2010 BMW X5,Reviews

The 2010 BMW X5 receives the latest version of BMW's iDrive controller. A luxurious cabin with top-notch materials and admirable build quality furthers the X5's desirability, as do exceptionally comfortable front seats.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV available in xDrive30i, xDrive35d and xDrive48i trim levels. Standard equipment on the xDrive30i includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with driver memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, wood interior trim, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD Radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Numerous option groups include the Premium package, which adds auto-dimming mirrors, a power liftgate, 2010 BMW X5 Assist telematics with Bluetooth and -- for the xDrive30i and xDrive35d -- leather upholstery. The Sport Activity package adds 19-inch wheels, dark exterior trim, sport seats and a sport steering wheel. The Rear Climate package adds rear privacy glass, manual rear side sunshades and four-zone auto climate control. The Active Ventilated Seat package adds multi-adjustable front "comfort" seats with ventilation. The Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a ski bag for the rear center pass-through.

Twenty-inch wheels can be added to the Sport-package-equipped xDrive48i.

Powertrains and Performance
There are three engines available for the 2010 BMW X5. EPA fuel economy estimates are 14/19/16 mpg.

Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2010 BMW X5 includes antilock brakes, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection.

Driving Impressions
The optional active steering system eases parking maneuvers, but the downside is somewhat artificial steering feel.

2011 BMW X5,Reviews

The 2011 BMW X5 gets significant powertrain changes for 2011. The 2011 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that comes standard with five-passenger seating. There are five trim levels available: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i.

Standard equipment on the xDrive35i includes 18-inch wheels, foglights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The xDrive35i Premium adds to the 35d's extra content 19-inch wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery and an iPod/USB audio interface (all optional on xDrive35d). The xDrive35i Sport Activity adds an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, sport seats, a thicker steering wheel, darker exterior trim and an increased top speed.

The base xDrive35i has the fewest number of optional items available, with only a Convenience package (panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, 2011 BMW X5 Assist telematics and Bluetooth), heated front seats, satellite radio, the iPod interface and navigation system available. The M Sport package available on the xDrive35i Sport Activity and xDrive50i includes different 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, parking sensors, a body kit and an M steering wheel.

Powertrains and Performance Every 2011 BMW X5 is all-wheel drive (hence xDrive), but there are three engines available. The xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged to produce 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Both this engine and the xDrive50i come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine, which features so-called "clean diesel" technology returns estimated fuel economy of 19/26/22. Safety Standard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW X5 includes antilock brakes, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows.

In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types (the optional comfort seats offer even more adjustment).