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The formula works and so there are no drastic changes to the new model - more value-added refinements. Its distinct bodyshell casing remains intact and is a picture of muscular elegance. Hardly the bulging muscularity of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian - more the linear athleticism of Brad Pitt's Achilles. Young, Pierre Leclercq was responsible for the exterior design of the new X5 and he has certainly made it sexier with better curves - JLo on wheels! is it true? After a hearty breakfast at Athens' wonderful Grand Resort Lagonissi, it was time to road test the new X5. The Greek winter air was invigorating rather than bracing and only heightened expectations. BMW personnel graciously allowed us to test both the powerful 4.8i V-8 and the all-aluminium 3.0d diesel engine model. The new BMW X5 weighs 2.2 tons. Compared with its predecessor, the new model is 187mm longer and 6.8cm wider. The boot floor is 10 cm longer and the tailgate has been extended - a nod to the US market. I opted to start out with the powerful 4.8i model. With a J$10-million vehicle, I had expected at least two BMW personnel to accompany me to ensure everything was above board, but instead I was told that I would be taking two journalists (one from France, the other from Martinique) as co-drivers and that our route was mapped out on the X5's satellite navigation system. Nice! Our journey took us through the Attica peninsula, which juts into the Aegean Sea. The view was breathtakingly stunning. Driving the new top of the range X5 through the rolling hills and bends of Attica where democracy and western civilisation was born - on a crisp November morning with an azure sky serving for a canopy was indeed one of the sublime experiences of my life. With my co-drivers conversing in dulcet French tones I felt a little left out (sad really, bearing in mind both my parents speak French). I hoped that they would not deem me rude and insensitive and decided to try out the on board media system. Now I am a big fan of Chris Botti and you can imagine my delight when his trumpet sounded crystal clear from the high-end Alpine sound system with 16 speakers. It also has infrared sound transmission for the rear seats. Curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to see just what this baby was packing. The new X5 also has in built television, Internet services and a DVD player. It has an iDrive-customised system with 8 programmable keys on the centre console. This determines the control and operation of certain functions such as air -conditioning, navigation, and entertainment and communication. It sets a new standard in ergonomics. The all-wheel drive X5 has a 6-speed electronic automatic transmission. It reached a top speed of 149mph and boasts a most impressive 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds. Not bad for a big fella. Someone with champagne taste on beer money is advised not to take on the 4.8i V-8 model. Its urban fuel consumption is 25 mpg which is 5 per cent more than its predecessor. Driving along in this 21st century chariot, I noticed that my speed, distance and other salient data was reflected in the windscreen. How odd! Turns out that this is a new feature of the X5 called a Head-Up Display. This is information relevant to the driver such as the road speed of the car or navigation data being presented directly in the driver's line of vision on the windscreen. Another notable feature is the back-up camera, which lets the driver see what's going on behind the back of the SAV through a monitor on the dashboard. Supplementing PDC Park Distance Control the back-up camera is fitted above the rear numberplate and provides a wide-angle view of the rear-end of the vehicle. Pressing the Parking button in the cockpit does this. If you have a sizeable family, the new X5 could be just the vehicle for you. It now can accommodate seven passengers. It is the first SUV with Active Steering, Adaptive Drive. This includes active hydraulic anti-roll bars and electronically adjusted dampers, allowing the X5 to be comfortable on the motorway and yet free from body rolls on corners. This also enhances its off-road capabilities. The new BMW X5 comes with 18-inch light-alloy rims and 255/55 tyres. Nineteen and 20-inch rims running on 275/40 tyres at the front and 315/35 tyres at the rear are optional. What is standard though is runflat technology (allowing the driver to travel for some 80 kilometres on damaged tyres). Yet a further feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator warning the driver of a gradual loss of air in the tyres. The new X5 also has a double wishbone front axle, which means that the wheels are always perpendicular to the road. The return journey back to Athens through Marathon was done in the 3.0d diesel model which has a 3 litre engine. If one of these were around in 490 BC, I'm pretty sure poor Phidippides' efforts would not be the stuff of legend and no one would bother with what Nike meant. Now I must say the difference in power and performance after driving the 4.8i was clearly noticeable yet the 3.0d did not feel, sound or perform like a diesel vehicle. This turbo engine is indeed a treat and one of the best in its class. With oil now at US$66 a barrel, the new 3.0d X5 should be very popular. Weighing 55lbs less than the former engine thanks to its all-aluminium crankcase, this new model has a top speed of 134 mph and does 0-62 in 8.3 seconds. Peak torque of 383 lb-ft comes all the way between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm. Fuel consumption is a mere 8.7 litres of diesel fuel on 100 kilometres, equal to 32.5 mpg. This spells a reduction in fuel consumption by 7 per cent despite the increase in engine output by 8 per cent. For those of an Epicurean disposition, yet place great stock in technology and functionality, then the new BMW X5 is the ultimate driving machine.