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Claudia Hommel
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Cordell Koland
Car Writer
Weekly Reviews
 2007 BMW X5 4.8i by Cordell Koland For 2007, BMW has unveiled the first major revision of its popular X5 SUV. In addition to a new body structure, the X5 features a pair of new engine and transmission combinations. But most importantly, the latest incarnation maintains the original commitment to performance in a slightly larger package. BMW¹s X5 SUV has been an incredible success with around 600,000 units sold since its launch in 1999. For 2007 the company rolls out the second generation of the model. The X5, as before, will be available in two models, the 350-horsepower X5 4.8i V-8 and the X5 3.0si inline-six with 260 horsepower. BMW claims that both engines deliver better performance and efficiency than their predecessors. The base MSRP for the six-cylinder X5 3.0si is $46,595, while the V-8 X5 4.8i is priced from $55,195. For the 2007 model, BMW solves the X5¹s major problem, a distinct lack of cargo space behind the rear seat, which could be maxed out by a very large dog or a couple of big suitcases. The new BMW X5 is 7.4 inches longer than its predecessor and now offers an optional third row of seating. Passenger volume is increased to 102.4 cubic feet. An optional third row of seats is available which increases passenger capacity to seven. Just make sure that those assigned to the third row are small, agile individuals. Cargo volume expands to 61.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, a 15 percent increase over the previous model. If you yearn for a smaller BMW SUV, there¹s still the excellent X3. BMW has a well-deserved reputation for cutting-edge technology and the new X5 adds computer generated active steering, active roll stabilization, electronic damping control, and a rearview camera to remove the blind spot immediately behind the vehicle when in reverse. BMW aficionados will be utterly shocked to learn that the X5¹s new front suspension geometry represents a major break from the company¹s traditional approach. Yes, BMW has thrown out its dual-pivot strut front suspension and replaced it with a double wishbone multi-link design. ³Oh God,² BMW fanatics must be saying, ³now we¹re just like Acura or Mercedes-Benz, what¹s the joy in that.² According to BMW, the new design ³was dictated by customers¹ increasing expectations for ride and handling.² Perhaps the suspension change was dictated by the increased mass of the new X5, because on the road, I¹d be hard pressed to say that the new vehicle handled any better than the out-going model, which was excellent. On the other hand, there¹s no doubt that an aggressive driver will notice the increased bulk of the new X5 in terms of agility. Size matters. Despite its added length, the new X5 retains the athletic appearance of the original. This time BMW has not applied any radical styling changes to a winning design. It is obvious on close inspection that the new model is a bit larger and more sculpted in appearance, particularly from a front view. The new V-8 engine delivers an additional 35 horsepower and is able to blast from zero to sixty miles per hour in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 miles per hour when equipped with special high-performance tires. But even with BMW¹s well-deserved reputation for high-speed stability, I was not at all eager to test its top-speed. On the other hand, I can verify that the new X5 is very fast out of the blocks. The new transmission represents another break with the past. A totally electronic control lever that is mounted on the center console activates the new six-speed unit. The unit works much like a similar device in the BMW Seven-Series luxury sedan. Of course, the new unit features a shift-it-yourself option that is easily activated and allows full manual control over transmission operation. Vehicle: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i Price as tested: Not available Engine: Type: 4.8-liter V-8 Horsepower: 350 @ 6,300 rpm Torque: 350 lbs.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm Fuel economy, automatic transmission City 15 mpg Highway 21 mpg Curb Weight: 5,335 lbs.  Cordell Koland is an automotive journalist based in California's central coast. He can be reached at cordellkoland@oakparkjournal.com |
