KansasCity.com's view

BMW’s X5 is more like a sports sedan than the typical SUV. A BMW truck? Technically that’s correct, but saying the BMW X5 is a truck is like saying a bagel and a doughnut are the same because they both have a hole in the middle.

The X5 functions like a tall sport wagon instead of an SUV, which is why BMW calls it a Sport Activity Vehicle. As an off-roader, it is best kept to simple trails or country lanes. Why should a vehicle’s on-road behavior be compromised so it can boulder-crawl through the Rockies when it will spend 99 percent of its time crawling through shopping center parking lots? This idea is gaining favor and a number of vehicles, such as the Acura MDX, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 300 and Isuzu Axiom, embody the same approach. More and more vehicles will follow the same path.

I give the X5’s styling mixed reviews. It is bold and muscular from the front, where BMWÕs twin kidney grille is prominent. The section under the rear bumper, however, looks a bit awkward. I must admit I was skeptical at the idea of BMW building a sport ute, but my opinion changed immediately after a short drive. The more miles I put on it the more I liked it. The X5 is one of the best-handling, most roadworthy SUVs I have driven. It bites into turns with uncommon agility, the brakes are outstanding and it cruises like an autobahn burner on the highway. In fact, keeping it under the speed limit is a challenge because the firm suspension and lack of wind noise disguise its velocity.

Some may think the ride is too firm, but I prefer its solid, connected-to-the-road manners. Unlike most vehicles of this type, it doesn’t wallow, or feel top heavy, when flicked into a turn. One reason for its excellent handling is its 50-50 front/rear weight distribution and all-wheel-drive system that sends 38 percent of the power to the front wheels and 62 percent to the rear. Electronic traction control plus the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) manages traction to keep all four wheels operating at their optimum.

Those who do moderate off-roading will appreciate the Hill Descent Control that uses engine braking on steep hills.

The standard 17-inch wheels carry all-season tires, and the optional Sport package has even larger 18-inch wheels.

Security behind the wheel is reflected in the X5’s excellent crash test scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a testing agency funded by insurance companies, said the X5’s frontal offset crash results were the best they have ever recorded, regardless of vehicle type. The X5 not only has front and side airbags, but a tubular airbag system that inflates across the front windows to protect the occupant’s heads in a side impact. Rear-seat side airbags are optional.

The X5 is built in the Spartanburg, S. C., and there are two versions. The top model is powered by a 282-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 and it starts at $49,970.

The one I drove, a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder, starts at $39,470. There’s no doubt the V-8’s power would be tremendous fun, but the 3.0-liter engine’s performance is more than sufficient, and I like the fact that it costs some $10,000 less.

The inherent lack of vibration of an inline six-cylinder makes the 3.0 a paragon of smoothness. Variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and dual-overhead camshafts are responsible for this engine’s ability to crank out a lot of power over a wide range of rpm. It pulls strongly from idle, yet when you need a quick squirt of speed to blend into freeway traffic or pass a truck, it does so effortlessly. The 6-cylinder engine is the only one available with a manual transmission.

BMW’s Steptronic automatic transmission is almost as useful as a manual transmission, however, because it can be shifted manually by sliding the gear lever into a special gate on the left side of the console.

Left to shift automatically, the Steptronic works in concert with the ngine’s computer to generate perfectly seamless shifts.

The X5’s cabin looks like all other BMWs. The instrument cluster is located in a pod behind the steering wheel, and the top of the instrument panel is covered in a heavily textured black material that feels, as one passenger said, “like the surface of a basketball.” In addition to looking rich, it negates reflections in the windshield.

Light poplar wood trim accompanies leather seats as part of the Premium package. Dark wood trim is also offered. There are various option packages from which to choose for items such as heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, power sunroof, automatic climate control, privacy glass and rear-window sunshades.

Fingertip controls for the audio system and cruise control are located on the steering wheel, although their markings are somewhat confusing. The large center console has dual cupholders and large storage bin.

The cargo area is quite generous. Folding the split rear seat is a one-hand operation and no headrests have to be removed to get a flat load floor. The top three-quarters of the liftgate pivots up, leaving a small bottom panel that opens out over the bumper.

The X5 is the kind of vehicle one would expect from a company that builds athletic, sporty sedans. If you want sharp handling and sedan performance without sacrificing room for hauling camping gear, antiques or bikes, this is the ideal vehicle.

Price The base price of the test car was $39,470. Options included the automatic transmission and Premium Package. The sticker price was $43,770.

Warranty Four years or 50,000 miles.

{Point:} BMW’s X5 lacks the trucklike qualities of an SUV, which is why it will appeal to some and not to others. It handles with more confidence and carlike manners than other SUVs, yet it can haul a fair amount of cargo. {Counterpoint:} The panel that houses the manual climate control system looks plain, the radio is difficult to figure out and the panel under the rear bumper looks like an afterthought. SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 3.0-liter, 6-cyl.
Transmission: automatic All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 111 inches
Curb weight: 4,572 lbs.
Base price: $39,470
As driven: $43,770
Mpg rating: 15 city, 20 hwy.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.