In front, the driver benefits from a beautiful instrument panel and a shift lever that looks complicated at first glance, but ends up working extremely well. Once again, we're stuck confronting the evil iDrive, but at least there are now a lot of controls in the dash, and you spend less time fiddling through menus on the computer interface for setting temperature and radio preferences. The heated steering wheel seems superfluous, but you know you'll look ridiculous driving a $70,000-plus BMW with wool mittens, and we quickly become addicted to it.
Conclusion
With the Dynamic Handling Package ($4,700), the Activity Package ($1,300) and the 3rd-row seating, the total price for this test X5 is $81,000. With every option box checked, you'll attain a tab of $96,000, a sum that gives me nosebleeds. At least an X5 3.0si starts at $61,900.
However, competition that offers 7-passenger seating isn't much better: an Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro Premium costs $79,900; a Cadillac SRX V8 with all-wheel drive and options costs $71,870; a Mercedes-Benz GL 450 costs $76,500; finally, a Volvo XC90 V8 costs $67,995. The $61,900 Acura MDX Elite is a bargain compared to the others, although it's less powerful and less prestigious.
Full steam ahead, BMW's X5 is a solid choice in its category and a nice evolution of the first generation. It doesn't have much to envy in its rivals, and it doesn't have much we can complain about. It isn't the most spacious choice if you really need 7-passenger capacity, but if you're okay with the price, you'll probably be pretty happy behind the wheel of the X5.
Sublime engine
Capable xDrive
Luxurious cockpit
Running boards get your pants dirty
Price climbs quickly with options
iDrive (unless you're a techno-geek)
3rd row of seats not very inviting
photo:Philippe Champoux
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| The dashboard looks and feels rich. |
Conclusion
With the Dynamic Handling Package ($4,700), the Activity Package ($1,300) and the 3rd-row seating, the total price for this test X5 is $81,000. With every option box checked, you'll attain a tab of $96,000, a sum that gives me nosebleeds. At least an X5 3.0si starts at $61,900.
However, competition that offers 7-passenger seating isn't much better: an Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro Premium costs $79,900; a Cadillac SRX V8 with all-wheel drive and options costs $71,870; a Mercedes-Benz GL 450 costs $76,500; finally, a Volvo XC90 V8 costs $67,995. The $61,900 Acura MDX Elite is a bargain compared to the others, although it's less powerful and less prestigious.
Full steam ahead, BMW's X5 is a solid choice in its category and a nice evolution of the first generation. It doesn't have much to envy in its rivals, and it doesn't have much we can complain about. It isn't the most spacious choice if you really need 7-passenger capacity, but if you're okay with the price, you'll probably be pretty happy behind the wheel of the X5.
 |
Sublime engine
Capable xDrive
Luxurious cockpit
 |
Running boards get your pants dirty
Price climbs quickly with options
iDrive (unless you're a techno-geek)
 |
3rd row of seats not very inviting
photo:Philippe Champoux
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