2009 BMW xDrive35d

Moving up to the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d gets you turbodiesel power from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. A shiftable six-speed automatic is still the transmission of choice, aided by all-wheel drive as well as traction and hill descent control. Roof rails and a rear spoiler sit atop the X5, and the entire package rolls on 18-inch alloys. The headlights are steering-linked xenon units and paired with foglights. Variable-intermittent front wipers are rain-sensing, come with heated washers, and share glass duty with a rear wiper and washer combination. Power windows, door locks, and heated power mirrors are standard, as is a power sunroof. Remote-keyless entry is included, along with a CD and MP3-compatible stereo that also gets a digital-media player connection with controls on the power-tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Front seats are vinyl, 10-way power buckets, while the rear is a split-folding unit, also in vinyl. The driver enjoys a memory system for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel, as well as a tachometer, cruise control, trip computer, and illuminated visor mirrors.

Dual front, front-side, and curtain side airbags for the front and second rows are included, the last with rollover deployment. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes bring things to a halt with the help of brake assist and anti-skid, and a tire pressure monitor and daytime running lights are all standard on the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d.

By Michael Perkins