2017 BMW X5 xDrive35d is a diesel-powered road trip machine

The 2017 BMW X5 diesel impressed us during testing with its outstanding highway performance.

The diesel engine is good for 413 pound-feet of torque, which makes for quiet cruising at highway speeds and confident passing power.

The cabin is also a pleasant place to be with excellent materials that are pleasing to the eye and to the touch.

The iDrive infotainment in the dashboard reaches generation 5.0 this model year with a revised interface and a new touch-sensitive display.

Perhaps the most impressive diesel details are the respectable 29 mpg highway fuel economy estimate and the impressive 560-mile cruising range.

The X5's firm suspension feels well suited to highway cruising with a planted feel and good absorption of high-speed bumps.

Our example was outfitted with all sorts of luxury amenities, including full LED adaptive headlamps with automatic high beam control.

However, those options quickly added up to almost $13,000 in additional cost over base.

The 2017 BMW X5 diesel starts at $50,600, a $1,500 premium over a similarly equipped gasoline X5. However, the improvements in economy should pay for themselves within a few years.