BMW X5
A midsized SUV, the BMW X5 differs from most SUVs by placing an emphasis on on-road performance and handling rather then off-road capabilities. Built on a car-based chassis and given a lower stance, the X5 was designed from the ground up to give outstanding on-road performance and handling. Despite having inferior off-road capabilities then its competitors, the X5 still offers most of the amenities of an SUV with its all-wheel drive, third row seating option, and 6000lb towing capacity, it has the presence of an SUV, and the class and style of a BMW.
Currently it is available in three variants: the BMW X5 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive48i, and turbodiesel XDrive35d. Each of the three variants comes with their own individual engine with the xDrive35i powered by a 260-horsepower inline-six cylinder engine, the Xdrive48i powered by a 450 horsepower 4.8 liter V8, and the xDrive35d powered by a 265 horsepower turbocharged diesel engine. In each of these trims the term “xDrive” refers to the all-wheel-drive system that gives each of the BMW X5s enhanced all-weather capability by allowing transfer of 100% of the engine’s torque to one individual tire.
The interior of the X5 is described as handsome by critics. Highlighted by a large center-mounted display screen, the X5’s interior is made from high-quality materials and made with excellent craftsmanship, and offers comfortable seating for both driver and passengers, and further emphasizes luxury with the numerous options and features that it is offered with. Standard equipment for the BMW X5 includes 18-inch alloy wheels, panorama glass moonroof, automatic climate control, wood interior trim, leather upholstery, and iDrive system.
Safety equipment for the X5 consists of anti-lock disc brakes, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control, rollover sensor, run-flat tires, and overhead curtain airbags for all rows.
Overview/History
The X5 represents BMW’s first entry into the luxury SUV segment, and is referred to by BMW as a SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) rather then an SUV, in order to emphasize the X5’s sports-car like on-road ability, and also to distinguish it from other vehicles within its segment.
Since its debut the BMW X5 has gone through subtle changes and improvements, such as increases in passenger seating and performance power, and structural changes. Perhaps the biggest change for the X5 was the introduction of the xDrive system in 2004, which allowed power to be transferred to individual powers unlike previous models which only allowed transfer of power between the front and the rear.