Originally called a "sports activity vehicle," the BMW X5 delivers superb handling and performance. It may be the best-handling SUV on the road. It almost feels like an oversized rally car. Muddy trails are easily negotiable, though this isn't what we'd call a highly capable off-road vehicle. And cargo capacity isn't a strong point.
Model LineupTwo models are available: 3.0i ($38,900) and 4.4i ($49,400).
BMW launched the X5 for 2000 as one upscale model powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic Steptronic transmission.
For 2001, the 3.0i was added with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox (ZF Type C) comes standard; BMW's 5-speed Steptronic is optional.
WalkaroundThe X5 is immediately recognizable as a BMW. In fact it looks like a 540i wagon on steroids - and it is remarkably close in overall size. From the kidney-shaped grille to the tailgates, the curvy X5 is all BMW. The slope of the tailgate looks almost identical to that of the 5 Series wagon. The major difference is that the X5 is 10 inches taller than the 5 Series wagon. This increased ride height is the key element of making this vehicle more like a sport-utility.
BMW's X5 is called a light-duty truck by the government. Most truck-based SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, are built with the body bolted onto a frame. The X5, however, uses a monocoque body shell like that of a regular sedan. This unit-body construction provides a much stiffer body shell, which improves handling, reduces noise and allows better fit and finish. The X5 is not the first monocoque SUV; the Lexus RX 300 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee follow the same design concept. Because of the unit-body construction they share, the Lexus RX 300 is the X5's closest competitor in terms of ride comfort and handling.
The X5 rides on big-diameter 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires that lend an aggressive appearance, and even more aggressive 19-inch wheels are an option.
Model LineupTwo models are available: 3.0i ($38,900) and 4.4i ($49,400).
BMW launched the X5 for 2000 as one upscale model powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic Steptronic transmission.
For 2001, the 3.0i was added with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox (ZF Type C) comes standard; BMW's 5-speed Steptronic is optional.
WalkaroundThe X5 is immediately recognizable as a BMW. In fact it looks like a 540i wagon on steroids - and it is remarkably close in overall size. From the kidney-shaped grille to the tailgates, the curvy X5 is all BMW. The slope of the tailgate looks almost identical to that of the 5 Series wagon. The major difference is that the X5 is 10 inches taller than the 5 Series wagon. This increased ride height is the key element of making this vehicle more like a sport-utility.
BMW's X5 is called a light-duty truck by the government. Most truck-based SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, are built with the body bolted onto a frame. The X5, however, uses a monocoque body shell like that of a regular sedan. This unit-body construction provides a much stiffer body shell, which improves handling, reduces noise and allows better fit and finish. The X5 is not the first monocoque SUV; the Lexus RX 300 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee follow the same design concept. Because of the unit-body construction they share, the Lexus RX 300 is the X5's closest competitor in terms of ride comfort and handling.
The X5 rides on big-diameter 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires that lend an aggressive appearance, and even more aggressive 19-inch wheels are an option.
