| The 2010 X5, which is called a "sports activity vehicle" by BMW, combines some of the best attributes of a sport wagon and an SUV, offering better handling than most SUVs yet some measure of off-road ability and toughness. In the first and second rows, the X5 offers a good, quiet ride as well. As in BMW's sedans, there's also plenty of opportunity to upgrade the X5 with high-tech options. An optional diesel engine provides impressive power yet delivers surprising fuel economy, and an all-new M version turns the X5 into a seriously impressive performer. |
| BMW's X5 comes in four different models for 2010-the 30i, the 48i, the 35d, and the M. The 30i is powered by a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine making 260 horsepower; the 48i gets a 350-horsepower, 4.8L V8 engine. Both engines have sophisticated design features, including aluminum and magnesium construction and Valvetronic, which controls and varies valve lift to deliver full power when needed yet otherwise allows increased efficiency and smoothness. The 35d is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 cylinder diesel engine producing 265 hp and 425 lb-feet of torque. The diesel engine also allows the 35d to tow up to 6000 lbs. Finally, the high-powered M is propelled by a 555-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 with 500 ft-lb of torque, which BMW claims is enough to get the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. All X5 powerplants are mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic that drives all four wheels.
The X5 is built with a very stiff body structure and has a 4-wheel independent suspension, including a double-wishbone setup in front and a multi-link arrangement in back; the system is oriented toward a good ride and crisp handling on the road, yet it has the ruggedness for occasional light off-roading. The optional active steering system adjusts the effective ratio of the steering such that at low speed the steering wheel only needs to be turned twice to go from lock to lock, yet at high speeds the system has a long ratio for good stability. The system interfaces with BMW's AdaptiveDrive-part of the optional Sport Package-to coordinate the steering system's operation with active roll stabilization and electronic damping control.
Suspension in the M has been extensively tuned for aggressive driving, with stiffer rear mounts, upgraded control-arm bushings, a lower ride height and a standard self-leveling rear air suspension. Brakes, too, are improved, with huge 15.6-inch 4-piston rotors up front and 15.2-inch in the rear.
All X5 models come with xDrive, a full-time all-wheel drive system that normally sends 60% of engine torque to the rear wheels but using a multi-disc clutch can steplessly vary torque to the front wheels, sending more as needed. XDrive interfaces with the stability control system to enhance handling safety.
The X5 comes with two rows of seating for a total of five adults, but a third row of seating is optional to seat seven. Third-row seating includes a self-leveling suspension feature, plus rear climate controls. Otherwise, dual-zone climate control is standard, while a 4-zone climate control system is optional.
A new revised version of the standard dynamic stability control (DSC) now includes brake fade compensation, brake stand-by and brake drying, to help increase overall brake safety in a wide range of conditions, plus the Start-off Assistant, which helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward when starting from a stop and facing uphill. Hill descent control helps modulate speed during steep descents off-road or on slippery surfaces. A trailer stabilization program is also included.
The X5 comes with a range of safety features, including advanced dynamic stability control and a rollover sensor that interfaces with the vehicle's air bag system. Front seat-mounted side air bags and a head-protection system for all outboard occupants are also standard.
Climate control, navigation and entertainment functions, among others, are accessed through the BMW's second-generation iDrive controller, which now includes iDrive logic and hard drive.
Popular options include standout high-tech and luxury features like Active Ventilated Seats, heated rear seats, park distance control, a head-up display and a rear-seat entertainment system. An available Sport Package includes Sport seats, special trim, a sport steering wheel, active roll stabilization and electronic damping control. The Technology package includes a rearview mirror, park distance control and voice-activated navigation. |