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2004 BMW X5 Review
Freshened styling and a new 4.8is model.
2004 X5 Review Summary & Specifications
The BMW X5 offers excellent handling and performance. Regardless of how much cargo it hauls, the V8 model sure hauls itself. The X5 is a big, high-performance machine that can hold its own in any on-road situation. It offers the high seating position and rugged image that SUV buyers crave.There's a price for this rugged-lifestyle statement, to be sure. On the road, the X5 does not ride, handle, or accelerate as well as the 5 Series wagon. Getting yourself in or out is more difficult as well. And the height of its cargo area makes loading more difficult. In terms of SUV attributes, the X5 offers less cargo capacity than most comparably sized SUVs and no more than a BMW 5 Series wagon. The 5 Series wagon is more practical. Off-road, it falls behind any serious 4x4 sport-utility. It does offer a 6000-pound tow rating, however. X5 buyers don't seem to care about any of that, however. They like the X5 because it is prestigious, fast, and luxurious, roughly in that order. With its twin-kidney grille, it shouts success. It goes like stink and coddles the driver and occupants in sporty, upscale accommodations, and it fits the trendy-SUV bill. Undeniably, the X5 offers BMW luxury, character and panache.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | BMW X5 3.0i ($40,995); 4.4i ($52,195) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 225-hp 3.0-liter inline-6; 315-hp, 4.4-liter V8; 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed automatic with Steptronic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 5-speed Steptronic automatic; 6-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front and front side-impact airbags with dual-threshold deployment; automatic seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; curtain-style head protection airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants; ABS; ASC (Automatic Stability Control); DSC-X (Dynamic Stability Control); CBC (Cornering Brake Control); DBC (Dynamic Brake Control); ADB (Automatic Differential Brake); Brake Assistant; HDC (Hill Descent Control) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear side-impact airbags ($385) |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-334-4269 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 40995 |
| Model Tested MSRP | BMW X5 4.4i ($52,195) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control with microfiltration, 8-way power front seats, leather upholstery, remote keyless entry with seat memory, power windows with door-lock and remote operation, wood trim, stereo with 10 speakers and cassette, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Xenon high- and low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, air suspension with self-leveling rear axle and tow-hitch receiver |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Package ($2,500) includes power moonroof, auto-dim mirrors, adjustable rear seat backs, lumbar support, onboard computer and BMW assist telematics package; Sport Package ($1,600) includes sport suspension, sport steering wheel, light wood trim, sport seats, Shadowline body trim, black chrome exhaust and titanium colored grilled; Cold Weather Package ($750) includes heated front seats, ski bag and headlight washers; Park Distance Control ($700); rear door-mounted side-impact airbags ($385); navigation system ($1,800) |
| Destination Charge | 695 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 60625 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 315 @ 5400 |
| Torque | 324 @ 3600 |
| Fuel Economy | 16/22 |
| Wheelbase | 111 |
| Length/Width/Height | 183.7/73.7/67.2 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 39.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.9/58.0/39.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.5/57.2/35.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 54.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 6000 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 7.1 |
| Curb Weight | 4927 |
| Stock Tires | 255/55VR-18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc w/ABS and Dynamic Brake Control |
| Fuel Capacity | 24.6 |
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