SHOULD I still be taking my children to school I willingly admit that I would prefer to transport them with an ultra-safe, high-tech BMW X5 rather than a smaller car.

Wouldn't any parent?

The thought crossed my mind yet again when I was introduced to the new generation X5 4x4 which offers the option of seven seats.

X5 has been, and will now be even more so, one of the targets of the environmentalist lobby and BMW has been at pains to emphasise that only a third of those sold so far have been used for the much-criticised school run, contrary to continued public perception'.

BMW is obviously determined not to upset anyone even with a car tailor-made for children carrying.

In the design process it even asked youngsters what they would want from such a vehicle - which is why, for instance, there are two grip handles on either side of the vehicle at the rear. Importantly, most children will also be able to see out of the windows.

Thirty per cent of new X5s are likely to be specified with seven seats, this being a reaction to research carried out by pollsters among buyers of the original.

Promoting that aspect of the vehicle has to be done so discreetly, however. In fact BMW's current advertising campaign for all models does not feature people at all.

Highways, and also an off road course, located in the neighbourhood of the factory where the X5 is built - Spartanburg in South Carolina - enabled me to sample the latest version of one of the world's best-selling sports activity vehicles.

There are three variants all with what's called SE specification: a 272hp 3.0 litre petrol at £39,540, a 3.0 litre diesel generating 235hp at £40,120 and a 4.8 litre petrol offering 355hp at £49,980.

All engines are mated to a six-speed autoshift (which 98 per cent of buyers of the original specified).

Dynamic package variants feature higher rated tyres for higher road speeds sports steering wheel and suspension, 19in wheels and leather upholstery.

The diesel-powered variant will be the best-seller in Great Britain by far and is lighter than its predecessor.

Rear wheel drive, for the driver's enjoyment, is a trademark of all BMWs and while this vehicle is a 4x4, the bias is towards the rear.

Double wishbone suspension up front, adapted from racing cars, also enhances the driving experience.

The stability control system incorporates brake pre-tensioning which shortens stopping distances in an emergency, brake drying and fade compensation, hill start assistant for a smooth take-off on gradients and traction control.

Active steering, which I was able to sample on the Spartanburg test track, provides a more agreeable feel' at speed and also more lock when the vehicle is moving slower - which makes parking much easier.

New X5 also has enhanced FlexRay technology for faster data transmission (and therefore a smoother ride), a down-bonnet head-up display and run-flat tyres.

The former allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road whole absorbing information; the latter allows progress to be made at up to 50mph for more than 150 miles with a deflated tyre.

The iDrive control system allows for eight keys to be programmed as favourites' for the most frequently used options.

Adaptive drive, which counters the lean of the vehicle when cornering, can also be specified.