CAR OF THE WEEK

Quad-Turbo King - Meet The BMW X5 M50d

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When BMW released the 2019 X5 xDrive M50d, it wasn’t just adding another SUV to its lineup — it was making a bold statement about what a performance diesel can be. The X5 has always sat at the sweet spot between luxury, performance and SUV practicality, but the M50d takes that balance and spins it up several gears. Here’s a look under the hood (and behind the scenes) at the top five reasons this diesel SUV earned its cult following.

1. Engineering Mastery: The Quad-Turbo Diesel Beast

At the heart of the M50d is a seriously impressive 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine fitted with not one, not two, but four turbochargers — an engineering triumph that turned heads when BMW first introduced it. This quad-turbocharged design delivers around 400 bhp and an astonishing 760 Nm of torque, available in a broad band from about 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. The result? A giant of the SUV world that still feels eager and quick, blasting from 0–62 mph in about 5.2 seconds and topping out at the industry-limited 155 mph.

BMW engineers are masters at extracting performance from diesel — and with variable-geometry turbochargers, common-rail injection and clever thermal management, the M50d’s powerplant is both torquey and surprisingly efficient for its size. That engineering finesse made it one of the fastest six-cylinder diesels on the market at the time.

2. xDrive All-Wheel Drive: Intelligent Traction for All Conditions

This X5 wears BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, an intelligent setup that constantly monitors wheel slip and dynamically shifts torque between axles to maximise grip. Whether you’re hustling along country lanes or negotiating wet motorways, xDrive offers confidence-inspiring stability. It’s not just about acceleration — the system also enhances cornering balance and braking stability, ensuring the M50d’s prodigious power is always usable.

For real-world drivers, that translates to a big SUV that handles more like a premium sport tourer than a lumbering hauler. Traction control, multiple drive modes and finely tuned stability systems work together to keep that diesel torque in check.

3. Evolution of a Legend: The G05 Heritage

The 2019 model sits in the G05 generation of X5, a critical refresh that brought BMW’s flagship SUV into the modern era. Larger dimensions, a longer wheelbase and bolder styling all signal BMW’s intention to blend luxury with capability. The grille grew, the stance became more athletic, and technical upgrades like laser headlights and a panoramic glass roof highlighted the push toward premium.

This generation also marked a shift in how BMW balanced traditional SUV traits with modern tech — particularly with the infotainment and driver assistance suites that were cutting-edge for 2019.

4. Tech & Comfort: Modern Luxury Meets Practicality

Inside, the M50d offered what was effectively a mobile living room with performance car tech. The “Live Cockpit Professional” integrated digital displays, navigation with real-time traffic and gesture control made operating the car feel futuristic.

Materials like Vernasca leather and thoughtful touches such as heated seats and advanced climate control ensured that long distance runs were both comfortable and connected.

5. Balanced Brutality: Performance Meets Practical SUV Capability

What really sets the M50d apart is how it balances brutal performance with everyday usability. You’re not sacrificing practicality — the X5’s generous cargo volume, spacious five-seat layout, and capable towing limits make it a genuinely versatile SUV. Yet when you ask for pace, it responds with the sort of torque and drive-train composure usually reserved for performance sedans.

In essence, the 2019 X5 M50d isn’t just a diesel SUV — it’s a testament to BMW’s engineering philosophy, where power, refinement and innovation live together under an expansive bonnet. For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, that blend is what makes this model such an entertaining and engaging chapter in the X5 story.

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