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2004 BMW X5 Review (continued)
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Summary

The BMW X5 offers excellent handling and performance. Regardless of how much cargo it hauls, the V8 model sure hauls itself. The X5 is a big, high-performance machine that can hold its own in any on-road situation. It offers the high seating position and rugged image that SUV buyers crave.

There's a price for this rugged-lifestyle statement, to be sure. On the road, the X5 does not ride, handle, or accelerate as well as the 5 Series wagon. Getting yourself in or out is more difficult as well. And the height of its cargo area makes loading more difficult.

In terms of SUV attributes, the X5 offers less cargo capacity than most comparably sized SUVs and no more than a BMW 5 Series wagon. The 5 Series wagon is more practical. Off-road, it falls behind any serious 4x4 sport-utility. It does offer a 6000-pound tow rating, however.

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. With its twin-kidney grille, it shouts success. It goes like stink and coddles the driver and occupants in sporty, upscale accommodations, and it fits the trendy-SUV bill. Undeniably, the X5 offers BMW luxury, character and panache.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup: BMW X5 3.0i ($40,995); 4.4i ($52,195)
Engines: 4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic with Steptronic
Saftey Equipment (standard): dual front and front side-impact airbags with dual-threshold deployment; automatic seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; curtain-style head protection airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants; ABS; ASC (Automatic Stability Control); DSC-X (Dynamic Stability Control); CBC (Cornering Brake Control); DBC (Dynamic Brake Control); ADB (Automatic Differential Brake); Brake Assistant; HDC (Hill Descent Control)
Saftey Equipment (optional): rear side-impact airbags ($385)
Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP): BMW X5 4.4i ($52,195)
Standard Equipment: automatic climate control with microfiltration, 8-way power front seats, leather upholstery, remote keyless entry with seat memory, power windows with door-lock and remote operation, wood trim, stereo with 10 speakers and cassette, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Xenon high- and low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, air suspension with self-leveling rear axle and tow-hitch receiver
Options As Tested (MSRP): Premium Package ($2,500) includes power moonroof, auto-dim mirrors, adjustable rear seat backs, lumbar support, onboard computer and BMW assist telematics package; Sport Package ($1,600) includes sport suspension, sport steering wheel, light wood trim, sport seats, Shadowline body trim, black chrome exhaust and titanium colored grilled; Cold Weather Package ($750) includes heated front seats, ski bag and headlight washers; Park Distance Control ($700); rear door-mounted side-impact airbags ($385); navigation system ($1,800)
Destination Charge: 695
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP): 60625
Layout: all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 315 @ 5400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 324 @ 3600
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Steptronic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: 16/22
Wheelbase: 111
Length/width/height: 183.7/73.7/67.2
Track, f/r: 61.4/61.4
Turning circle: 39.7
Seating capacity: 5
Head/hip/leg room, f: 38.9/58.0/39.3
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r: 38.5/57.2/35.4
Cargo volume: 54.4
Payload:
Towing capacity: 6000
Suspension, f: independent
Suspension, r: independent
Ground clearance: 7.1
Curb weight: 4927
Tires: 255/55VR-18
Brakes, f/r: vented disc/vented disc w/ABS and Dynamic Brake Control
Fuel capacity: 24.6


  2004 BMW X5 consumer reviews:
 
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
Love the BMW style and performance. Fun car to drive and has tons of space. But very disappointed in the car phone and voice activiation unit. They need to be improved!
posted by M.Clair on Oct 09 2007
 
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
The X5 is an exceptional SUV. It has great handeling in any conditions. It also has great pick up. My favorite feature are the heated seats. A very reliable car with a good interior design.
posted by Douglas on Oct 09 2007
 
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
Love this SUV's styling. Handling of the SUV is excellent. The X5 is fun to drive and has a very sporty feel to it. Everything is easily accessable. Overall, I am very happy with the car.
posted by Frank on Oct 09 2007
 
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
It is very fun to drive and is drives like a sportscar!! It's a perfect family car yet still has that sporty look to it. My fav features would be the interior cabin room, the performance, safety features, and overall styling of the car.
posted by Dennis on Oct 09 2007
 
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