Driving Impressions

The BMW X5 performs impressively when equipped with the V8 engines. Power from the 4.4-liter V8 is seamless, and deep, with the redline arriving at 5800 rpm. The six-cylinder 3.0i isn't in quite the same league, but it's still smooth and torquey, and it's liveliest with the new 6-speed manual. But as we'll see, the manual has its drawbacks. According to BMW, the 3.0i manual accelerates to 60 mph in a 7.8 seconds, which is pretty quick for a 5,000 pound SUV. The 4.4i gets there in a very quick 6.8 seconds, which is only 0.3 sec slower than last year's hot-rod 4.6is. Speaking of hot rods, the new 4.8is model, which replaces the 4.6is, is expected to offer 0-60 performance in about 6 seconds and a top speed of more than 150 mph. We doubt, however, that many X5 owners will drag race their neighbors, at least not after the first few months of owning one. But they will notice how the 4.4-liter V8 makes terrific sounds when they step hard on the gas. And how smooth, responsive, and quiet it is when driven around town. The 4.4-liter engine in the 4.4i is essentially new for 2004. While it has the same displacement as its predecessor, nearly everything else has changed. Power has increased 12 percent, to 315 horsepower, yet so have fuel efficiency and EPA mileage ratings. The key here is BMW's new Valvetronic system, an engine management system that eliminates a conventional throttle and changes engine breathing (and therefore power output) by varying how far the intake valves open. Bottom line: It delivers optimum response and fuel efficiency in all situations. The new six-speed automatic further enhances the outstanding performance of the 4.4i powertrain. Shifts are smooth during casual driving. Slam the accelerator pedal down and it downshifts instantly for quick acceleration. The automatic features a Steptronic mode, which allows a choice of automatic or semi-manual control. It works just like a regular automatic in the automatic mode. Notching the lever to the left puts the transmission into Sport mode and enables manual override; then a quick nudge forward or backward ratchets the transmission up or down one gear. X5's Steptronic is executed perfectly. The manual shifting adds an element of fun when the road is clear, and a quick downshift can make passing on two-lane roads safer and smoother. The BMW X5 is exceptionally stable for a vehicle of its height. It changes direction with surety and aplomb, and with less twitching and head tossing than a Mercedes M-Class. (Compared to the Mercedes-Benz ML, the X5's track is 1 inch wider, and the BMW rides 2.2 inches lower.) That's not to say the X5 is soft. With the sport suspension, it feels firm in the twisties and at high speeds. And with nearly perfect 50/50 front to rear weight distribution (rare in a vehicle of this type), it can almost be driven like a sports car. On the freeway, the X5 changes lanes with the lightest touch and total precision. But it can also feel choppy, particularly when trundling at low speeds over a bumpy road while holding onto a hot cup of coffee. The X5 offers excellent handling for an SUV. But it's still an SUV, with a high ride height and 4927 pounds of heft. Whatever else you drive will likely prejudice your opinion. If you get out of a truck-based SUV and into an X5, you'll be amazed by the BMW's relative response, nimbleness and stability. If you get out of a BMW sedan, however, you'll find that the X5 does not inspire the same confidence. BMW claims that its test drivers have circled race courses in the X5 nearly as fast as they can in a 328i. This is probably true for experienced drivers who know their own limits and those of the vehicle they are driving, but for the rest of us, the X5 is a tall vehicle that leans more than a sedan going through corners. Its weight and higher center of gravity means it doesn't offer the transient response in emergency lane-change maneuvers o

Final Word

The BMW X5 offers excellent handling and performance. Regardless of how much cargo it hauls, the V8 model sure hauls itself. The X5 is a big, high-performance machine that can hold its own in any on-road situation. It offers the high seating position and rugged image that SUV buyers crave. There's a price for this rugged-lifestyle statement, to be sure. On the road, the X5 does not ride, handle, or accelerate as well as the 5 Series wagon. Getting yourself in or out is more difficult as well. And the height of its cargo area makes loading more difficult. In terms of SUV attributes, the X5 offers less cargo capacity than most comparably sized SUVs and no more than a BMW 5 Series wagon. The 5 Series wagon is more practical. Off-road, it falls behind any serious 4x4 sport-utility. It does offer a 6000-pound tow rating, however. X5 buyers don't seem to care about any of that, however. They like the X5 because it is prestigious, fast, and luxurious, roughly in that order. With its twin-kidney grille, it shouts success. It goes like stink and coddles the driver and occupants in sporty, upscale accommodations, and it fits the trendy-SUV bill. Undeniably, the X5 offers BMW luxury, character and panache.