Launched in 1999, the X5 is BMW's flagship mid-size SUV, or as BMW calls it, an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle. From the very beginning, BMW worked hard to make sure that sporty driving dynamics and a high level of responsiveness were programmed into the X5. This means the X5 features not only a great deal of utility, but with BMW's all-wheel drive system, a sure-footed nature in a variety of terrains. Add to that BMW's trademarked build quality and luxury, the X5 is a versatile vehicle that's well-placed at the top of its class. Four trims are available, starting with the sDrive35i and topping out with the xDrive50i.
The 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine in the xDrive35i makes 300 horsepower. xDrive50i versions are fitted with an all-aluminum twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with variable valve timing and direct injection. It features what BMW calls a "reverse flow" setup, with its twin turbochargers situated within the valley between the cylinders. It makes 445-hp and 450 ft-lb of torque. Powering the xDrive35d is a 255-hp 3.0L inline-6 diesel engine. The Variable TwinPower Turbo engine also produces 425 ft-lb of torque and delivers an EPA estimated 26 mpg on the highway.
Both the xDrive35i and the xDrive50i use an 8-speed automatic transmission, first introduced in the 5-series Grand Turismo. Brake energy regeneration is also used on both gasoline engines, which uncouples the alternator from the accessory drive system, allowing the battery to only be charged during coasting or braking. This, BMW says, results in up to 2 percent fuel economy boost.
Standard safety features include several airbags--driver's and passenger's front and side units as well as head airbags for the first- and second-row seats. In addition, BMW offers Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Hill Descent Control and Dynamic Cruise Control. Active Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning systems are also available. There's also a rearview camera that can provide a 360-degree exterior view, a Heads-Up Display that projects onto the windshield in the driver's field of view and a Park Distance Control system that alerts the driver of obstacles behind the vehicle while parking.
2014 brings a new base model, dubbed the X5 sDrive35i. Unlike all the other X5 models the sDrive is rear-wheel-drive, BMW recognizing that there are many customers who do not need any sort of off road capabilities. It also allows drivers to save about $3,000 on the price of a Base X5, making the car more accessible to a wider audience.
The xDrive35i is available in three trim levels, with the base model including automatic xenon adaptive headlamps, rain sensors, HD radio, fog lights, automatic climate control, cruise control, 18-inch wheels and an anti-theft system all as standard equipment. Premium adds 19-inch wheels, iPod integration, tinted glass, leather seats and the availability of a Convenience Package, Active Ventilated Seat Package, Cold Weather Package and Technology Package. The top of the line Sport Activity adds 20-inch wheels, sport seats, performance tires, BMW's Adaptive Drive System and special darkened trim.
BMW Luxury And Build Quality
Available All-wheel Drive
Powerful Engine Choices
The BMW X5 has been given a host of improvements for 2014. The biggest change is to the exterior, where the car receives quite a bit of new sheet metal, updating its design while still being recognizably an X5. Numerous improvements include a lighter chassis and a more powerful V8 engine on the xDrive50i, now up to 445-hp. A rear-wheel drive base trim is new for this year at a lower price point. The X5 M is no longer available.
BMW's X5 offers seating for seven with high-tech on- and off-road capabilities. With great styling as well as a host of refinements throughout its development, the package is hard to ignore. Although it ranks among the more expensive SUVs in its class, it's a strong competitor, offering a wide range of options not found on the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350 or Mercedes M-Class.
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