CTC Review: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d

[ovr50]

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.

[Oz]

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. 

[airbalancer]

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 

[gpws2k]

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...

[ovr50]

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. 

[Michael]

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???

[ovr50]

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???

Yes, 524d IIRC.

[bluelines]

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.

[Demosthenes X]

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. 

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. 

[wing]

Unfortunately Chris has the Cayenne this week and I won't be driving it, I'm too busy.

[bluelines]

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.

I'd be interested in hearing how it compares in driving dynamics to the Cayanne as well, actually. 

[gut]

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   Even though I was driving 180+ km/h sometimes, and had roughly 30% city driving, the average fuel consumption was in the range of 6-7 lit/100 km.

[vdk]

The Porsche has that Advanced Damper thing that levels it. Corners like crazy, no body roll.

[Oz]

Like the day 3 comments from Wing. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Motor Trend diesel & hybrid comparo test...
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html

[airbalancer]

Motor Trend diesel & hybrid comparo test...
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html

Nice review
I find the BMW interior really nice

[Demosthenes X]

Motor Trend diesel & hybrid comparo test...
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.

[initial_D]

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.

You can see other drivers while riding at such of a high horse? 

[initial_D]

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. 

Well, Wing hasn't really mention fuel economy on the X5 yet.

[airbalancer]

Was that mileage mostly city driving?