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Summary
We have mixed feelings about the BMW X5. It's cargo capacity is no better than a BMW 5 Series wagon. The height of the cargo area is much higher than the 5 Series wagon and getting in and out is more difficult, so it's less practical than the 5 Series wagon. Ride, handling and overall performance are not as good as the 5 Series wagon. And off-road capability is not as good as a serious 4x4 sport-utility.Yet it offers excellent handling on the road. If you want a vehicle that can carry passengers and cargo in comfort, then a BMW 5 Series wagon would be better as it offers similar interior space, a better driving experience, and better fuel economy, all for a comparable price. If you want an SUV that will go rock climbing, then you'd be better off in a Land Rover Discovery. If you want to carry the contents of a small apartment, then you'd be better of with a minivan. All that said, if a sport-utility vehicle is what you want, and your heart is set on a BMW, then you'll love the X5. It offers BMW luxury, character and panache, and it's fun to drive.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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3.0i ($38,900); 4.4i ($49,400) |
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Engines:
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4.4-liter dohc 32v V8 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic with Steptronic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front and side airbags, ABS standard; rear side airbags optional |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Spartanburg, SC |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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X5 4.4i ($49,400) |
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Standard Equipment:
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traction control, dynamic stability control, Hill Descent Control, remote locking with key memory, power/memory front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, automatic climate control, stereo radio/cassette 10-speaker sound system |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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rear side airbags ($385), power moonroof ($1,050), Park Distance control ($350), Xenon headlights ($500), navigation system ($1,990), premium audio system ($1,200), privacy glass ($275) |
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Destination Charge:
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570 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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55720 |
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Layout:
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all-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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282 @ 5400 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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324 @ 3600 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic with Steptronic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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13/17 |
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Wheelbase:
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111.0 |
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Length/width/height:
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183.7/73.7/67.2 |
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Track, f/r:
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61.4/61.4 |
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Turning circle:
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39.7 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.9/58.0/39.3 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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38.5/57.2/35.4 |
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Cargo volume:
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|
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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6000 |
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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7.1 |
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Curb weight:
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4828 |
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Tires:
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P255/55HR18 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc w/ABS and Dynamic Brake Control |
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Fuel capacity:
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24.3 |
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