Picture Gallery: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day4 | Discuss
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That’s the “problem” with luxury makes: they don’t use names for their cars (for the most part). I get why; the manufacturer wants the owner as well as anyone else standing on the sidelines to say, “It’s a BMW,”
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This week the alphabet soup continues with the X5 — or, what BMW calls a Sports Activity Vehicle; or, what my co-workers call “Oh, an SUV? How’s that?”
To which I respond: “I’ve only had it for a few hours, but at $74,525 it had better be nice!” Yes, that is right, this week tester is priced over $70k; I can see the comments in the forums already.
My readers are savvy though, and by now they already know from the title that I am driving a diesel this week, and my readers LOVE diesels — I think. With 425lb-ft of torque, what is not to love? Are my readers savvy enough to know that the model designation — 35d — does not mean it is a 3.5-litre engine, though? Admittedly I wasn’t. It is a 3.0-litre diesel, the 35d is a yet another jumble of letters and numbers destined to confuse.
2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d
MSRP as tested (including destination): $74,525
For more information on BMW and the X5 visit BMW Canada
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My tester has one exterior package called the “Activity Package;” it is $1,300 and includes: Aluminum running boards along the side of the vehicle — better known as “bling bling”, since they are too high to use as a step — a ski bag, a storage compartment package and headlamp washers. If it were me, this would be an easy package to skip on.
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The comfort package is another one I think I would opt for; for $2,700 it adds: comfort seats with lumbar, comfort access, a powered tailgate and a light package. The comfort seats are a dream with what BMW calls 10-way adjustment, but if you include the sidebolsters that adjust inwards and outwards to “hug” you as well as the power adjustable headrest and thigh support, I count them as 12-way plus lumbar! If you cannot get comfortable in these seats, I’m not sure how you could get comfortable in any seat.
The premium package included on my tester is another “pass” for me. At $3,950 it adds a very nice panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a garage door opener and Nevada leather upholstery; seems like little for a lot of coin unless you really want that sunroof.
Finally for $425, USB / iPod integration is added as is SIRIUS satellite radio for $650, and after you get all that BMW will graciously throw in dark bamboo wood trim at no charge.
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The BMW X5 certainly is more “truck-like” than the Q7, while the MDX has a similar suspension setup to the BMW, which is tuned for a stiffer ride rather than a soft, luxurious one, which are words I would use to describe the ride feel of the Audi.
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I am not fond of the low-speed maneuverability of the X5. The steering is extremely heavy and visibility seems poor when reversing; even the backup camera is of little help as it does not have lines to delineate the width of the vehicle. The gear lever can take some getting used to as well; I have put the vehicle in reverse a few times when I meant to put in park as well as putting in drive when I meant to go for reverse.
The 3.0-litre diesel engine, though, certainly hauls! I was able to get eight large tires in the X5 today without issue, but in the other sense, the power from the engine can be intoxicating as it launches the X5 from a standstill with authority. The engine is audible from a standstill even under mild acceleration but the clanky diesel sound can only be heard for that split second or when the engine is cold. With the windows up it cannot be heard. The Audi Q7’s engine is inaudible even while standing beside it during idle, and while the X5’s engine does have a slight clanky sound, it is in no way intrusive.
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Going purely by the numbers the choice seems obvious to me: the 35d which I drove this week should be a hit. Where else can you get that combination of fuel economy and performance in a crossover? Over the course of the week, in a heavy mid-sized luxury SUV (or SAV according to BMW) I averaged 10.7L/100km — quite stellar!
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d
MSRP as tested (including destination): $74,525
For more information on BMW and the X5 visit BMW Canada
April 15, 2009, 05:39:21 pm
However, "X" does not indicate SUV (or SAV or whatever), it indicates AWD. My car is a 535xi, in 2009 MY my car would be a 535i, xDrive.
The X6 is not a real SUV, no. But BMW would call it an SAV. And when 'X' precedes a model, it means SAV. When 'x' it follows a model, it indicates that that car is AWD. Both still mean AWD, but if you're trying to tell models apart, anything starting with X is an SAV, and anything with an x suffix happens to be AWD.
April 15, 2009, 05:59:10 pm "...anything with an x suffix happens to be AWD."
Not wishing to be picky, but anything with an x suffix is always AWD.
April 15, 2009, 08:55:48 pm Prefix "X" in the model name indicated body style--SUV/"SAV" type body style (higher, taller). Suffix "x" in the model name used to indicate all-wheel-drive, but now BMW is using the "xDrive" tag to indicate all-wheel-drive models (which, while it sounds cheesier, is probably less confusing).
Z = roadster-type sports car
M = performance sports car
X = SUV/SAV type thing
100's series designation = sedan/wagon
On a side-note, they're using the "sDrive" tag to indicate rear-wheel-drive models... now that definitely sounds cheesy.
April 15, 2009, 09:18:12 pm The X6 was marketed as a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) by BMW, that is on the marketing prints. It is some kind Sport Activity Thingie alright.
April 15, 2009, 11:44:35 pm James' Day 2 comments on options are pretty close to the money IMO. My take on the options on the X5 he is driving is as follows:
- passing on the Activity pkg with the chrome running boards, ski bag et al is one I might pass on also. The running boards are a love/hate thing with me. They look cool, and are semi-functional for entry/egress but will get your pant leg dirty if they are dirty (which is most times in the winter).
- the tech pkg is nice, even if I'm not a real fan of navigation systems. The park distance control is VERY useful - I have it on mine and it really adds peace-of-mind when backing (or entering) those really tight spots. Having had it, I would miss it. HUD (although not mentioned) is another techy thing I would like. I don't have it, but wish I did.
- the comfort pkg is a must IMO. The Comfort Seats are to die for - best seats, bar none, I have ever had in a vehicle. I would be hard pressed to skip this pkg, just for the seats alone.
- Premium pkg, can take it or leave it, but that big sunroof is awful nice. I have a smaller one in mine, and with Spring here, use a lot, particularily the rear tilt-up. I think I would take this pkg, mainly for the roof. The leather is also worth the money IMO. Mine is called Nevada leather, but I think it is similar. The leather and the roof together are the best parts of the package. I can't see having a $75K BMW without leather.
James doesn't mention the winter items like heated seats, and heated steering wheel so I assume the X5 he is driving has them. They are a MUST for Canadian winters. I really appreciate mine on those "special" days.
No mention of RFTs, so assuming the tires are regular "go flats"...
A nice vehicle. I have never driven any X5 and should do that some day.
April 15, 2009, 11:55:29 pm You should, it'll make you appreciate your 535. I've driven a regular X5 and it felt a little on 'truck like' side for my taste - its far more fun driving a Cayenne.
But it did have that stable, confident BMW feel to it. I'm thinking coupled with the massive torque, it might be a very interesting drive.
Wing, I'm sure you've driven a ton of luxo-SUVs. How does it compare in your opinion to... say a Q7, Range Rover or perhaps Cayenne? Listing options is great for information, but why should one consider this over a MB M class CDI? Hows the level of engine refinement to say.. a gas powered X5? Why not opt for a RX hybrid instead?
I think that sort of stuff is really interesting for a guy like me when I hear it from an experienced reviewer like yourself.
April 16, 2009, 06:46:38 am To get the comfort seats you need to get the
Premium Package $3,950
Includes: Electric Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column, Universal Garage Door Opener, Panorama Sunroof, Auto Dimming Mirror, Ext., (Includes power folding mirrors), Auto Dimming Mirror, Int., Compass Mirror, Nevada Leather
The sunroof as a stand alone option is $1,800, so for 2gs you get leather
April 16, 2009, 09:19:55 am Turns out some extra research proved me wrong... I thought the sDrive suffix designated vehicles with the new dual-clutch transmission. I can't believe they'd be so anal as to label all their vehicles with a (letter)Drive badge. Where's the exclusivity in that? We ARE talking about BMW here...
April 16, 2009, 10:10:57 am I find it interesting that wing is driving a pricey BMW SAV this week, and all most ppl can find to talk about is the confusing naming system that BMW is now using. While I agree it is a bit silly and definitely confusing, surely there are other things to comment on with this vehicle.
April 16, 2009, 11:00:18 am I'm pretty sure that this is not the "first" diesel that BMW has brought to North America. Wasn't there a 5-series back in the 80s???
April 16, 2009, 11:24:04 am
Yes, 524d IIRC.
April 16, 2009, 11:40:26 am I'd definitely take the 535xi wagon over the X5 diesel. In the real world I'd guess that the fuel economy would be quite similar between the two since the X5 weighs 500kg(!!) more than the 535. And of course you can get a manual transmission in the 5.
Now if we're talking diesels, I'd be first in line for a 530d wagon if BMW were to import this vehicle. Personally I think the engine in the 530d is more than enough, with a bit of a benefit in fuel economy over the twin-turbo version. You still get pretty immense torque and you can have it with a stick.
April 16, 2009, 11:49:04 am
It's a diesel BMW. We all know it will be good, and most of us know we can't afford one. What else is there to talk about?
I'd be interested in hearing how it compares in driving dynamics to the Cayanne as well, actually.
April 16, 2009, 12:33:03 pm Unfortunately Chris has the Cayenne this week and I won't be driving it, I'm too busy.
April 16, 2009, 12:38:11 pm As much as I hate to admit it, I spent two weeks driving a bright orange metallic Cayenne GTS last summer and absolutely loved it. I haven't driven the X5 diesel, but the Cayenne definitely feels sharper and more responsive than the gasoline X5, while still being hugely comfortable over long distances. Downside? I averaged about 13 mpg and was treated like a social outcast by most other drivers.
April 17, 2009, 04:44:05 am It is a very interesting engine this 35d. As i am much more interested in series 3 sedan (than in X5), I would like to see 335d with Xdrive. Unfortunately they don't make them. Diesel which they make as Xdrive is 330d, but it is not imported. Therefore, no diesel X drive on sedan series 3 for us in Canada
I fell in love with BMW series 3 diesels when I rented 320d for a week last year in Italy (no speed limits on Autostrada
April 17, 2009, 08:21:48 am The Porsche has that Advanced Damper thing that levels it. Corners like crazy, no body roll.
April 17, 2009, 11:12:56 am Like the day 3 comments from Wing.
April 17, 2009, 04:34:53 pm Motor Trend diesel & hybrid comparo test...
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html
April 17, 2009, 04:58:05 pm
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html
Nice review
I find the BMW interior really nice
April 18, 2009, 12:05:30 am
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html
Great read. I've always quite liked the Touareg, seems like a very well engineered machine. I'm a little surprised by how poorly the X5 did, though. I thought it's driving dynamics would have made up for some of its lacking elements, but that's a pretty damning review, really.
The Lexus seems like a real poser vehicle: can't tow, can't drive long range, can't go off road. Not that many buyers would, but if I were venturing off the beaten track I'd be far more comfortable with a diesel engine than a hybrid drivetrain. I know the Lexus is a pretend SUV, but imo hybrid powertrains have no place in off-road vehicles. I just don't trust them to put up with the abuse off 4x4ing.
April 18, 2009, 12:47:25 am
You can see other drivers while riding at such of a high horse?
April 18, 2009, 12:51:50 am
Well, Wing hasn't really mention fuel economy on the X5 yet.
April 20, 2009, 06:49:47 am Was that mileage mostly city driving?
April 20, 2009, 07:39:54 am Mixed as usual. I live in the suburbs my driving is a mix of 60km/h and 80km/h for the most part.