2007 BMW X5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The 2007 BMW X5 is big, luxurious, and expensive.
BMW’s flagship X5 SUV (the automaker calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle) got a major refresh for the 2006 model year, so changes this year are less impactful. It’s still the premium-level family vehicle that has been praised for years, and it’s still got the two powerful engines that make it fun to drive. There's a temptation to drive the X5 like a sports car or sport sedan instead of the sport utility that it actually is.
The X5 gets two engine choices for the 2007 model year. The first is a 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The hot-rod engine is a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel drive, with all-wheel electronic traction control.
Th BMW X5 competes against the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Volvo XC90, Lexus GX 470, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX, and Audi Q7. It’s targeted at new-car buyers that want a large, luxurious family vehicle with engaging driving dynamics.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
As the top-of-the-line SUV from BMW, the X5 carries many of the upscale styling touches that are expected from a vehicle of its pedigree. Muscular fender flares and a sloping hood are accented by the automaker’s signature twin-kidney grille shape. Blind spots and outward visibility are sometimes an issue because of the large rear pillars, but in most cases, the X5 offers a commanding view of the road ahead.
Interior styling is pure, simple, and straightforward. BMW cleverly engineered a dash that shades displays and screens from sunlight, making them much more visible in all situations. Headroom and legroom are both ample, except for in the third-row seats, where even children will become uncomfortable after longer periods of time.
Performance
Unsurprisingly, the X5’s larger V8 offers the most power and most exciting ride, but the inline-six is no slouch. It’s gained more power than in previous years and brings quiet, refined performance to the SUV. The V8 sounds every bit as rowdy as it is, and makes the X5 feel like a true “ultimate driving machine," as BMW's ad tagline says.
The big BMW handles well, in spite of its size. It handles better than it has any business doing, and can take a curve with the best of them, thanks to active steering, solid braking, active roll stabilization, and a long wheelbase. The standard all-wheel-drive system, solid front suspension, and all sorts of high-tech performance gadgetry make the X5 deceptively quick and nimble.
Form & function
The extra space afforded by a larger SUV is put to good use in the X5. There’s plenty of room for passengers in any seat, and the front seats are sublimely comfortable for people of all sizes. All controls, buttons, gauges, and displays are within easy reach and are extremely visible to all passengers.
Cargo space behind the rear seats is ample, and folding them down opens the area up for longer items. The X5’s gently sloped roof can make it difficult to carry tall items, but lengthy cargo is no problem. That’s on top of the BMW’s ability to tow 5,000 pounds, even with the smaller engine on board.
Technology
Standard tech in the X5 includes auto-leveling xenon headlights, automatic headlights, iDrive infotainment, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a vehicle and key memory system, courtesy lighting, a power-tilt steering wheel, 10-way power seats, auxiliary audio inputs, a navigation system, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with 12 speakers and two subwoofers, and a radio data system.
Available features include SiriusXM satellite radio, a rearview camera, HD radio, an iPod adapter, Bluetooth, a CD changer, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers and surround sound simulation.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2007 BMW X5 its highest "good" rating in both moderate front overlap front and side crashworthiness. The head restraints and seats were rated "poor." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2007 X5.
Standard safety equipment includes dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, antilock brakes, hill descent control, trailer stabilization, run-flat tires, a brake-drying system, rollover protection, front impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an occupant sensing system.
Cost-effectiveness
The BMW X5 is a premium vehicle and carries a premium price. Its starting MSRP of $46,675 (including destination) seems steep, but it also buys an extremely well-equipped vehicle. The X5 is capable, comfortable, and fun to drive, which is something that can’t be said about all of its competition. Features like standard AWD, a strong six-cylinder engine, legitimate off-road chops, strong anti-roll and handling system, and optional upgrades like sporty 19-inch wheels make the BMW a solid choice in a sea of somewhat boring vehicles. The Bimmer remains a solid used-car choice on the secondary market for the same reasons.
BMW X5 4.8i models equipped with the V8 powertrain are even more expensive, at $55,275, but buyers likely expect that cost when stepping onto the BMW dealer’s lot. The X5’s gas mileage might raise some eyebrows, however. The V6 model returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17/23 mpg city/hwy and the V8 is rated at 15/21 mpg.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 2007 BMW X5 for its outstanding styling, performance, and handling. Many appreciate its luxurious feel and how well it drives, comparing it favorably to other SUVs in its class. However, some owners have noted issues with ride comfort, especially on long trips, and have expressed frustration with the iDrive system and the practicality of the third-row seats for children."
This SUV has excellent performance and drives like a dream. Great styling and the panoramic roof is a must have. Leather seats are comfortable and wear well. Easy to see out of and rear view camera makes it a breeze to park and backup.
April 9, 2014Great buy! I love it! I can go everywhere comfortable and safe. It feels good on the road. Sounds like a Porsche. The sport package add stability and great look. I will strongly recommend this BMW SUV. Looking forward to many years of fun with my BMWX5 4.8i
September 13, 2014Have only owned for a couple of days, but already am loving it! Power, handling, style, comfort are all excellent. Would like to have better gas mileage, but, hey, it's a V8! This car is a real joy to drive! After six months, and no real adverse weather yet, I can still say I am very pleased with its performance! Put the shift selector in Sport mode, which raises the shift points, and the acceleration is quick! Have a bit of an issue getting the Nav system to reliably read updated map DVDs, but otherwise, the tech aspects are very nice. Had to replace battery (4 years old), which cost a little under $200. Got the rear brakes replaced under warranty. All in all, I am very happy with it. Would definitely buy it again!!!
June 25, 2011What owners say
This SUV has excellent performance and drives like a dream. Great styling and the panoramic roof is a must have. Leather seats are comfortable and wear well. Easy to see out of and rear view camera makes it a breeze to park and backup.
April 9, 2014Great buy! I love it! I can go everywhere comfortable and safe. It feels good on the road. Sounds like a Porsche. The sport package add stability and great look. I will strongly recommend this BMW SUV. Looking forward to many years of fun with my BMWX5 4.8i
September 13, 2014Have only owned for a couple of days, but already am loving it! Power, handling, style, comfort are all excellent. Would like to have better gas mileage, but, hey, it's a V8! This car is a real joy to drive! After six months, and no real adverse weather yet, I can still say I am very pleased with its performance! Put the shift selector in Sport mode, which raises the shift points, and the acceleration is quick! Have a bit of an issue getting the Nav system to reliably read updated map DVDs, but otherwise, the tech aspects are very nice. Had to replace battery (4 years old), which cost a little under $200. Got the rear brakes replaced under warranty. All in all, I am very happy with it. Would definitely buy it again!!!
June 25, 2011I got this SUV when it first came out back in the summer of 2007. Since it was the first round of production some glitches/problems are inevitable. This SUV has amazing handling, probably the best handling SUV out there. The acceleration is above average, but is no ML65 AMG or Cayenne GTS. The ride quality is can be adjusted between sport mode and normal, riding on 20's and having a stiffer suspension you expect to feel a bit more bumps on the road. Although I didn't go for the third row seat, I saw it at the dealership and I is absolutly useless unless you are 3 feet tall. The head up display is really neat, it shows speed, cruise control, and directions on the windshield; so that you can keep your eyes on the road. The rear camera is good during the day, showing turning lines which are super helpful. When it gets dark out, the camera becomes really blurry. In my mind, I think that the X5 has the nicest interior compared to its competitors and a monkey can figure out iDrive. Overall I really enjoy driving this SUV eventhough I can see the gas gauge go down every time I get excited.
April 2, 2008A fantastic drivers car with exhilarating performance,tremendous handling, all the practicalities of an SUV, great build quality, loads of gadgetry, down side a bit heavy on the juice around town, but good on a long run. Overall a great fun drive with the practiclity of a safe family car.
October 9, 2009There really isn't enough words to justify this car. The entire series seems to get better with every model. Just on performance alone the car beats any other in its class. Braking and handling makes it feel more of a sports car than a heavy SUV.
May 29, 2013Classy, Luxurious, powerful, elegant, prestige, well built, drives beautifully, need I say more ? This Car is one of the best cars that there is in the luxury 4x4 market, it is unparralel l and a cut above the rest of the other cars. Some get close i.e Range Rover but it can never drive as well as an X5.
July 31, 2008we have 3 kids and wanted to downsize our suv (used to have a 2004 toyota landcruiser). Looking for a smaller but nice handling SUV. This is just that. You can fit 3 kids in the car comfortably and the handling is just superb. Very nicely built car. Highly recommend. Having now owned the car for a few years, would update my perspective as follows: harsh ride - the X5 takes "sporty" to seriously, as a result the handling is very crisp but the ride is too harsh. On long drives it can actually be uncomfortable. I would also add that the idrive interface for controlling many aspects of the car is maddening. The 3rd row seats are kind of a joke if you have kids. Our kids are ages 8 to 11 and they barely fit. Our kids did not like this car as the room in the 3rd row seat was too cramped. Another thing that drove our kids crazy was the location of the DVD player. The second row could see the screen but not the 3rd row. So overall, after owning the car for a few years, I'd say, that it has great handing, a sporty drive and a 3rd row of seats, but.... the drive is too harsh in my opinion. For the money, I can think of many other luxury SUVs that have great handling but a more comfortable ride.
November 7, 2007Wanted to get a smaller SUV but did not want to get some poor handling truck. The X5 has room for 2 adults and 3 kids (plus a third row that can handle 2 more kids). As such the car is great for carpooling. The nice part about the car is that while it is an SUV it also handles very nicely and the interior is nicely done. Overall it feels like a luxury sedan.
December 18, 2008Just like driving the 3,5 or 7 series but much more comfortable.
July 3, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $45,900 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.0L 260 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 35.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $54,500 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.8L 350 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 35.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain AWD |
