BMW X5 Review
BMW has long been a name in luxury sedans and motorcycles, so the BMW X5 came as a surprise to many. Although the main selling point for SUVs has been their ability to venture off-road, BMW realized that SUV owners rarely utilize this aspect of their vehicles, and so instead of focusing on where the SUV won’t go, BMW focused on performance and handling. The result was the X5, which is a compact size with a car-based chassis. This is what gives the X5 such a low profile, but at the same time, the ability to have great on-road performance.
The first-generation BMW X5 began production in Spartanburg, South Carolina and since its release, it has been a popular vehicle in the United States. Originally, the X5 only sat five people, but due to consumer demand for a larger SUV, BMW reworked the SUV into the current model, which is a bit larger than its first inception. The X5 now has optional third-row seating which means it can seat 7 comfortably while still retaining its cargo capacity. Despite the redesign to include the third row seating option and the size changes to accommodate this, the X5 is still a great luxury SUV with superb performance and handling.
The current model BMW X5 has three variations, with three different engine choices. The X5 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive48i, and the xDrive35d are all on the line up, and engine power ranges from 260-horsepower and a six-cylinder engine, all the way up to the turbocharged diesel engine of the xDrive 48i, with 265 hp and 425 pounds of torque. The name xDrive which is applied to all the vehicles stands for the all wheel drive system which installed and makes all weather driving a breeze.
Living up to its name as a sport utility vehicle, the X5 offers a great amount thanks to the all-wheel drive and the third-row seating option. While it’s a family-friendly SUV, the BMW X5 has been designed with sport in mind, and BMW has taken this to the extreme in a formula which luxury manufacturers have attempted to copy, but have done so unsuccessfully.
Perhaps one of the most praised things concerning the X5 was the interior furnishings. Reviewers found them to be sophisticated and handsome, as well as the seating to be comfortable for both driver and passengers. Citing top-notch craftsmanship and excellent quality, there only thing which bothered test drivers was the iDrive system interface and surprisingly, the size of the third-row seat, which some felt was too small to be used by adults.
All in all, these features are what makes the X5 a great luxury SUV to own, while not giving up the sport which has come to be expected from vehicles of this class. The X5 makes a great crossover between luxury car and luxury SUV, so those looking for a bit more room should definitely consider the X5, as it makes no compromises in quality.
BMW X5 Video Review
