Approximately an hour and a few stops later, we reach the racetrack's entrance. Moments later we sign our releases, are handed tickets good for three laps, and are free to drive on the track. In the BMW pit area, the only track prep we receive is a warning from a fellow journalist that turn seven is a doozie. Within minutes we're charging around the track's vast variety of ups, downs, and curves. The first lap is somewhat unnerving.
Second lap is a bit more aggressive.
By the third, I push a little harder. Still, I'm left with the feeling that the X5 could've handled so much more than I dished. Luckily my co-driver is a bit more confident and pushes harder. According to BMW, the X5 uses a lot of passenger car technology. Equipped with a rigid body, the X5 maintains the same level of stiffness as both the 5 and 7 series sedans and joins the Mercedes M-Class in providing a five speed automatic transmission.