Indeed, with a drag coefficient of 0.34, the X5 is an aerodynamically efficient vehicle, as tall, boxy SUVs go. Its underbody is smoothed with various fairing devices. The front spoiler directs air around the front tires, reducing resistance as the X5 punches a substantial hole in the air.
BMW tried to increase the X5's utility when it redesigned it for 2007, stretching it seven inches to add rear legroom and cargo space. By wheelbase and overall length, the X5 now sits mid-pack among key competitors: Slightly larger than the Acura MDX, Land Rover LR2, Mercedes M-Class and Volvo XC90, and quite a bit smaller than the Audi Q7, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus GX470.
The clamshell tailgate is a mixed bag, in our view. The lower third drops down, once the upper portion has been lifted up. On the plus side, the split design is handy for dropping smaller packages in the back. The little tailgate keeps items from falling out when you open the hatch, which can be a problem on some SUVs with a single liftgate, and it provides a nice (though high) bench for changing shoes or just resting a moment. The problem is that the upper portion includes not only the glass, but also half the metal that comprises the rear of the vehicle. In other words, it's the heavier, more substantial portion of the gate. It takes more effort to operate than it would if only the glass opened up and down. The optional power tailgate helps in this respect, and we recommend getting it. Next Page