Teresa’s View
We couldn’t have asked for a better vehicle in which to shuttle the in-laws during a recent visit. As longtime BMW owners, they were excited to see the newly revised X5 in action. So, off we went on local tours, ending each day with an evening cruise to view the Christmas lights.
Traffic updates on the navigation system kept us apprised of slow or blocked routes and even helped us locate a remote restaurant. The small navigation screen is called upon for double duty — providing written instructions and a map — however the map portion is so small it was of little help while driving. Thank goodness I had three navigators.
Had we needed three more, there would have been room for them. Considerably longer and significantly wider, the 2007 X5 offers something the previous generation did not — third-row seating.
Since its introduction in 2000, BMW has preferred to call the X5 an SAV — sport activity vehicle — to differentiate it from those coarse sport-utility rigs. Unlike its primary competitor, the minivan-esque Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the new X5’s visage is downright edgy, although it can look a bit jowly from the side.
Most manufacturers can get the luxury features right, and even introduce a technological wonder or two, but BMW owners expect all that plus performance. The new X5 satisfies with several upgrades including suspension changes that improve an already smooth ride and splendid handling.
BMW endows the X5 with a healthy helping of the latest in automotive technology. I’m especially partial to the safety features, including the Adaptive Brake Lights that illuminate according to the force of braking, giving drivers traveling behind the X5 additional warning during emergency braking.
The choice of engines, and thus, trims, decreased from three to two this year when the 4.4i trim was dropped, leaving the six-cylinder 3.0si and the V-8-powered 4.8i. Both engines have been tweaked for improved output and fuel economy. BMW says our 4.8i tester makes the 0-60 dash in 6.4 seconds.
What Is It?: The next-generation X5 is a midsize, seven passenger premium SAV offered in two trims — the 3.0si, starting at just over $46K and the 4.8i, starting at $55K. BMW promises three new versions, including a hybrid co-developed by General Motors and DaimlerChrysler; a 400-horsepower turbo-charged V-8 iteration; and a twin-turbo diesel model.
Gadget Rating: 8.7 out of 10. The X5 sports too many features to mention and several optional packages. Our tester’s Technology Package included a review back-up camera, park distance control, voice command and real-time traffic reports. A Sport Package adds a heated steering wheel. I’m still not a fan of the overly complex iDrive despite recent changes that simplified the system. The single controller, used to adjust comfort and navigation controls, sits too far back on the center console to operate comfortably. Word on the street is that an all-new system is in the works.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The X5 is built at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C. plant.
Recommended Fuel: Premium.