With its 2009 model, the BMW X5 enters its second decade as the manufacturer's first mid-size crossover sport utility vehicle. It doesn't warrant legendary status, but with some of rivals, the Lexus RX300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 represented the switch in SUVs from truck-based to sedan-based crossover vehicles now prevalent in the category.
The Weekly Driver Ratings
Acceleration (6) Steady as it goes. It's not the fastest SUV, but the 3.0-liter, 24-valve, 260-horsepower doesn't waste any time, either. There's also a 4.8-liter, 350-horsepower, V8. It wasn't test, but it likely gets the job done with a quicker acceleration and obviously heavier duty power.
Braking/Steering/Handling (6) Three of BMW's finer traits. The X5 exudes confidence on the open road. But it's a good thing a friend's wife drives an X5. When I mentioned the stiffness of the car's steering, he mentioned the dealership where his wife's car was purchased offered steering adjustments at the time of purchase. That's good to know.
Cargo Room (6) Lots of small side storage compartments and a cavernous area under the rear bed's floor mats. A dozen bags of groceries? Now worries. Most SUVs can handle that load. But during a weekend excursion to the lumber store, I loaded two 10x4s in the cabin. They fit while cinched between the backseat TV screen. With the tailgate secure, the wood touched the front windshield, but it fit.
Controls (6) High quality material and ideally positioned on the console, but temperature gauges and radio control button and dials aren't intuitive. Like many European-influenced vehicles in the past few years, the X5 has a few too many controls. It's beautiful, but not beautifully practical. One annoyance: the safety sensors indicating something or someone is nearby are too sensitive.
Details (7) BMW is a prideful Germany automaker. But all X5s are now manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It doesn't mean the BMW doesn't have German craftsmanship. It does and the iconic BMW look is still readily apparent in the interior, trim and overall design.
Front Seats (7) Good leg room and multiple adjusting positioning (including adjustable thigh support). Headrests provide the X5's largest issue - obscured vision at several side and rear view locations.
Fuel Economy (3) Luxury, heavy vehicle means it's from any consideration of “being green.” Premium fuel is recommended that only makes the 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway harder to accept.
Quietness (7) This is another strong BMW trait. Roll up windows, crank up the sound system and how sweet is the open road. Opt for no music and the silence provides stress relief.
Rear Seats (5) Comfortable for two adults and small child. But three adults are snug. Leg room and head room are satisfactory, but BMW could have done better.
Ride Quality (6) With its various included options, it's a $60,000 vehicle and without the complete list of plentiful bells and whistles, it's a $50,000 car. It should provide comfort, security and confidence in all with or without its options. It does.
The Weekly Driver’s Final Words — The BMW has all the keen attributes of the brand, solid on the open road, beautifully designed inside and out. But it's not perfect and just like with any higher end SUV, it's hard to know in what car-buying segment the X5 fits. For me, luxury SUV sounds like a contradiction or it should be.
