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Nothing is so much a staple among upscale families than the BMW X5. It may not be the last word in practicality, but nothing has the presence and premium appeal of the X5, one of the first luxury soft-roaders. On top of that, a wide choice of engines, trims and its driving dynamics make it a force in this category.
What's New For 2015
For 2015, the X5 gets minor efficiency and performance upgrades, as well as some changes in option pricing and packaging. Bluetooth audio streaming is now standard, but Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration is now an option.
Choosing Your BMW X5
X5s come in four trim levels differentiated by four powertrain setups. Each of those is also offered in four "lines," or essentially appearance packages: Base, Luxury Line, xLine and M Sport. Upholstery, color, wheels and some individual options are affected by which line you choose.
xDrive35i
The xDrive35i adds an all-wheel drive system. Other than that, standard features and options are equivalent to the sDrive35i.
xDrive35d
The diesel-engined X5 gets a 3-lliter turbocharged six-cylinder unit with 255 horsepower, good for highway fuel economy of up to 31 mpg according to the EPA. Otherwise, the xDrive35d shares standard and available features with the xDrive35i.
xDrive50i
The V8-powered xDrive50i includes a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 445 horsepower, along with standard all-wheel drive. It also adds 19-inch wheels and leather interior trim, keyless entry and start, a power liftgate, panoramic moonroof and 20-way multi-contour powered front seats.
Luxury Line add to base trim 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents and satin aluminum roof rails. The xLine changes that to silver matte trim and different 19-inch wheels. And, finally, M Sport includes a revised front bumper and lower air dam, M Sport wheels, revised transmission tuning, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, as well as a unique set of paint colors.
Base trim is probably the way to go no matter which X5 you choose, since many of the sport tweaks that affect driving dynamics are available on the base car. Our pick has to be the xDrive35d for the way most people use the X5 and will give it excellent efficiency and cruising range. But even the 35i models are quick.
