If I absolutely had to pick an SUV for personal use, the conclusion would be
quite simple. The BMW X5 delivers what I look for in an SUV. It is the most
competent SUV on the highway and offers comfort and exceptional quality, but
at a fairly steep price. And while the X5 is not aimed at bouncing through
the boulders, its moderate off-road capabilities are enough for at least 95
percent of SUV buyers.

BMW has done a great job of endowing its SUV with the brand¹s well-known
characteristics‹placing the driving experience first and foremost on the
list of attributes. The X5 is intended for a vast variety of roads, from
gravel paths to superhighways, but not for serious off-road excursions.
Here¹s a sampling of the pros and cons associated with the X5.
Engineering: In the design of the X5, BMW elected not to compete with the
truck-based SUV models. Trucks and trucklike SUVs utilize body-on-frame
construction, while the X5 deploys a construction method that combines body
and frame into a single unit‹an architecture that is almost universal in
passenger cars. In the case of the X5, BMW claims the technique delivers
exceptional torsional rigidity, or the ability of the vehicle to withstand
twisting forces. And in fact, the X5 seems to possess an exceptionally rigid
chassis‹free from any jiggle or shudder as you traverse any kind of road
surface. 

The X5 also departs from conventional SUV design in the use of
four-wheel-independent suspension, in contrast to the use of live axles. The
use of live axles, a rugged design intended to haul huge loads, has serious
limitations for both a vehicle's ride and handling because a shock that
affects one wheel is transmitted by the axle to the wheel on the other side.
Ride & Handling: There is no doubt that from the driver¹s seat, the BMW X5
is a winner. The X5's handling is almost at the level of contemporary sports
sedans. Handling capability is the essence of the BMW brand, and in this
area X5 delivers. The vehicle has a nicely weighted steering feel that
provides a lot of feedback.

The X5 is also responsive enough to allow the driver to easily and
accurately position the nearly 5,000 lb. vehicle when setting up for a
mountain curve. The ride quality is also first rate for a utility vehicle.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional Sport Package that adds a
sports-tuned suspension plus wide 19-inch wheels equipped with
high-performance tires.

Engine & transmission: 
With BMW's superb 4.4-liter V-8 on board, performance
is a given. The robust engine is capable of launching the X5 to sixty miles
per hour in 7.5 seconds‹which puts it in the same league as many sporty
sedans. The power is smoothly applied with just a hint of healthy V-8
rumble. The slick-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with full-time
all-wheel drive will keep you on the road even under the most inclement
conditions. 

Design: 
The overall appearance of the X5 is almost as impressive as the
performance and the quality of this made-in-the-USA vehicle is notable, even
by luxury-car standards. Company designers have rendered a clean,
contemporary design that has many BMW styling characteristics, including the
twin-oval grille. 
With a wide sweeping dashboard, the X5 may have the most distinctive
interior in any current luxury SUV. The design is contemporary in execution
and seems to give the illusion of added width to the vehicle. The use of
rich wood accents adds a note of warmth. On the other hand, many potential
buyers have noted that the X5 is short on cargo space. So if your lifestyle
runs to family outings with lots of gear, the X5 may not fill the bill.

Value: 
Many buyers will think twice about a utility vehicle with a price tag
approaching $60,000. Buyers on a tighter budget should be aware that BMW
offers a six-cylinder version of the X5, which significantly undercuts the
price of the V-8 model.
 

Vehicle: BMW X5 4.4i
Price as tested: $58,975
Engine:
    Type: 4.4-liter V-8
    Horsepower: 290 @ 5,400 rpm
    Torque: 324 ft. lbs. @ 3,600 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission
    City - 13 mpg
    Highway - 17 mpg
Curb Weight: 4,824 lbs.