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Summary
BMW X5 may be the best-handling SUV on the road. It may not haul much cargo, but the V8 models sure haul themselves. They are big, high-performance machines that can hold their own in any on-road situation.X5 leaves us with mixed feelings, however. Its cargo capacity is no better than a BMW 5 Series wagon's, and the height of its cargo area makes loading difficult. Getting yourself in or out is more difficult as well. The 5 Series wagon is more practical. On the road, the X5 does not ride, handle, or accelerate as well as the 5 Series wagon, while off-road, it falls behind any serious 4x4 sport-utility. X5 buyers don't seem to care about any of that, however. They like the X5 because it is prestigious, fast, and luxurious, roughly in that order. It shouts success, it goes like stink, and it coddles driver and occupants in sporty, upscale accommodations. Undeniably, the X5 offers BMW luxury, character and panache. And it is fun to drive.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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3.0i ($39,500); 4.4i ($49,950); 4.6is ($66,800) |
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Engines:
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4.6-liter dohc 32-valve 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 with dual-threshold deployment; height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters; three child-seat tether anchors in rear seat area; automatic locking retractors on all safety belts; head protection system for front- and rear-seat occupants; front-seat side-impact airbags; ABS; DSC |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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rear side-impact airbags |
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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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BMW X5 4.6is ($66,800) |
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Standard Equipment:
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automatic climate control, remote locking with key memory, 8-way power/2-way manual sport front seats w 4-way lumbar support, 3-stage heated front seats, 2-stage heated rear seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, premium audio system w 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers, in-dash cassette player, 6-disc CD changer (glove box or cargo area), ski bag, privacy glass, rear-window sunshades, 2-way power moonroof, special instrumentation, sport steering wheel, dual chrome oval exhaust outlets, automatic-dimming inside and outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Shadowline trim, clear turn-signal and side-marker lenses, Park Distance Control, automatic headlight control, Xenon low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, rear air diffusor, wind splitters at sides of front and rear bumpers, self-leveling rear axle |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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rear door-mounted side-impact airbags ($385); navigation system ($1,800) |
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Destination Charge:
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695 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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69680 |
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Layout:
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four-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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340 @ 5700 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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350 @ 3700 |
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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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14/18 |
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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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54.4 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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5,953 |
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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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4824 |
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Tires:
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275/40WR20 front, 315/35WR20 rear |
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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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24.6 |
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