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The 2009 BMW X5 comes in three variations, including a new diesel-powered model, all with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel-drive.
The BMW X5 xDrive30i ($47,500) is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 260 horsepower. It comes well equipped, with a 12-speaker, single-CD stereo, niceties such as a choice of wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, driver's seat memory and a power sunroof. The standard upholstery is BMW's Leatherette vinyl, and the wheels measure 18 inches in diameter.
The X5 xDrive35d ($51,200) is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six in the same inline configuration. The diesel generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates more quickly than the gasoline six-cylinder, yet its EPA mileage rating are nearly 25 percent higher. It also qualifies for a federal tax credit of roughly $1,500.
The BMW X5 xDrive48i ($54,800) is powered by a gasoline V8 with 350 horsepower. It also adds leather upholstery.
Popular options are clustered in several packages, which have been re-aligned slightly for 2009. The Technology Package ($2,600) includes Park Distance Control, Rearview camera and a navigation system with voice command and Real Time Traffic information. The Cold Weather Package ($1,250) adds retractable headlight washers, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and a ski bag with rear-seat pass-through, while the Rear Climate Package ($900) adds four-zone climate control, manual rear sunshades and privacy glass.
The Sport Package ($3,700) adds Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control suspension, 19-inch wheels, heavily bolstered sport seats and Anthracite exterior trim. Other option groups include the Premium Package ($2,200-$3,400), which adds front-seat power lumbar support, an automatic tailgate, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a digital compass, power-fold exterior mirrors, Bluetooth phone interface, BMW Assist with a 4-year subscription and leather seating for the 30i and 35d.
Options include a premium sound system with 16 speakers and a six-CD changer ($2,100), Active Ventilated 20-way front seats with a massage feature for the driver ($2,100), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,700), ultra-soft Nappa leather ($2,400), Comfort Access keyless starting ($1,000), satellite radio ($595), iPod and USB adaptor ($400), and HD radio ($350).
Safety features include front airbags with two-stage activation, side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain-style airbags providing head protection for outboard passengers front and rear. Active safety features include electronic stability control and advanced anti-lock brakes with a pre-loading and water-sweeping feature. All X5 models come standard with run-flat tires, which allow operation at 50 mph for up to 90 miles when completely flat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety designated the 2008 X5 a Top Safety Pick, and it performs better than many SUVs in the insurance industry's crash tests.
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