly prevented any squeaks or rattles even in the most extreme evaluations, and it’s worth mentioning that the 2013 model is equipped with an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, which has been modernized, simplified and improved to enhance its performance. Honestly, I wish my convertible had one of those.

These few days have made me a believer, and I dare say that the 2013 BMW X5 is certainly one of the most efficient vehicles in its class, without the bloated price tags of the competition. Can’t wait to try the BMW X6!

By Ernesto Torres-Pereyra, Minister counselor at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic