VIDEO: Just because it has AWD, that doesn't make it an off-roader
Click the image above to view the video after the jump
Just because a vehicle has a high riding stance and all-wheel drive, that doesn't qualify it as an off-roader. That's why when BMW introduced the X5 it was labeled as a "Sports Activity Vehicle" not an SUV. BMW designed the X5 knowing full well that the majority of largely suburban SUV buyers never even think about going off-road. Unfortunately, it appears that one driver, who evidently rented this X5 in Istanbul, never got that message. The purely on-road high performance tires \didn't clue him in that driving to the beach should not include driving past the beach and directly into the water.
Prompted by his female companion, the driver went a bit too far. The results were easily predicable and the video after the jump shows clearly why the X5 (and most of its ilk) belong on-road only. Thanks to Ozcan for the tip!
[Source: YouTube]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
BattleCat 9:40AM (6/01/2009)
haha owned!
Reply
James 11:50AM (6/01/2009)
Luxury "cruise"...in style.
Bon Voyage!!
;p
Jared 4:21PM (6/01/2009)
Shoulda kept his foot in the gas. 90% of the people I see get stuck on St. Augustine beach get into their situation because they stop to scope out where they are. Keep your foot down and man up when your driving in the sand, because once you dig holes around your tires, it's hard to get out.
Blackstar 1:13AM (6/02/2009)
Just scientific proof that despite what fans may think, the BMW is not 'the second coming' because obviously it can't walk on water.
kal326 10:38AM (6/03/2009)
@Jared
Also explains why when I rented a car in FL they explicitly explained multiple times that the vehicle was not to be taken off paved roads, driveways, or other commonly traveled road surfaces....aka don't take the damn thing on the beach.
216 9:41AM (6/01/2009)
did he drive IN the Ocean or something? Did he think it drive on water?
New BMW commercial "Contrary to popular belief, our vehicles do not drive on water"
Reply
Polly Prissy Pants 1:15PM (6/01/2009)
This is why you don't buy any car that started life as a rental.
fobunited 9:41AM (6/01/2009)
Don't blame the car, blame the idiot driver!
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9600baud 10:06AM (6/01/2009)
no crap. show me a car that can drive on sand and water, the X5 is fine but cannot defy physics. Just like any other non amphibian vehicle...
akboss302 11:57AM (6/01/2009)
Re: "show me a car that can drive on sand and water"
Actually there are plenty of vehicles that can tackle sand, water, mud, rocks, trees, whatever - its called a Jeep. Its just not a poseur wannabe AWD wagon by BMW.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAoVmIY8x9Y
JS 3:26PM (6/01/2009)
Landrover, Jeep, Older FJ could easily handle this obstacle. In fact, I have done it in my old Landy countless times on the beaches of NC.
All-Wheel drive does not equal "off-road prowess". Some people just don't get it...
Assass1n 4:31PM (6/01/2009)
I have driven my (GASP!) H3 into a lake to push a beached pontoon boat back out. I only had the stock tires on it at the time. I guess the H3 can defy physics according to your laws.
RWD 6:05PM (6/01/2009)
I don't think it's so much the vehicle as it is the standard tires. On this X5 they are clearly (relatively) low profile and with a tread designed for the street and only the street. The stock tires on an FJ, for example, would be about 10 times more useful in this situation.
Sea Urchin 9:41AM (6/01/2009)
More money, more problems i guess
Reply
anthonypbhs 9:42AM (6/01/2009)
Next time rent a Wrangler! Morons!
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Brett MacPherson 9:45AM (6/01/2009)
or a boat..
Judy Zik 2:16PM (6/01/2009)
All Aboard The Failboat!
n8new 9:47AM (6/01/2009)
"Only in a Jeep!"
Reply
rallyusa 9:50AM (6/01/2009)
If I had a dime for every X5 I've seen stuck in the sand at Daytona beach, I'd be a millionaire....
Reply
rsfourever 10:38AM (6/01/2009)
no, you wouldn't.