2010 BMW X5 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation BMW X5 from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

The BMW X5 received rave reviews when it was launched; road testers were ecstatic about the performance and handling of the big wagon. NEW The new model released in 2007 looked much like the previous model, but it was bigger, and for the first time there was seating for seven.  There were lots of other upgrades too,

Whatever you want to call it - a Sport Utility or Activity Vehicle - the BMW X5 is a yardstick for the big wagon market.  The updated family truckster from BMW has adopted some new engines as well as a styling tweak and it reunites Carsguide with a much-loved engine.The X5 35i is propelled by the sweet twin-turbo straight six and the chassis has lost none of its capability in the bends.PRICING & DRIVETRAINThe X5 35i might not look like value for money at $103,900 before it gets plates and a sticker, but there's a features list that takes a bit of the sting out of this versatile machine's pricetag. As you'd expect for that money, there's a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, keyless go, front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation (with hard drive), anti-dazzle mirrors, a sound system which shares the 80gig hard drive with the satnav, Bluetooth phone link that can be upgraded for Bluetooth audio, cruise control with braking function, 19in alloys, parking sensors front and rear, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights.The test car was fitted with a number of options totalling about $12,000, including bi-xenon adaptive headlights with high-beam assist and the head-up display - which is informative (speed and satnav directions are handy) but the display doesn't show up at all well if the driver is wearing polarising sunglasses.  The lighting package isn't cheap but it is clever and effective.TECHNOLOGYThe 35i (which replaces the near-$20,00 cheaper 30i) is powered by the direct-injection twin-turbo variable-valve straight-six petrol engine - one of the best powerplants in the BMW range, adding 20kW and 85Nm.  Despite a kerb weight over two tonnes, the 35i can still hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, and sings a sweet tune while doing so.Featuring the double-VANOS variable camshaft control system, BMW claims that despite such good outputs and the 35i can return 10.1 litres per 100 km, down from the outgoing 30i by 1.6 l/100km.That's probably due in no small part to the presence of the eight-speed automatic.  The BMW regenerative braking system is new to the X5, putting energy back into the electrical system and reducing the load on the powertrain.DESIGNThere's no mistaking the X5 for anything other than the latest incarnation of the big Beemer - its sculpted and has bulges in all the right places, with the daytime running lights giving it even more menace than the already-aggressive road stance - it's gone up a size in wheel to 19in and that adds to the handsome looks.Inside there's not an over-abundance of cabin space but enough for four adults - provided none are too tall - to be comfortably seated, with the boot able to swallow a reasonable amount, although it is not a cavernous load bay.  The optional third row is a kids-only bench and would eat into the luggage space - if you're needing a third row there are probably better options.SAFETYThe X5 has all manner of passive and active safety systems, the most obvious being three-point seatbelts, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags.  There's also the stability control system, which comprises anti-lock brakes, traction control, roll-over sensors.The big Beemer does have the off-road hill descent control system but given the vehicle is not really set up for off-roading it's a little superfluous.  It's all-wheel drive system is one of the more intelligent systems on offer, using all four wheels - running a front to rear 40:60 split most of the time - rather than running front-wheel drive and reacting to traction changes.The system also sends drive to the rear end for corner exits, which contributes to its cornering prowess.DRIVINGThe X5 is without doubt one of the best SUVs to drive ... on the right road.  Tatty road surfaces that are becoming the norm are not flattering to the ride quality of the X5, due in part perhaps to the run-flat tyres on its rims.But it gets better the harder you push it and can be swifter than appearances would suggest.  The turbo powerplant takes a smidgin longer to huff and puff and get underway than it does in a 1-Series coupe, but then extra lard will do that.But once up and running, the seamless outputs put the big wagon well into its stride and it can be quick and pleasantly planted, a well-balanced machine to drive.  If it wears an SUV tag then it needs to be able to get a little dirty and A-grade dirt doesn't phase the big German (it's a Yank actually, built in Alabama).Endowed with a well-controlled body, more-than competent chassis and clever four-wheel drive system - as well as the aforementioned grunt - the X5 makes back road trips fuss-free regardless of the surface.VERDICTA talented machine that - mostly - keeps getting better with every update - it's easy to see why the X5 outsells the smaller and cheaper X-models by more than two to one. 85/100BMW X5 35iPrice: from $103,900.Engine: three-litre 24-valve variable-valve twin-turbocharged petrol six-cylinder.Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive.Power: 225kW @ 5800rpm.Torque: 400Nm between 1200 & 5000rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 6.8 seconds. Top speed 235km/h.Fuel consumption: 10.1litres/100km, on test 14.9, tank 85litres.Emissions: 236g/km.Brakes: four-wheel ventilated discs, with stability, brake assist, hill descent and traction control systems.Dimensions: length 4857mm, width 1933mm, height 1776mm, wheelbase 2933mm, track fr/rr 1644/1650mm, cargo volume 620/1750litres, towing capacity 750kg unbraked/2700kg braked, weight 2070kg.Wheels: 19in alloys.

It's important to make regular returns and re-runs with benchmark cars in Australian showrooms. So here we are with the 2010 update of the BMW X5, the car that's been top of the prestige SUV pack since it first landed in Australia.The latest tweaks are a mid-life overhaul, just like the VEII Commodore, and, just like the Holden hero, BMW has concentrated on efficiency with the remake of the X5. It's also focussed on keeping an edge over everything from the Audi Q5 to the Benz ML - and perhaps even the giant ML - the all-new Porsche Cayenne and the massively improved Range Rover Sport.Changes to the X5 include three new models - xDrive35i, X5 xDrive40d and flagship X5 xDrive50i - improved engines with more power torque, better fuel economy and more emphasis on the Sport package which has been popular with so many X5 buyers."We have given the car the highest standard specification in the segment. Combined with its on-road performance, and a range of features that are not offered by our competitors, the BMW X5 looks set to continue its success story in Australia,” says the boss of BMW Australia, Stavros Yallouridis.VALUEThe starting price of $92,100 looks pretty good, but that's for the basic 3-litre diesel and you can easily run the X5 up to $133,400 - bottom line for the new 50i Sport - or even more for the M-built model. And BMW options are always there to entice, with everything from Sport packs to third-row seats, all sorts of light choices, leather and wood, and on and on and on.Maximising value in any BMW is about picking the right model and staying as close as possible to the standard specification, which is usually pretty good these days.Looking at some of its rivals, and concentrating on the mid-range 40d which looks to be the potential best-seller, the BMW lines up well against revised Q7s from Audi, although Benz starts a fair bit cheaper at $84,760 for a 3-litre ML.TECHNOLOGYThis time around the X5 improvements are focussed on the engines. It's possible to fill an entire Carsguide liftout with the detail, so lets concentrate on the 40d M Sport which arrives for testing. Its diesel engine is a significant step up from the previous 35d, with the inline six taking on twin-turbo and common-rail injection technology.BMW says output is up by 15 kiloWatts and 20 Newton-metres, the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint time is down to 6.6 seconds and fuel economy is 10 per cent better than the outgoing 35d at 7.5 litres/100km.The all-wheel drive system is unchanged but X5s move up to BMW's latest eight-speed automatic gearbox with speed-tuned Servotronic steering as standard.DESIGNThe '10 model is only a tweak, which means the nose has the greatest change. There are larger side intakes, more use of body-coloured paint, re-positioned foglamps and matt-silver body protection. The tail lamps are also new, with an L shape.The 40d comes with a  standard Sports package including a leather-wrapped wheel, a special anthracite roof liner, as well as stuff like bi-Xenon lamps, Bluetooth, a sunroof, leather seats and more.SAFETYA lot of SUVs feel like trucks but one of the safety advantages in the X5 - from day one - is its carlike driving feel. There is the usual suite of front and side airbags, ABS with brakeforce distribution, top-class ESP stability control and more.The 40d also comes standard with a rear-view camera, which should be compulsory now on every SUV, automatic high-beam cut, and the chance to add lane departure warning for $1400, adaptive headlights at $1000 and the latest active cruise control with Stop&Start for a hefty $4700.DRIVING - Paul GoverThe X5 has always been one of my favourite drives the latest model continues the appeal, mostly because of the way it drives but also because the 40d - even with a bottom line in the test car of $149,220 - has so much nice stuff.It's hard not to enjoy well-shaped leather seats, the sunroof, and even the lane-departure and rear-camera systems.The latest X5 seems bigger than I remember, and a bit beefier too, but the latest turbodiesel has more than enough muscle for the job. It does not feel as sweet as some of BMW's earlier turbodiesels, perhaps because of the latest high-pressure fuel injection, and there sounds to be more rattling at start-up. But the only other thing I can criticise is the lack of gearchange paddles on the steering wheel.The eight-speed auto is as wonderful as I remember from other BMWs and both responsive and efficient.The latest X5 is seriously quick, is great for family work, yet drives more like a car than a truck. If BMW can keep this up with the new X3 - which is actually similar in size to the original X5 - instead of straying into the middle of the X1 then it will be seriously tough to toss in the luxury SUV class.SHE SAYS - Alison WardIt's been so long since I've driven an X5 that I don't notice most of the changes. The car still drives well and has heaps of space, and I like little things like the pull-up sunshades to cover Mr Man in the back seat. It's a lot nicer in the X5 than the X1, which I still don't really understand.The performance is pretty good for something this size, which even has an optional fold-out third-row seat in the car we're driving. It's not going to be any good for adults but should be fine if there are extra bubs around.I've always liked the X5 but I've also been spoiled recently by the Mercedes GL. It's bigger, more cushy and, for me, a nicer drive. If I already owned an X5 I can see it would be worth upgrading, and there are lots of people who prefer its industrial-style design, but I've been won over by the GL despite the extra cost.VERDICT: Hidden changes and a few cosmetic tweaks are all worthwhile.

When the first-generation BMW X5 arrived back in the late 1990s it was among the first of a new breed of svelte Euro expresses. It also coined the term SAV - sports activity vehicle - which meant it was fast, civilised and capable of tackling most road conditions. Even though it was a hulking four-wheel drive, the

WHAT IS IT?This is BMW's hot-rod X5 Sports Utility Vehicle though you couldn't and wouldn't take it off road under any circumstances. It has low profile 20-inch tyres and uses the same underpinnings as the BMW X6M.HOW MUCH?A lot but at $172,900, it's pretty good for the range-topping X5 with everything and super high performance.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Mercedes Benz ML63AMG _ a strong competitor for the X5 and to a lesser extent and a lot less money, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?A 4.4-litre, twin-turbo, petrol V8 with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. Each turbo is a twin scroll unit so, effectively, there are four turbos pressurising air into the high-tech engine. It's good for 408kW/680Nm output. Drives all four wheels through an x-Drive system and a six-speed auto calibrated for sporty performance.HOW DOES IT GO?Like a maglev train _ capable of putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in 4.7 seconds and speed limited to 250kmh. Sounds like no other V8 we've driven. Tames HSVs in a single bound.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Not really, drinks premium at a rate of 14.3-litres/100k if you can stay off the loud pedal. Is it "Green." Yes, sort of, despite kicking out plenty of CO2, the X5M passes EU5 emissions regulations. Australia is currently at the equivalent of EU3.DOES IT HAVE MANY SAFETY FEATURES?Yes, jammed with safety kit including six air bags, sports calibrated stability control, huge brakes, safety cell chassis.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Leather, dual climate control, 600 watt audio, voice control, TV, large info screen are you kidding? But the firm two mode (Sport and Normal) suspension can get jiggly on uneven surfaces. Run flat tyres have little give. A switch to Normal suspension fixes that. Has air rear suspension.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Fabulous, despite weighing 2300kg, steers like a sports sedan, has impressive response at any speed, great brakes, flat cornering even when pushing hard. Love the paddle shift though its fixed to the wheel. Those M people know how to to do performanceIS IT LUXURIOUS?Top drawer. Nothing of any note left off the features list. Is it value for money? Erm, depends on your perspective. We would find it difficult handing over so much to the government in luxury car tax _ but that applies to many cars. Would we buy one? Maybe, if we won the lottery. The thing is the turbo diesel X5 35d is such a good thing _ whack on a set of big wheels and option it up and you'd be happy as a pig....

BMW has been building cars with M badges for more than 30 years and jealously guards their reputation. Products from its M division -- it originally stood for motorsport -- represent the finest dynamics that BMW can bring to market along with sizzling pace from characterful engines. Cars with an M in their badge have the job of casting a halo over the bread-and-butter products that make up the bulk of its sales.Not every car gets the treatment. The core model is the M3, which takes BMW's bestselling junior executive range and spices it up with a V8. Coupes and convertibles are also candidates, as well as the larger M5 sedan and wagon.Enthusiasts devour the details of each new generation.Until recently, BMW disdained the trend towards performance SUVs even though its biggest rival, Mercedes-Benz, was having great success with an AMG version of its M-Class off-roader. Presumably, BMW concluded that the dynamics of a tall and heavy SUV could never be brought to a level where they would do justice to a performance powerplant and merit an M badge.All that changed with last year's launch of the X5 M and X6 M. BMW's M division now produces go-fast versions of vehicles that lack the rear-wheel drive purity of previous M-cars -- they are all-wheel drive -- and have inherent disadvantages when it comes to outright performance.The numbers, however, are impressive: BMW now has the two most powerful SUVs offered in Australia.With a newly developed 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 that pumps out 408kW, both cars pip the recently discontinued Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (with 404kW) and easily outgun the supercharged Range Rover Vogue (375kW) or Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (375kW).The X5 M and X6 M are mechanical twins and the latter was designed to be a crossover SUV with more of a driver focus. Its coupe-on-stilts styling means it cannot compete on practicality with a mainstream SUV. The X5 M would seem to offer BMW's engineers even more of a challenge. This is a traditional SUV design with a taller profile and space for passengers and cargo.On the spec sheets there's a surprise: aside from minor dimensional differences, the vital statistics of an X5 M are identical to those of the X6 M. Both have a kerbweight of 2.4 tonnes, sprint to 100km/h in the same blistering 4.7 seconds and can reach 250km/h before the electronic limiter kicks in.This V8 engine is a beauty, with a deep throaty rumble that gets sweeter in tone and higher in pitch as it revs to 7000rpm. Its twin-scroll turbocharger delivers substantial torque before the engine has even woken up, at 1500rpm, and linear power. It drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic that's smooth and smart, even if it did deliver the occasional unwanted change-up.On paper the X5 M will beat the Q7 V12 in a straight line and almost certainly through the bends as well. It's lighter and shorter than the Audi, and its chassis offers more involvement. It's firm, but there's still body roll and feedback through the seat of your pants. The steering is meatier and seems quicker while the ride is a little more compliant.However, bringing the X5 M's dynamic performance into line with its powertrain ability does involve a huge array of physics-defying technology. This is based around hardware that's common to many high-end BMWs such as active anti-roll bars, electronic dampers and air springs. The newest addition is Dynamic Performance Control, which splits torque between the rear wheels to enhance handling in corners, pulling the car around when required.Although the X5 M is more engaging than the Q7 V12 from behind the wheel, both experiences feel heavily fenced around by the software and hardware required to make the notion of a performance SUV work at all. Unavoidably, it's a more mediated experience than M versions of coupes or sedans and there's something contradictory -- almost absurd -- in trying to chuck a tall off-roader around like a sports car.There is, however, a market for SUVs with attitude and with its new breed of M division SUVs BMW is effectively saying, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.''If it means the original M mantra has to be tweaked a little, that's a compromise BMW is prepared to make.BMW X5 M - $172,900-plus on-road costs

To look at BMW's new X5 is pretty much the same as the previous one.  A nip here, a tuck there, a new eight-speed auto, with engines that have been tweaked to produce more power but better fuel economy.Separately they don't amount to much but together they add up to a significantly better motor vehicle -- one that doesn't stray too far from the tried and tested formula.It's a formula that has turned the soft road wagon into a landmark for the Bavarian car maker and one that has spawned plenty of imitators, many from within its own ranks.  The single biggest market for the car in the world remains the United States which once accounted for half of all X5s sold.It's not surprising then that BMW chose the States to launch its new 2010 X5 lineup.  As car sales floundered in the wake of the global financial crisis, the X5 emerged from the economic ruin with its sales record virtually intact.It says something about the popularity of this vehicle.  The new X5 is due to arrive here in Australia in June, but we got a taste of things to come this week.  Miami is home to the likes of J.Lo, canals filled with million dollar yachts and a rich mix of traditional American and Spanish cultures.  The flat, low-lying countryside is traversed by long, wide boulevards, roads that are just made for cruising.X5 is BMW's secong biggest seller and these days it's looking more sophisticated and muscular than ever.Variants and drivetrainsThe previous entry level model, known as the XDrive 30i, has become the xDrive 35i, reflecting the higher output of its three-litre turbocharged straight petrol six.  Twin turbos have been replaced by a single, twin-scroller turbocharger, the same as in the GT and 5 Series.The 3.0-litre direct injection engine now produces 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque -- 12 per cent more power and a whopping 27 per cent more torque.  The extra 85Nm of torque is reflected in the car's performance figures, particularly the dash from 0-100km/h which now takes 6.8 seconds instead of 8.1.Although the car is up to 85kg heavier, the back room boys have still managed to trim fuel consumption, down from 10.2 to 10.1 litres/100km.  The story is repeated wit other models which now comprise the xDrive 30d and 40d diesels and the xDrive 50i V8 petrol model -- not to mention the firebreathing X5 M.All of the car are force-fed in one form or another and all benefit from the introduction of fuel saving technologies, with brake energy regeneration standard across the range.AppearanceYou only have to park the new X5 next to one of the first generation 1999 models to see how dated the older car is looking, to see how similar yet different they at once are.  Front and rear bumpers along with the lights have been redesigned, large diameter tailpipes and lower profile roof bars fitted.  Inside there's a couple of new colour schemes.DrivingWe got to drive the XDrive 35i model both on and off road, although BMW readily admits few owners actually get the car's tyres dirty.  The free revving straight six is a willing worker with a turn of speed and angry rasp under hard acceleration, but can be a tad thirsty around town (we were getting 15.8 litres/100km.It was the X5 that introduced car-like dynamics to the luxury SUV segment.  This one like the previous model is smooth and easy to drive, with little body roll to speak of.The xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.  With eight cogs on call, the transmission is never found wanting but it does feel busy at times.The real benefits are in performance and fuel economy, both of which have improved.  Disappointingly, the optional head-up display continues to be invisible to polarised sunglasses.Prices for the X5 currently start at $86,000, the new pricing structure will be announced closer to launch.  As always there are a host of options, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that automatically brakes and accelerates the car to a set speed -- just the thing for city traffic.