Vehicle Overview BMW’s X5 sport utility vehicle has three rows of seats available with room for seven occupants. All X5 models come with all-wheel drive (called xDrive), and the X5 is available in six-cylinder, eight-cylinder and diesel six-cylinder models, the latter added for 2009. BMW also will offer a new X5 M performance model with a new 555-hp V-8 this year. BMW’s best-selling SUV, the X5 sits above the BMW X3 and X6 SUVs as far as size and carrying capability. The X5’s primary competitors include the Acura MDX and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
New for 2010 BMW tweaks the iDrive controller again in an effort to make it more user-friendly. HD radio is now standard, the available backup camera gains a top view feature and automatic high-beam headlights are a new option.
Exterior The X5’s headlights and air dam have a lot of 3 Series styling cues; the hood lines recall the 5 Series.
Adaptive xenon headlamps rotate several degrees during turns
18-inch wheels
Available 19- and 20-inch rims
Optional automatic high beams
Roof rails for accepting racks
Interior The cabin features a prominent dashboard deck that abruptly descends toward wood trim. A large information screen sits front and center; it’s operated with BMW’s iDrive system.
Programmable buttons on the center control panel allow the driver to bypass iDrive for various functions
Audio system with CD player and 12 speakers
Auxiliary MP3 jack
Available upgraded stereo
Available heated seats for front and second row
Available third-row seat expands seating capacity to seven; BMW says third-row accommodations are for those 5 feet 6 inches or shorter
Folding second and third rows
Under the Hood The automaker’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine works in the X5 xDrive30i. In the X5 xDrive48i, a 4.8-liter V-8 makes 350 horsepower. The diesel engine in the xDrive35d makes 265 hp and a whopping 425 pounds-feet of torque. All engines work through a six-speed automatic transmission.
3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 260 hp and 225 pounds-feet of torque
4.8-liter V-8 makes 350 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque
3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder makes 265 hp and 425 pounds-feet of torque
xDrive all-wheel drive uses an electronic center coupling to shift torque between the front and rear wheels; under normal circumstances, 60 percent of power is sent rearward
Available variable-ratio active steering system
Available electronically controlled suspension, AdaptiveDrive coordinates electronic suspension damping and roll resistance for better cornering
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes
Electronic stability system with brake drying and brake-fade compensation
Side curtain airbags for the first and second rows
Front side-impact airbags
Adaptive brake lights that illuminate across a wider area under heavy braking
