Your watching a WheelsTV Top200 vehicle test drive on the 2007 BMW 525Xi
For 2007 BMW has introduced the Xi version of its popular 5 series sport sedan.
The Xi designation denotes this version of the 4 door luxury sedan incorporates BMW's intelligent xDrive. The all wheel drive system uses sensors located at all four corners of the vehicle to deliver maximum traction when and where it's needed. These sensors, as well as braking and acceleration input also contribute to the car's Dynamic Stability Control capability that is designed to maximize passenger safety irregardless of road conditions.
Our test vehicle had the optional 6 speed Steptronic automatic transmission; a 6 speed manual comes standard.
There is only one engine choice, the 24 valve 3.0 liter, magnesium/aluminum inline six. But it's 215 horse power and 185 foot pounds of torque deliver exactly the kind of performance that BMW owners have come to expect in their sports sedans.
Braking is provided by large discs all around-12.8 inches up front and 12.6 in the rear. There are several wheel/tire options; standard are a run flat, low profile design by Continental on 17 inch cast alloy rims.
Our ride had the Premium and Sport Packages, highlights of which include the rich leather and wood interior trim, and 20 position power seats. The leather wrapped power adjustable steering wheel has integral controls for the audio system, cruise control and hands free, Blue Tooth wireless communications.
Prominently located in the dash center console is the display for the BMW I Drive system with its on-board computer. The multi-function control knob allows the driver to navigate a wide variety of vehicle safety and comfort functions as well as the CD/Satellite Radio entertainment system.
Passengers in the rear seat are treated to equally posh surroundings that include a comfortable leather, fold-down center armrest and stowage compartment.
Wrap up all these attributes in a package that attains an EPA estimated 20 miles per gallon around town and 27 mpg on the highway and you have a vehicle suitably turned out to wear the twin kidney grilles and the blue and white Roundel of BMW.