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2008 BMW X5 Review
Sport over utility.
2008 X5 Review Summary & Specifications
If sporting, on-pavement driving dynamics are the priority in a luxury SUV, the BMW X5 is a great place to start. If family friendly utility and minimal aggravation are most important, it may not be. As a tall sport sedan with reasonable towing capability, the X5 surpasses nearly all other sport-utilities. It's by no means an off-road vehicle, however. In terms of utility, the X5 lacks the cargo-passenger flexibility and ultimate cargo capacity of many competitors. It also comes with BMW's various efforts to re-invent or at least re-define basic things like turn signals and gear selectors, not to mention the infamous i-Drive interface. That will be good or bad, depending on your tastes and proclivities.J.P. Vettraino reports to NewCarTestDrive.com. from Detroit, with Phil Berg contributing from rural Michigan.
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| Vehicle Category | Pickups |
| Editor | J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup | BMW X5 3.0si ($46,200); 4.8i ($54,800) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.8-liter dual overhead cam 32-valve V8 with variable valve timing |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed automatic with sequential manual shift feature |
| Engines (optional) | 260-hp 3.0-liter I6; 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | two-stage front impact airbags, front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, full cabin head-protection curtains, rollover stabilization control, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist and brake drying, off-road hill descent control, run-flat tires, tire pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Park Distance Control, Rearview Camera |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-332-4269 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 46200 |
| Model Tested MSRP | BMW X5 4.8i ($54,800) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control with charcoal microfilter, 10-way power adjustable front seats with driver-side memory, Nevada leather upholstery, burl walnut, dark bamboo or light poplar wood trim, AM-FM stereo with single CD, weather band, 12 speakers and two subwoofers, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, one-touch power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, Dynamic Cruise Control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, xenon adaptive headlights, fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, trailer wiring |
| Destination Charge | 825 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Technology Package ($2,600) includes Park Distance Control, Rearview camera, navigation system with voice command and Real Time Traffic information; Premium Package ($1,850) with 4-way power lumbar support for front seats, Ambiance Lighting, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, digital compass, power-fold exterior mirrors, universal garage opener, Storage package and BMW Assist with a 4-year subscription and Bluetooth phone interface; Cold Weather Package ($900) includes retractable headlight washers, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ski bag with rear-seat pass-through; ultra-soft Nappa Leather ($1,000); 20-way Comfort Seats ($1,200); Comfort Access keyless starting ($1,000); satellite radio ($595); iPod and USB adaptor ($400); HD radio ($350). |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 65520 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 350 @ 6300 |
| Torque | 350 @ 3400 |
| Fuel Economy | 14/19 |
| Wheelbase | 115.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 191.1/76.1/69.5 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 42.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/na/40.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/na/36.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 61.8 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 6000 |
| Front Suspension | independent double wishbone with coil springs, twin-tube shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent multi-link with air springs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 |
| Curb Weight | 5335 |
| Stock Tires | P255/50R19 all-season |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Brake Drying |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.5 |
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