BMW X5
Overall Score - 7.7 (Good)
The X5 delivers sports sedan performance and optional seating for seven, but is not the best off-road option. If you're in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, you should also consider the highly rated Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX and Infiniti FX, or the Land Rover LR3 for better off-road performance.
Updated for 2007, the BMW X5 offers superior on-road performance and a plush interior, with a very similar look to the 2006 model. Automobile Magazine sums it up best, describing the X5 as "a perfect mix of luxury and sport." The redesigned X5's extra size, seating, and cargo room pushed the Washington Post to call it the "most family oriented vehicle BMW has developed and built to date." Motor Trend says that despite these changes, "BMW openly admits that with the second generation it aimed to keep the basic character of the original... So don't be surprised if your neighbor doesn't ooh and awe over your 'enhanced' X5."
Even with its increased size, critics rave that the 2007 BMW X5 drives like a sport sedan. Edmunds finds the X5 "still very entertaining to drive as luxury SUVs go." They go on to remind buyers that the X5 is best suited for on-road family activities, commenting, "Realizing that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, BMW designed the X5 for on-road performance and handling." The X5's on-road performance is so strong that Car and Driver named it as a major factor in their ranking the X5 third out of eight in a comparison of luxury mid-size SUVs, and didn't miss off-road performance much. In fact, they write, "Off-roaders will still rue the lack of low-range four-wheel drive, but BMW's traction- and stability-control systems proved so adept - and so transparent in their disciplinary actions - that the X5 rarely had trouble digging through [snow] drifts."
Once buyers add popular options, the 2007 BMW X5's price can easily top $60,000. Despite a high price compared to most luxury SUVs, the X5 received a 2007 SmartChoice award from IntelliChoice for its history of high resale value, and earns a "better than average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class. Those who don't need the absolute highest-rated driving performance available in an SUV can spend less by going with the capable Acura MDX. As BusinessWeek says, the MDX is a solid choice unless "money is no object. In that case, there's nothing quite like a Bimmer."
X5 Performance - 7.9 (Good)
The 2007 BMW X5 offers two engine choices: The 260-horsepower inline six standard in the X5 3.0si is plenty strong for a family drive, and the 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 in the X5 4.8i adds the punch desired by true driving enthusiasts. Consumer Guide reports, "Outstanding balance, grip, steering feel make X5 feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV." continue
X5 Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Redesigned for 2007, the X5 has gained in size but otherwise looks strikingly similar to the 2006 model. With looks that thWashington Post describes as "pleasant," the X5 follows the styling of the rest of BMW's models with sharp lines and a sporty, muscular stance. continue
X5 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 X5 has seating for seven and includes loads of high-tech features to entertain passengers and make them comfortable. The Los Angeles Times reviewer calls it "the most beautiful vehicle interior I've ever seen." Many reviewers find the major drawback to be the iDrive system (BMW's radio and climate control system), which is often considered frustrating to use. continue
X5 Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
The federal government has not crash-tested the X5, but in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the X5 received a rating of "good," the highest possible, in frontal crash tests. Automobile Magazine says the X5 is "one of the best machines money can buy to get you and six of your favorite people wherever you want to go, safely." continue
X5 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 BMW X5 reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The X5 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/50,000-mile free maintenance program.
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