CD Article: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d

[CD_Editor]

         
Test Drive:


The new BMW X5 diesel beats the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 Bluetec and Audi's Q7 TDI in power and fuel consumption ratings, but its suspension "is definitely on the firm side of comfortable," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
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[ovr50]

From Chris Chase's review:



Inside, the iDrive control system is still fussy, but major heater/climate controls are located on the dash for ease-of-use. iDrive is still the only way to change the radio station or toggle between sound system modes (radio/CD/auxiliary), though. I appreciated the skip forward/back buttons on the dash, which control the CD player or a connected iPod.

I think Chris is wrong about this statement that radio stations can only be changed in iDrive. From the interior picture, it would appear there are 6 preset buttons on the radio, and these can be used to change the stations, as well as an "up/down" button for reviewing stations. This looks to be exactly as my radio is, and I have the preset buttons and the up/down. IDrive is NOT required.

Reviewers have such a "thing" about iDrive, when in fact, if you take a few minutes to review how it works, it is not the hassle reviewers think it is. Many of us are living with iDrive daily and having no problems.

Other than that issue, I think the review is fair. I have not driven any of the new BMW diesels yet, but I plan to do so in the future. In this particular vehicle, I can see where the diesel makes a lot of sense.

[stickshift]

I think Chris is wrong about this statement that radio stations can only be changed in iDrive.

I think you're right. I'll correct that. Thanks for pointing it out. Truth be told, I don't listen to the radio much in the car (I use my iPod), so that's why I overlooked that.