Can’t tell a lie — I'm really enjoying my time with our gold on gold BMW X5 3.0 Si Exclusive. Its sumptuous spec, high driving position and easygoing nature continue to make my daily commute a pleasure.

It looks good too and now that it's run in, doesn't seem to feel as breathless as it did at low revs. But then I suppose I've forgotten how spoiled I was with turbodiesel torque in my previous two rides…

X5's versatile seven-seater configuration is becoming more and more of a lifesaver too with the kids growing up and all their friends needing to be fetched, carried and hauled about town. Seven seats is something I am quite starting to enjoy — especially when they stow away so effectively to give me a full boot, let alone a bit of underfloor hideaway space to keep some goodies really safe and out of harms way.

It's taken a bit of time to get used to my car's fancy new automatic gearbox selector knob, but it certainly is a breeze when you're used to it — essentially when just a touch on the lever chooses the right gear and you're off. I have one big gripe with that lever though — it selects neutral too easily when on the move and I got quite a fright each time that’s happened. I wonder if it will select reverse if driving forward too — I'm too scared to try in case it does, but they really should make a plan to make sure the car stays in gear even if you just touch the lever when driving….

Another concern is my X5's petrol consumption. At 16.4l/100km about town it's using more than double the fuel my previous 2.0-litre turbodiesel sedan did and it feels a bit pap compared that car too. In fact it's almost four times heavier than a little 1.4 turbodiesel city car I drove a while back.

No wonder I can't wait to swap this car out for the forthcoming new X5 Sd with its super-efficient twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine, which they say will be far stronger up here on the Reef and much more economical, too — even if it's going to be a bit more expensive to buy. I've gotten to really appreciate turbodiesels — especially with 16.4l/100 even if I drive quite gently…

Before I stop moaning, there's a scratchy sound on the steering I will have to take the car to the dealer to investigate. We'll report back on that next time…

Anyway, the high fuel consumption and those few niggles aside, our X5 is a brilliant family car — so I can't wait for that Sd — like that I'll have my X5 cake and I'll eat it…

Page: 1 of 2 - next