For those who need a high-end midsize SUV, there’s the five-passenger 2012 BMW X5. Though not as large as it might seem, with only 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the X5 does offer an extra 52 cubic feet of stowage (75 cubic feet, total) with the seats folded, and all trims are delivered with standard full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). Additionally, all X5s are equipped with a variety of turbocharged powerplants, and all offer scads of standard creature comforts, not to mention some exotic options worthy of the Beemer nametag. Unfortunately, all of this doesn’t come cheap, with the price of the least-expensive trim hovering around $47,000 with no options.
Trims in the 2012 X5 lineup include the base xDrive35i, the midlevel xDrive35i Premium, the amped-up xDrive35i Sport Activity, the potent and efficient xDrive35d (diesel), and the flagship xDrive50i. An available third-row seat turns any trim into a seven-passenger SUV, but the two occupants in that third row will have to be small children. Nevertheless, tight handling characteristics and a sedan-like ride will make the commute a lot more pleasant. Be advised, however, that the AWD system is definitely not designed for any kind of off-road experience.
Competition for Beemer’s X5 remains the less expensive Acura MDX, Infiniti FX Series, and Land Rover’s LR4, while the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport will give a good ride for about what Beemer’s midsize ute costs. All of the above are worthy sport utes, and the X5 can run with the best of them.
Three different engines can be delivered in various X5 configurations. The xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium and xDrive35i Sport Activity boast a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine (I6) that combines with the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing keeps mileage at an estimated 16 mpg city/23 highway, and towing capacity is maxed out at a respectable 6,000 pounds.
The top-shelf xDrive50i sports a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, also with variable valve timing, and again mates with the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic. Expect 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque from the V8, though it still tows 6,000 pounds, and gas mileage drops to 14/20.
Finally, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel I6 powers the xDrive35d, minded by a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This combo throws down 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, again tows 6,000 pounds, and gets an estimated (and impressive) 19/26.
Beemer’s version of AWD, known as xDrive (intelligent all-wheel drive), is standard across the lineup and controlled by Dynamic Traction Control sensors, as well as a center-mounted mechanical limited-slip differential. All transmissions, meanwhile, feature descent control and a brake hill holder.
Traditionally known for classy exteriors and indulgent creature comforts, BMW lavishes both on the X5. An aggressive front fascia, plenty of manly angles, and even a few soft curves are complemented by 18-inch (35i, 35d, 50i), 19-inch (35i Premium) and 20-inch (35i Sport Activity) alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rack, trailer wiring, and standard power liftgate. Inside, the xDrive35i and xDrive35d flash leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front bucket seats, a leather steering wheel and alloy trim on the dash, doors, center console and shift knob. Gizmos and gear in the base xDrive35i and 35d include remote power door locks, power windows, power-adjustable heated mirrors with reverse-tilt feature, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and memory for the driver’s audio and climate control settings. Entertainment, meantime, consists of a 205-watt stereo with MP3-capable single-CD player, iPod integration and 10 speakers with two subwoofers. A USB connection and the BMW Assist telecommunications service featuring Bluetooth hands-free communications technology also grace the base and diesel trims, with the xDrive35d boasting a panoramic sunroof as well.
The xDrive35i Premium adds power front and rear sunroofs and premium leather heated front seats, with the xDrive35i Sport Activity tossing in a sport-tuned suspension, sport front seats, upgraded cabin accents and darker exterior color choices. Finally, the top-shelf xDrive50i tops everything off with a standard hard-drive-based navigation and real-time traffic that’s optional for all other trims.
Further options for the lower trims include Nappa leather upholstery and third-row seating. All trims except the xDrive35i are also eligible for a head-up display, rear-seat DVD entertainment, auto-speed-adjusting Active Cruise Control, step running boards, a rear-view camera and the popular BMW Apps for Twitter and Facebook messaging. A massaging driver’s seat and a premium stereo with 600 watts of power, 16 speakers, digital sound processing, as well as Sirius satellite radio are each available in various packages, as are power-folding mirrors.
Of course, a number of dedicated packages are also available for the higher trims, including Active Drive and Active Steering with roll stabilization, auto-damping electromagnetic shock absorbers and driver-adjustable steering effort. Also a Cold Weather Package with heated steering wheel and rear seats and an Activated Ventilated Seat Package with heated and cooled massaging seats, complemented by 20 power-adjustable seat positions and four power-adjustable lumbar support positions, is also available for the xDrive35i Premium and the xDrive50i.
Boasting such standard safety features as four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control and emergency braking preparation, the BMW X5 is distinctly family oriented. Occupant safety, meanwhile, is helped by front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, and cornering lights help the X5 stay out of trouble at night and in murky weather, while a post-collision safety system and remote antitheft alarm also contribute to keeping families secure. Beemer takes things a step further with its Lane Departure Warning System, available for all trims except the xDrive35i and the xDrive35d.
Owners are generally impressed with the 2011 X5, though a few are leery of its cramped available third-row seat, not to mention the stingy cargo area behind the second-row seat. Other glitches that have owners scratching their heads include the tepid optional premium audio and a somewhat inaccurate navigation setup. According to a number of owners, a disturbing distaste for snowy roads, despite its touted intelligent AWD system, makes for some white-knuckle winter driving on occasion, while a distressing reputation for poor service and the often prohibitive cost of such service on any BMW product has more than a few X5 owners nervous about servicing their sport ute after the initial 50,000 miles of free maintenance. Otherwise, Beemer’s premier entry into the midsize SUV market draws praise and salutations for its suave styling, loads of standard features, turbocharged engine performance and, in the xDrive35d, uncompromising fuel efficiency.
