Miscellaneous Features
Test Drive: BMW’s Real Sport Activity Vehicle
By by: Bryan Joslin
Apr 1, 2004, 00:01

Every manufacturer these days seems dedicated to building the perfect all-around vehicle, one that is equally capable off the road as it is on the road, regardless of conditions. Despite the fact that most drivers will rarely venture any further off the road than perhaps their own driveway, it’s nonetheless important that the vehicle at least be capable of rolling in the mud. Image is everything when it comes to sport utility vehicles, or, as BMW prefers to call theirs, Sport Activity Vehicles.

The X5, with its tall and boxy bodywork, was BMW’s first so-called SAV. Endowed with either a six- or eight-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel-drive, the X5 offers the on-road performance we’ve all come to expect from Bavaria’s favorite sports sedans. Should you venture off the beaten path, the vehicle remains just as sure-footed thanks to features like Hill Descent Control.

The X3 was recently introduced as a smaller alternative to the X5. Based on the 3-series platform, the X3 offers a choice of six-cylinder engines driving all four wheels through BMW’s new X-Drive system. Though less “trucky” in appearance than the X5, BMW’s small SAV will never be mistaken for a wagon.

While the X3 and X5 are both great all-around, all-road vehicles, what if you want to go really off road, where no mere car is capable? What if you want to blaze your own trail? But you still want to do it in a BMW? Well, we recently tested a true BMW Sport Activity Vehicle that not only handles the street with aplomb, but is equally at home on the most basic of trails.

The Montague/BMW is not your conventional SAV, forgoing all-wheel-drive for an unusual one-wheel-drive setup. Power comes from a naturally-aspirated powerplant and is delivered to the rear wheel via a clutchless 18-speed transmission. The shifting is smooth and seamless, though interestingly offers no engine-braking from downshifts, but rather goes into a free-wheeling mode when power is released. Our attempts to record the output of this magnificent machine on a chassis dyno was unsuccessful.



The braking system offers a very direct feel. This can probably be credited to the unassisted, cable actuated calipers, which act directly on the massive 26-inch wheel rims. While the brakes offer excellent initial bite, the hard rubber brake pads eventually fade a bit under hard stops. On the plus side, the brake dust is minimal, especially compared to other BMWs. ABS is not available, but is probably unnecessary.

Like the brakes, the steering on this BMW is also very direct. Despite the absence of power assist, turning response was always swift and accurate, and required little effort, even at lower speeds. Other manufacturers could learn a lesson from BMW on this remarkably simple steering system.

The one downside is the suspension, or rather the lack of one. As you can imagine, even the smallest bumps and road-surface blemishes are transmitted directly through the low-profile tires to the chassis. Speaking of the chassis, this particular one exhibits a fair amount of flex over bigger bumps, mostly due to the fact that it is designed to fold in the middle for transportation and storage, a feature unique to this BMW.

From the driver’s seat, there’s really not much to see. The view is unobstructed, offering a great view of the road. The ergonomics are excellent, and you quickly get used to the fact that there are no gauges or controls to interfere with the driving experience. The seat itself is not all that comfortable for long trips, and offers no lateral support, back support, or lumbar support. The standard vinyl trim is acceptable for such a true off-road vehicle and should wear well in a variety of conditions.

All in all, this vehicle is pure BMW, on the road or off. And best of all, it doesn’t have to be APRIL FOOL’S DAY to enjoy it.

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