2010 BMW X5

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The X5's excellent performance is its trump card. It handles like a sport sedan and has power to spare. Though fuel economy isn't one of the X5's high points, the xDrive35d diesel model is a good option for those looking to save at the pump.

• "Compared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the new X5 is still a little firmer, edgier and more aggressive in the way it translates driver inputs." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The X5 is a kick to drive, with such items as precise new variable-ratio steering and remarkably sharp handling for such a big fella. The firm ride is supple and better than the stiffer ride of the first-generation X5. Improved brakes provide quick, sure stops and are controlled by a firm brake pedal." -- MSN
• "The X5 diesel debunks any theories about diesel-powered cars being smelly and loud; it's neither. While the engine did have a little extra purr to it, the cabin is so well-insulated I almost couldn't hear it. This all-wheel-drive car drives like the luxury SUV it's supposed to be." -- Mother Proof
• "Technical details aside, what you really need to know is this: 265 horsepower and an eye-popping 425 pound-feet of torque (the latter at just 1750 rpm), accompanied by roughly 25-percent-better fuel economy [from the diesel engine] than that of a comparably powerful gasoline engine." -- Car and Driver

Acceleration and Power

The xDrive30i comes with a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower, while the xDrive48i comes with a V8 that makes 350 horsepower. The xDrive35d comes with a 3.0-liter, 265-horsepower, six-cylinder Advanced Diesel twin-turbocharged engine. Test drivers find that both gasoline engines offer impressive power, though a few aren't as impressed with the diesel's acceleration.

The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 X5, but the 2009 30i base model achieves 15/21 mpg city/highway, while the 48i V8 model achieves 14/19 mpg. These figures are unimpressive and on the average to low side for their class. However, the diesel model substantially increases fuel economy by achieving 19/26 mpg, making it one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in the class.

For even better fuel economy without shelling out for a diesel model, consider the Lexus RX 350. It will save you a whopping $10,000 or more compared to the cost of the X5 and boasts an 18/25 mpg rating.

• "The X5 xDrive35d should take about a second longer to hit 60 [than the 335d diesel-powered sedan] but is expected to deliver similarly impressive-for a big ute-mpg of 19 city and 25 highway." -- Car and Driver
• "This is an impressive bump in efficiency, especially when you consider that the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel in the xDrive35d also delivers better performance. Its 265 horsepower is only a five-notch increase over the gasoline engine's output, but the diesel's 425 pound-feet of torque nearly doubles the 225 lb-ft you get with the 3.0si. " -- Edmunds
• "30i has more than adequate power for most needs. We appreciate the V8's additional smooth, strong power, particularly in high-speed passing, but not its non-linear throttle response. 35d diesel nearly matches the V8's power, plus enjoys more direct throttle response. Regardless of engine, the transmission shifts smoothly with alert downshifts."  -- Consumer Guide
• "Shift quality is excellent, and the transmission kicks down rapidly when necessary. In Sport mode, kickdown is swifter still, and the transmission doesn't upshift as readily, providing decent engine braking with the V-8." -- Cars.com
• "Creeping through city streets, the X5 xDrive35d 's engine sounded like farm machinery, and acceleration was hardly quick, showing noticeable lag before it got up and went." -- CNET

Handling and Braking

Standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, the X5 is an excellent handler, if a bit harsh for those unaccustomed to German driving dynamics. For the most engaging driving experience, consider upgrading to the $3,700 Sport Package, which comes with Adaptive Drive and Electronic Damping Control. This enhances the X5's handling on curves at any speed

• "With the standard 18-inch tires, the ride is comfortable and controlled. The available Sport Package and 19-inch tires are borderline harsh, with much bounding over sharp bumps and jiggling over rough pavement."  -- Consumer Guide
• "The ride is a bit harder than Americans typically prefer, but you want road feel in a BMW." -- BusinessWeek
• "BMW's active steering is an acquired taste. It makes maneuvering the X5 nearly effortless, but expect a learning curve before you're able to dial in precisely the appropriate amount of lock at any given speed." -- Automobile Magazine