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2011 BMW X5 Overview

When BMW introduced its first crossover SUV (CUV) in 2000, its marketers called it a SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle. The point was to separate it from other SUVs of the time and position it as a BMW-appropriate blend of versatility and all-weather capability, performance and handling with practicality. The original X5 was not the roomiest or most practical of crossovers, but piloting it down a twisty two-lane ribbon of road was a revelation. It drove like a taller version of the 5 Series sedan.

You'll Like This SUV If...

If you would be driving an upscale German sport sedan such as a BMW 5 series, but want or need more utility, along with AWD security, this may be the right fit for your garage.

You May Not Like This SUV If...

Because the X5 is substantially more expensive than competitors with similar capabilities, and itshandling balance and ride is biased toward firmer road handling, you may be happier with something softer-riding and more affordable.

What's Significant about this Car?

BMW's AWD X5 crossover sports revised style and more aerodynamic trim levels for 2011. It also adopts the turbocharged 6-cylinder and V-8 engines seen in models from the BMW 3 Series to the X6. Both pack more power than last year's generally aspirated engines.

Driving Impressions

Despite its weight, size and optional 3rd-row seats, the 2011 BMW X5 remains one of the few largish SUVs that can be fun to drive for serious drivers. This is due to its sophisticated suspension (double-pivot front and multi-link rear), H-rated all-season tires, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes. We're still not huge fans of BMW's electronic shifter or iDrive multifunction controller, but, once underway, the X5 goes, stops, steers and holds the road like a luxury sport sedan. BMW's ultra-responsive Active Steering and larger wheels and tires, up to a 20-inch performance set, are available on the 50i with Sport Package.

Favorite Features

xDrive Full-Time AWD
With limited ground clearance and all-season tires, the X5 has few off-road aspirations but one of the best all-weather AWD systems on the market. It electronically varies front-to-rear torque and traction control to optimize grip.

Xenon Adaptive Headlamps
These are auto-leveled and steered in response to steering angle, vehicle speed and turning rate to light more of the road through dips and curves, and all four are encircled by luminous rings that serve as parking and daytime running lights.

Exterior

BMW says the 2011 X5 has more than 4,000 new parts versus the 2010 model; comparatively few of them, however, adorn the exterior. Styling changes are fairly light: The standard fog lights have been moved inboard, and the grille and tail carry more body-colored elements. Like before, the headlights include BMW's illuminated rings for daytime running lamps. Changes to the rear include a reshaped lower bumper and revised tailpipes. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 19-inchers optional. An M Sport Package adds more aggressive bodywork and 20-inch wheels.

Interior

The X5's interior continues mostly unchanged. The dash places a wide screen atop the central air vents, with navigation and other interfaces within. It's controlled by BMW's latest-generation iDrive system, whose knob controller now has various shortcut keys surrounding it for easier usage. The automatic transmission continues to employ a console-mounted electronic shifter.

Notable Standard Equipment

The X5's generous allotment of standard features includes a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, xDrive AWD, xenon adaptive auto-leveling headlamps with automatic control, panoramic moonroof, 10-way power front seats with memory, leatherette upholstery, all-season run-flat tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, power tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control and AM/FM/CD/MP3 12-speaker audio with auxiliary input. The V8-powered 50i model features additional items, including leather and a choice of wood trims. Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, trailer stabilization, rollover protection system and front seat-mounted side, two-stage front, front and rear head-curtain airbags. All versions of the X5 get BMW Ultimate Service, which includes roadside assistance and all recommended maintenance for four years/50,000 miles.

Notable Optional Equipment

Many X5 options are grouped into packages, including an Active Ventilated Seat Package with 20-way adjustable multi-contour front seats, a Premium Sound Package, a Rear Climate Package with 4-zone climate control and privacy glass, a Technology Package, a Cold Weather Package, a Sport Package and a Premium Package with power tailgate, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification. The Sport Package includes sport seats, 19-inch wheels, electronic damping control. The Technology Package includes rearview camera and navigation system with Real Time Traffic information, Park Distance Control. The long list of stand-alone options includes Active Steering, third-row seat, Head-up Display, HD radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rear-seat entertainment system, Nevada or Nappa leather, heated front and rear seats, Park Distance Control, navigation, performance tires and 20-inch wheels and BMW Assist.

Under the Hood

The xDrive35i uses a new turbocharged 6-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque — up 40 hp and 75 pounds-feet of torque over last year's normally aspirated X5 xDrive30i. Sixty mph for the xDrive35i comes in 6.4 seconds with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

That's how long it took last year's 350-hp, V-8 xDrive48i to reach the mark. Its replacement, the xDrive50i, has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 400 hp and 450 pounds-feet of torque. Fitted with an 8-speed automatic, the xDrive50i can hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

The X5 xDrive35d carries over with the same drivetrain: a twin-turbo diesel 6-cylinder with 265 hp and 425 pounds-feet of torque. 60 mph comes in 6.9 seconds, BMW says; thanks to the higher efficiency of diesel fuel, EPA gas mileage tops the X5 range at 19/26 mpg city/highway. The xDrive35d uses a 6-speed automatic.

Pricing Notes

The 2011 BMW X5 35i has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting around $46,000. That's more than the competing Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz ML350, and significantly more than the starting MSRP of the Acura MDX. The X5 xDrive 35d pushes the price past $51,000, while the 50i starts close to $58,500. Overall, the X5 xDrive 50i is $3,000 less than the Audi Q7 4.2 and roughly $25,000 less than the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz GL550, but nearly $15,000 more than the V8-powered Cadillac SRX. The X5's projected residual values down the line best the MDX and SRX, and match the larger Q7 and GL550.

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