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There are more and more sport utility vehicles on market. Why? It’s simply because we keep buying them. Obviously, more there are, more the competition is ferocious. And even SUVs can’t avoid the horsepower wars.
The second generation of the X5 comes along sporting dimensions that are slightly bigger and a simplified model range–for now, at least. The 3.0si model with its 260-hp 6-cylinder engine is the base X5, while a V8 is offered in this test vehicle, the 4.8i.
I can’t get over how the engine of the X5 sounds like an American V8. It’s got horsepower by the truckloads, but delivered in utter smoothness, until you mash the gas pedal to the floor. When you do just that, the 4.8-liter roars like a lion whose tail has been stepped on, and gets this truck moving with mind-blowing forward motion. At over 2,400 kg (5,300 lbs), it isn’t exactly a featherweight, but its 350 horsepower make it a rocket in a straight line. My fuel consumption average is 16.8 L/100 km.
You’ll feel the weight more in the twisties, and the SUV is less agile than its smaller brother I’ve recently driven, the X3. It nevertheless handles itself quite well, in part thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution. The optional Active Steering gives an unusual sensation at first; its boost is variable, and when you swing into a curve or turn on a street corner, you’ll feel the system give you a helping hand. It’s a little strange during the first hour of driving, but you get used to it.
The X5 brakes as if it hit a wall. And since this model isn’t equipped with the Sport package, the ride is very pleasing. In general, you feel in control and gain confidence behind the wheel is this machine.
Talking about the xDrive system isn’t complicated: you press on the gas and the SUV moves forward accordingly. Snow, rain, freezing rain, mud, molasses, name it, nothing stops the X5 and not much can slow it down. In my opinion, it’s one of the most capable all-wheel drive systems.
It’s a question of taste, but the recent BMW models’ designs don’t please everyone. Some of the brand’s purists think the creased sheetmetal styling dreamed up by Chris Bangle is a mistake, but I don’t agree; I find the BMW look contemporary, unique and striking. The new X5 is no exception, as it is more aggressive and modern than the outgoing model.
The redesigned headlights are more menacing and the taillamps are bigger, but the overall shape of the new X5 resembles the one of the first generation. The 20-inch wheels included in the Sport package are marvelous, but the 18-inchers that equip this test truck are pretty fine.
Lower marks go the optional running boards; unless you step both feet up on them before climbing into the SUV, it’s almost impossible to avoid getting your pants dirty. Those running boards aren’t low enough to be really useful.
New for 2007, the X5 can be equipped with 3rd-row seats. It seems that 7-passenger seating is the current trend, and for $1,500, two additional seats are installed and fold flat into the floor. Accessing them is also relatively simple.
However, they are too low; with the high seatback of the 2nd-row, my 4-year-old son isn’t too happy back there because he can’t see anything, and I can only see the top of his head from the driver’s seat. And forget about adults back there, as their kneecaps and chins will be rubbing together. Only Hobbits will be comfortable sitting in the 3rd row.
The 2nd-row seats are more welcoming and comfortable for grownups. The seatback angle can be adjusted, and there is a pass-thru for skis that doesn’t sacrifice space for two occupants. With all seats folded down, cargo space is pretty big.
In front, the driver benefits from a beautiful instrument panel and a shift lever that looks complicated at first glance, but ends up working extremely well. Once again, we’re stuck confronting the evil iDrive, but at least there are now a lot of controls in the dash, and you spend less time fiddling through menus on the computer interface for setting temperature and radio preferences. The heated steering wheel seems superfluous, but you know you’ll look ridiculous driving a $70,000-plus BMW with wool mittens, and we quickly become addicted to it.
Conclusion
With the Dynamic Handling Package ($4,700), the Activity Package ($1,300) and the 3rd-row seating, the total price for this test X5 is $81,000. With every option box checked, you’ll attain a tab of $96,000, a sum that gives me nosebleeds. At least an X5 3.0si starts at $61,900.
However, competition that offers 7-passenger seating isn’t much better: an Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro Premium costs $79,900; a Cadillac SRX V8 with all-wheel drive and options costs $71,870; a Mercedes-Benz GL 450 costs $76,500; finally, a Volvo XC90 V8 costs $67,995. The $61,900 Acura MDX Elite is a bargain compared to the others, although it’s less powerful and less prestigious.
Full steam ahead, BMW’s X5 is a solid choice in its category and a nice evolution of the first generation. It doesn’t have much to envy in its rivals, and it doesn’t have much we can complain about. It isn’t the most spacious choice if you really need 7-passenger capacity, but if you’re okay with the price, you’ll probably be pretty happy behind the wheel of the X5
