2006 BMW 4.4i

BMW's mid-level model X5 luxury sport SUV features a 4.4-liter V8 and comes equipped with a standard six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This engine was first offered in 2004 and features BMW's Valvetronic variable intake and exhaust valve timing along with a fully variable intake manifold. This results in 315 hp and gas mileage is rated at 16/22 mpg. Consumer Guide saw an average of 14-16.6 mpg with 20.3 in mostly highway driving. 0-60 happens in 6.8 seconds.

All X5s are equipped with BMW's xDrive, a full-time all-wheel drive system, and Dynamic Stability Control that incorporates electronic brake proportioning, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and an electronic stability program. xDrive electronically controls a multi-disc central clutch that starts with a 40/60 front/rear torque split and integrates the Dynamic Stability Control system to quickly adjust torque and traction front, rear, and laterally.

Reviewers report seamless, transparent functioning that results in "sports car handling," or as near as you can get with the X5's 2.5 ton weight and height factors. Of course, the near perfect 50/50 weight distribution helps, as does the excellent BMW steering. The X5's huge ventilated four-wheel disc brakes are strong and fade free - no surprise as BMW has "incorporated every electronic trick known to man" in this brake system. In addition, the 4.4i adds a self-leveling air suspension and 18-inch wheels.

As befits a BMW product, the interior is business-like but luxurious. The 4.4i trim adds dual-zone climate control, rear-seat adjustments and leather upholstery. There are touches of wood or aluminum and the soft plastic surfaces have the feel of leather. And as befits a BMW, the front seats are firm and supportive and almost infinitely adjustable. Rear seats are also comfortable with a recline feature.

Cargo space, however, is not up to SUV standards being no better than a 5-Series wagon. Maximum cargo space is 54.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down; up, there's only 23.8 cubic feet. The 40/60 rear seat split helps, but the height of the rear cargo floor makes loading more difficult than with a wagon. Reviewers, however, did like the "dutch-door" split of the rear hatch with a window that opens independently upward and a tailgate that drops down.

At the time, the 2006 X5 was one of the safest vehicles ever tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the 40-mph offset crash test. As a result the Institute rated it a "Best Pick" for safety. In addition to the specially designed energy dissipation unibody, the front-seats get frontal airbags, side thorax airbags, and curtain head protection bags, which extend to protect the outside rear passengers.

Big, fast, luxurious with a 6000-pound-tow rating - yet, some reviewers wanted more, like more cargo capacity. But it seems that those twin-kidneys are all that matter to most buyers.