Background: Remember, this is a sport activity vehicle, not a run-of-the-mill sport ute.
Five years ago, BMW of North America introduced a completely different type of offering into its model lineup. When the X5 debuted, it represented the German automaker's first foray into the SUV...er SAV segment. Prior to X5s arrival, posh sedans and coupes dotted BMW's landscape. The popularity of the mid-size, five-door X5 inspired BMW to introduce a smaller X3 model during the 2004 model year. The X5 has added many upgrades since its 2000 debut.
In 2004, the all-wheel drive X5 received a major redesign including a more powerful V-8 engine, new six-speed transmissions and new exterior cues including a new front end and updated tail lights.
The X5 is built at BMW's only U.S. assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina which also assembles the Z4 two-door roadster. In the mid-size luxury SUV segment, key competitors include the Mercedes M-Class, Lexus RX 330 and Porsche Cayenne and Cadillac SRX.
Engine/trim levels: Three X5 trims are available each sporting its own unique powertrain. This is a major change since its first-year introduction when one V-8 powertrain was sold. The sole six-cylinder offering is the 3.0i inline, double overhead cam generating 225 horsepower. This is the only X5 available with a manual transmission. The six-speed manual comes standard while a five-speed steptronic automatic transmission (allowing drivers to change shift points manually without a foot clutch) is optional. Mileage estimates check in at 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 21 m.p.g.highway with the manual transmission, and 16 m.p.g. city and 21 m.p.g. highway for the automatic.
The two V-8 offerings include a 32-valve double overhead cam 4.4i delivering 315 horses while the high performance 32-valve 4.8is generates an impressive 355 horses. The new top-line 4.8is replaces an outgoing 4.6is from a couple of years ago. Both V-8 engines come with a six-speed automatic steptronic transmission standard. Mileage estimates for the V-8 engines include 16 m.p.g. city and 22 m.p.g. highway. The fuel tank holds 24.6 gallons of recommended premium unleaded fuel.
Both X5 and X3 incorporate xDrive, BMW's all-wheel drive system requiring no driver input introduced in 2004. Driving torque is available to all four wheels and is controlled by a multi-disc clutch. In normal driving, the clutch operates with minimum slip resulting in a torque split around 40 percent front and 60 percent rear. Certain circumstances allow xDrive to operate in true rear-wheel drive fashion including handling tight curves or when maneuvering at tight, low speeds (as when parking.)
Price: The lowest-priced X5 offering, the 3.0i starts at $42,395; with automatic transmission, the price jumps to $43,670. Stepping up the V-8s, the 4.4i sets a budget back $53,495 and the top-of-the-line 4.8is checks in at $70,795. Prices are exclusive of a $695 destination charge.
Comparison wise, the Cadillac SRX is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive with V-6 or V-8 power. A 3.6-liter, 255-horsepower V-6 with all-wheel drive and manual transmission checks in at $42,800. A 3.8-liter V-8 all-wheel drive version cranking out 320 horsepower lists at $52,075.
The all-wheel-drive Mercedes M-Class offers a V-6 version, the ML350 delivering 232 horsepower and a $37,950 starting price. The V-8-powered ML500 with 288 horsepower checks in at $46,400. Both the SRX and M-Class offer a third-row seat.
Equipment: As one would expect, the top-dog 4.8is comes with most features standard. The two others have more option packages to choose from. Some of the more notable standard features are power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 10-speaker audio system (12 speakers optional), rain-sensing wipers and heated windshield washer jets.
A dual-pane moonroof with power sun shade introduced in the 2004 model year is optional in 3.0i and 4.4i editions and comes standard in 4.8is. Assorted group options including cold weather packages, premium packages, rear climate package and sport packages are optional in 3.0i and 4.4i models while standard in up-level 4.8is edition.
Heated steering wheel ($150) and on-board navigation systems ($1,800) are optional in all three models.
Interior: The 3.0i version features leatherette seating surfaces standard while the two V-8 models sport more traditional leather upholstery (the Dakota leather upholstery is optional in the 3.0 version). The X5 remains a five-passenger vehicle; no third row is offered. The very comfortable front bucket seats are wide and supportive. Generous window proportions provide drivers with good visibility in all directions.
Large cargo carrying numbers and not part of the X5's job description. BMW intends this vehicle to haul passengers in comfort, not 4 x 8 sheets of particle board. Even so second-row seat backs fold down with a 60/40 split onto the cushions to increase cargo-carrying capacity. With the seats up, three adults can sit comfortably.
The X5's rectangular climate control system on the lower central dashboard is similar to what's found in other BMW products. A series of push buttons monitor fan speed, direction and temperature. Above is a rectangular combination navigation/sound system with LCD screen. Those who depend on compact disc for listening enjoyment need to remember discs must first be loaded into a magazine in the cargo area. Cassette tapes load behind the LCD screen once a button of the face is pushed and the flat panel electronically folds out.
Power mirror and window controls are located on the driver's door down below a grab handle. Also in this area is a button electronically folding in side-view mirrors if the situation arises. Headlights monitor from a dial on the far left side of the dashboard. In between front bucket seats is the floor-mounted transmission shifter, hand-operated parking brake, emergency flasher button and power lock button. A large, bi-level storage bin is also standard as are dual inline beverage holders with a sliding panel cover. The flat-faced instrument panel contains two large circular analoggauges (speedometer and tachometer) flanked by smaller ones on each side. Secondary radio controls are on the steering wheel at 3 o'clock while cruise control functions rest at 9 o'clock.
Exterior; While the mid-size X5 measures a few inches shorter than some counterparts. The trade-off is better handling and road response.
In back, the electronic rear hatch opens with ease. The top half with standard rear wiper arm flips up once a touch pad near the license plate is activated. The bottom portion of the door then folds down once a second touch pad is activated. The lowered cargo door is capable of handling a 400-pound load. An optional retractable load floor is designed to extend outside of the vehicle if the need arises helping to maneuver items into the area. The floor manually pulls out a couple feet via ball-bearing rails and then can be easily pushed back inside.
The familiar kidney-shaped front grill returns on the X5 flanked by small, rectangular headlight housing. Strap-like door handles are body colored as are side-view mirrors. In back, narrow taillights sit below the square liftback window. Roof rails are standard in all models.
Warranty: BMW covers both the drivetrain and basic warranties for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Roadside assistance coverage is also for the same duration. The corrosion warranty is 12 years with unlimited miles.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Overall length: 183.7 inches
Overall width: 73.7 inches
Overall height: 67.2 inches
Curb weight: 5,016 pounds
Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
Safety: The X5 gets high marks for air bag design. Dual-stage front air bags come standard as do front-seat side impact air bags, rear-seat side impact air bags and front and a rear head protection system. Rear side impact air bags are a $385 option in all editions.
Also standard is an alarm system (with interior motion detector), an automatic fuel-pump shut off activated upon severe accident impact, daytime running lights, keyless remote entry and rear impact-absorbing bumpers. The right-side exterior mirror automatically tilts down when shifting into reverse for a better view of what's behind.
BMW's dynamic stability control combines attributes of anti-lock brakes, electronic brake proportioning and dynamic brake control. It's standard across the board.
Standard in the 4.8is this year and optional in the other two models are ultrasonic park distance controls in front and rear bumpers emitting a series of beeps when approaching low-lying items in front of or behind the vehicle.
Final thoughts: The X5's 6,000-pound towing capacity is impressive for a luxury, mid-size offering. BMW improved fuel mileage for this all-wheel drive vehicle from its first year on the road when the six-cylinder engine averaged only 13 miles per gallon in city driving and 17 m.p.g. on the highway.
While this vehicle has many visuals of an off-road adventurer, its unit-body underpinnings are designed more for civilized, on-road travels. Steering is very light and precise thanks to variable-assist power steering. It's impressive this easy touch is maneuvering a 5,000-pound offering.
Vehicles such as the X5 are gaining popularity with consumers thanks to their easier-to-drive car-based structure and superior gas-mileage numbers when compared to more utilitarian truck-based sport utilities.